Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. Their commitment to the law extended to meticulous observance of tithes and offerings, which they believed was essential to maintaining purity and righteousness before God.Biblical References The Pharisees' attention to detail in paying dues is highlighted in several passages of the New Testament. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus addresses the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." This verse illustrates their scrupulousness in tithing even the smallest of garden herbs, reflecting their dedication to fulfilling the letter of the law. In Luke 11:42 , a similar rebuke is recorded: "Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Here, Jesus acknowledges their diligence in tithing but criticizes their failure to prioritize the weightier matters of the law. Historical Context The Pharisees emerged as a distinct group during the intertestamental period, a time when Jewish society was grappling with Hellenistic influences. They sought to preserve Jewish identity by emphasizing the observance of the Torah and oral traditions. Their focus on tithing was rooted in the Mosaic Law, which required the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce to support the Levites, the priesthood, and the poor (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 14:22-29). The Pharisees' rigorous approach to tithing extended beyond the requirements of the Torah, as they applied the principle of tithing to all produce, including herbs not explicitly mentioned in the law. This practice was part of their broader effort to build a "fence around the Torah," ensuring that even the smallest commandments were observed to prevent any inadvertent transgression. Theological Implications The Pharisees' meticulousness in paying dues reflects their desire to live in accordance with God's commandments. However, their focus on external observance often led to a neglect of the internal virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus' critiques of the Pharisees highlight the danger of legalism—adhering to the letter of the law while missing its spirit. The Pharisees' example serves as a cautionary tale for believers, emphasizing the importance of balancing external religious practices with the internal transformation of the heart. While the Pharisees were commended for their dedication to tithing, their failure to prioritize the weightier matters of the law serves as a reminder that true righteousness involves both outward obedience and inward devotion to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Great Schism The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Resources What are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus Pharisees: Association With Publicans and Sinners Pharisees: Become Disciples of Jesus Pharisees: Come to Jesus With Questions Pharisees: Concerning the Resurrection Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by John Pharisees: They Minister to Jesus Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to Fasting Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Duties of Children to Parents Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands The Pharisees by Descent, Especially Esteemed The Pharisees: A Sect of the Jews The Pharisees: As a Body, Rejected John's Baptism The Pharisees: Believed in the Resurrection The Pharisees: Character of Active in Proselytising The Pharisees: Character of Ambitious of Precedence The Pharisees: Character of Avaricious The Pharisees: Character of Cruel in Persecuting The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Distinguished Titles The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Public Salutations The Pharisees: Character of Oppressive The Pharisees: Character of Outwardly Moral The Pharisees: Character of Particular in Paying all Dues The Pharisees: Character of Rigid in Fasting The Pharisees: Character of Self-Righteous The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of the Law The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of Tradition The Pharisees: Christ: Asked for Signs By The Pharisees: Christ: Called Fools and Blind Guides The Pharisees: Christ: Called, and Evil and Adulterous Generation The Pharisees: Christ: Called, Serpents and Generation of Vipers The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Graves That Appear Not The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Whited Sepulchres The Pharisees: Christ: Condemned By, for Associating With Sinners The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Doctrines of, to be Hypocrisy The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Imaginary Righteousness of, to be Insufficient The Pharisees: Christ: Denounced Woes Against The Pharisees: Christ: Left Judea for a Time on Account of The Pharisees: Christ: Offended, by his Doctrine The Pharisees: Christ: Often Invited By The Pharisees: Christ: Tempted By, With Questions About the Law The Pharisees: Christ: Watched By, for Evil The Pharisees: Imputed Christ's Miracles to Satan's Power The Pharisees: Made Broad Their Phylacteries The Pharisees: Many Priest and Levites Were of The Pharisees: Many Rulers, Lawyers, and Scribes Were of The Pharisees: Often Sought to Destroy Christ The Pharisees: Sent officers to Apprehend Christ The Pharisees: some Came to John for Baptism The Pharisees: The Strictest Observers of the Mosaic Ritual The Pharisees: Their Opinions, a Standard for Others Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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