Topical Bible: Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of Holy Things Dedicated

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the tithe, originating from the Hebrew word "ma'aser," meaning "a tenth," is a significant practice in biblical tradition, representing a portion of one's income or produce dedicated to God. The tithe is first mentioned in the context of Abraham, who gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:20). This act of giving a tenth is seen as an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision.

The practice of tithing was later codified in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levitical priesthood, who had no inheritance of land among the tribes of Israel. Leviticus 27:30 states, "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This underscores the tithe as a holy portion set apart for God.

In Numbers 18:21 , God declares, "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." The Levites, who served in the tabernacle and later the temple, relied on these tithes for their sustenance, as they were dedicated to the service of God and His people.

The tithe also served a communal and charitable purpose. Every third year, a special tithe was collected and stored within the towns to support the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows, ensuring that the needs of the vulnerable were met (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). This practice highlights the tithe's role in promoting social justice and community welfare.

In the prophetic literature, the tithe is addressed as a measure of faithfulness to God. Malachi 3:10 challenges the Israelites, "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, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This passage emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between obedience in tithing and divine blessing.

In the New Testament, while the specific practice of tithing is not explicitly commanded, the principle of generous and sacrificial giving is upheld. Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing among the Pharisees but criticizes them for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, indicating that tithing should not be a mere ritual but an expression of a heart aligned with God's values (Matthew 23:23).

The tithe, as a tenth of holy things dedicated, serves as a tangible expression of devotion, stewardship, and trust in God's provision. It reflects a commitment to supporting religious leaders, caring for the community, and honoring God with one's resources.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 31:6
And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelled in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Babylonia and Assyria
... chief part of the duty of the priests consisted in offering ... important of which was
the esra or "tithe." Besides the ... a third, a fourth, or even a tenth part of ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... devotion, even all things, both the high-place, priest, clerk, vestment, service,
and what else belonging to the Church; counting all things holy that were ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... recruited from all the tribes; it levied a tithe on the ... in connection with the one
and only Holy of Holies ... as possible and probable a state of things in which ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm