How does Numbers 31:28 connect to the concept of tithing in Scripture? The battlefield backdrop “Set apart a tribute to the LORD from the spoils captured by the men of war: one in five hundred of the people, the cattle, the donkeys, and the sheep.” (Numbers 31:28) God had just granted Israel victory over Midian. Before the warriors took their personal share, the Lord claimed His portion first. A war-time portion that echoes the tithe •The tribute was pulled from the increase—newly won animals and goods, not existing household supplies. •It was explicitly “to the LORD,” acknowledging His ownership of the victory and the spoil. •Moses immediately handed the tribute to Eleazar the priest (v. 29), just as regular tithes went to Levites and priests (Numbers 18:21, 26). •The people’s half of the spoil carried an additional levy—one in fifty (v. 30)—again designated for Levite service. Parallels with the 10 percent tithe 1.Source: Both come from fresh increase (Genesis 28:22; Leviticus 27:30). 2.Destination: Both support those who minister before God (Numbers 18:24; Deuteronomy 14:27). 3.Priority: Both are given before personal enjoyment, placing God first (Proverbs 3:9-10). 4.Purpose: Both declare gratitude and dependence (Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:10). Why 1 in 500, not 1 in 10? •This tribute was a special, one-time wartime assessment, not the standing agricultural tithe. •The soldiers already sacrificed time, risk, and potential loss in battle; God required a modest slice rather than the full tenth. •When the same spoil reached the wider congregation, the rate rose to 1 in 50—closer to the customary tithe once daily life resumed. Divine ownership, human stewardship •Every victory, harvest, or paycheck traces back to God (Psalm 24:1; 1 Chronicles 29:14). •Setting aside a portion tangibly reminds us that we manage, not possess, His resources. •From Abram’s tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) to the church’s gifts for gospel workers (1 Corinthians 9:13-14), the pattern stays consistent. Scripture thread reinforcing the link –Genesis 14:20; 28:22 – pre-Law tithing precedents –Leviticus 27:30-33 – tithe codified in the Law –Numbers 18:21-32 – tithe supports Levites, Levites tithe to priests –Deuteronomy 14:22-29 – worship and welfare functions of the tithe –2 Chronicles 31:5-12 – Hezekiah revives tithing, priests supplied –Malachi 3:8-10 – robbing God vs. opening heaven’s windows –Matthew 23:23 – Jesus affirms the tithe while emphasizing heart obedience –Hebrews 7:4-10 – Melchizedek, Levi, and the enduring principle of honor Today’s takeaway •Whatever form our “increase” takes—salary, harvest, or unexpected windfall—God still deserves His first portion. •Regular tithes and special offerings (like war spoils in Numbers 31) work together to fund ministry and display trust. •The specific percentages may vary with circumstance, but the heart posture remains: God first, ourselves second, because all victory and provision come from Him. |
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