Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the tithe, a tenth part of one's income or produce, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is first mentioned in the context of the Levitical priesthood. The tithe was instituted by God as a means of supporting the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This practice is outlined in several passages of the Old Testament, emphasizing its importance in the religious and communal life of Israel.Biblical Foundation The primary biblical mandate for the tithe is found in the Book of Numbers. God commands the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce to the Levites: "Behold, I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do—the work of the Tent of Meeting" (Numbers 18:21). This directive underscores the role of the Levites as ministers who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the tithes of the people. Purpose and Function The tithe served multiple purposes within the Israelite community. Primarily, it provided for the sustenance of the Levites, who were responsible for the spiritual leadership and maintenance of the sacred spaces. As they were not allotted land for agriculture, the tithe was essential for their livelihood. Additionally, the tithe was a means of acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty, as the Israelites were reminded that all they possessed was ultimately from Him. The tithe also had a communal aspect, as it was used to support the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:28-29: "At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. Then the Levites, because they have no portion or inheritance among you, and the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied." Levitical Service The Levites were chosen by God to serve in various capacities related to worship and the administration of the Law. Their duties included assisting the priests, maintaining the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, and teaching the Law to the people. The tithe was a recognition of their dedicated service and a practical means of enabling them to fulfill their God-given roles without the distraction of secular labor. Spiritual Significance The tithe was not merely a financial transaction but held deep spiritual significance. It was an act of worship and obedience, reflecting the Israelites' trust in God's provision and their commitment to His covenant. By giving the first and best of their produce, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on God and their dedication to His commandments. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not explicitly command tithing, it upholds the principles of generosity and support for those in ministry. Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing in His rebuke of the Pharisees, emphasizing the need for justice, mercy, and faithfulness alongside the tithe (Matthew 23:23). The early church continued the tradition of supporting those who labored in the Word and doctrine, as seen in passages like 1 Timothy 5:17-18. In summary, the tithe was a divinely instituted practice designed to support the Levitical priesthood and ensure the spiritual and communal well-being of Israel. It served as a tangible expression of faith, obedience, and communal responsibility, reflecting the broader biblical themes of stewardship and reliance on God's provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 18:21,24And, 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 10:37 Library Instructed in the Law of God part 1 The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Epistle Xliv. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. Babylonia and Assyria The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Iranian Conquest Resources How should I decide how much to tithe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe? | GotQuestions.org Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry? | GotQuestions.org Tithe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tithe: A Second: Or Its Value Yearly Brought to the Tabernacle and Eaten Tithe: A Second: To be Consumed at Home Every Third Year to Promote Tithe: Antiquity of the Custom of Giving to God's Ministers Tithe: Considered a Just Return to God for his Blessings Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of all Cattle Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of all the Produce of the Land Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of Holy Things Dedicated Tithe: Given by God to the Levites for Their Services Tithe: Punishment for Changing Tithe: Reasonableness of Appointing, for the Levites Tithe: Rulers Appointed Over, for Distributing Tithe: The Jews Reproved for Withholding Tithe: The Jews Slow in Giving Tithe: The Pharisees Scrupulous in Paying Tithe: The Pious Governors of Israel Caused the Payment of Tithe: The Tenth of, Given by the Levites to the Priests As Their Tithe: The Tenth of, offered by the Levites As an Heave offering To Tithe: Under the Law Belonged to God Tithe: when Redeemed to a Fifth Part of the Value Added Related Terms Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) |
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