What other scriptures emphasize the importance of offerings and tithes to God? The foundation in 2 Chronicles 31 : 3 Hezekiah “contributed from his own possessions… for the burnt offerings, those of the morning and the evening, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD.” His action reminds Judah—and us—that worship costs something, and God expects the pattern He established to be honored. First glimpses of giving in Genesis • Genesis 4 : 4 – “Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” • Genesis 14 : 20 – “Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.” • Genesis 28 : 22 – Jacob vows, “Of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.” These early narratives show tithing and offerings as instinctive acts of gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s ownership. The Law establishes clear expectations • Leviticus 27 : 30 – “Any tithe… belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” • Numbers 18 : 21 – “I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel… for the work they do.” • Deuteronomy 12 : 6 – “There you are to bring your burnt offerings… your tithes and special gifts.” • Deuteronomy 14 : 22-23 – “Set aside a tenth of all the produce… so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.” • Deuteronomy 26 : 1-2 – Firstfruits placed in a basket and brought to the chosen place of worship. God ties giving to worship, community support, and reverence for His holiness. Historical reminders and reforms • 1 Samuel 2 : 29 – God rebukes Eli’s household for treating the offering with contempt. • 2 Samuel 24 : 24 – David insists, “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • 1 Kings 17 : 13-15 – The widow gives first to Elijah and experiences God’s miraculous provision. • Nehemiah 10 : 35-39; 13 : 10-12 – Post-exile Israel renews tithing so “the house of our God” is not neglected. These episodes underline the seriousness of neglect and the blessing bound up with obedience. Wisdom and prophetic insights • Proverbs 3 : 9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled with plenty.” • Haggai 1 : 9 – Withholding for self results in loss because God’s house lies in ruins. • Malachi 3 : 8-10 – “Bring the whole tithe… Test Me… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” Blessing and discipline are both presented as literal outcomes of our choices. Jesus on giving • Matthew 6 : 19-21 – Treasure placed in heaven reveals the true location of the heart. • Matthew 23 : 23 – “You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” • Mark 12 : 41-44 – The widow’s two coins outweigh larger gifts because she “put in everything she had.” • Luke 6 : 38 – “Give, and it will be given to you… with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” The Lord affirms the tithe while exposing motives and lifting generosity to a heart level. Patterns in the early church • Acts 2 : 44-45; 4 : 34-35 – Believers sell property, lay proceeds “at the apostles’ feet,” and eliminate need among them. • 1 Corinthians 16 : 1-2 – Weekly, proportional setting aside “in keeping with income.” • 2 Corinthians 9 : 6-8 – Cheerful, generous sowing brings abounding grace. • Philippians 4 : 18 – Gifts are “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” New-covenant giving remains systematic and sacrificial, now fueled by gratitude for Christ’s finished work. The enduring principle Hebrews 7 : 2 ties the tithe back to Abraham, showing it predates the Law and speaks of Christ our eternal Priest. Throughout Scripture, offerings and tithes are presented not as optional extras but as tangible, faith-filled responses to God’s provision and lordship. Whenever His people honor Him first, He promises both spiritual and practical blessing—an invitation that still stands. |
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