Topical Bible: Tithes: Mosaic Laws Instituting

◄ Tithes: Mosaic Laws Instituting ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law as a means of supporting the religious and communal life of Israel. The practice of tithing is first explicitly commanded in the Mosaic Law, although its origins can be traced back to earlier biblical narratives, such as Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and Jacob's vow to give a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22).

Levitical Tithes

The primary purpose of the tithe under Mosaic Law was to support the Levitical priesthood, who were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. As the tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, the tithe served as their provision. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting."

Festival Tithes

In addition to the Levitical tithe, the Mosaic Law also prescribed a tithe for religious festivals. Deuteronomy 14:22-27 instructs the Israelites to set aside a tenth of their produce each year to be consumed in a communal meal in the presence of the Lord at the place He would choose. This tithe was intended to foster community worship and celebration, as well as to ensure that the Israelites remembered the source of their blessings.

Tithes for the Poor

Every third year, the Israelites were commanded to bring a tithe specifically for the poor, including the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 explains, "At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and store it within your gates. Then the Levites, who have no portion or inheritance among you, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands."

Theological Significance

The institution of tithing under the Mosaic Law served multiple purposes: it provided for the needs of the religious leaders, facilitated worship and community gatherings, and ensured the welfare of the marginalized. Tithing was an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision, as well as a practical means of maintaining social justice and religious observance within the covenant community.

Prophetic Emphasis

The prophets of Israel often called the people back to faithful tithing as part of their broader call to covenant faithfulness. Malachi 3:10 famously exhorts, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts. "See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure."

The practice of tithing, as instituted in the Mosaic Law, thus reflects a comprehensive system designed to sustain the spiritual, communal, and social fabric of Israelite society, emphasizing reliance on and obedience to God.

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Leviticus 27:30-33
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy to the LORD.
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Numbers 18:21-24
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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Deuteronomy 12:6,7,17-19
And thither you shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and of your flocks:
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Deuteronomy 14:22-29
You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year.
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Deuteronomy 26:12-15
When you have made an end of tithing all the tithes of your increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled;
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