The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is first mentioned in the context of Abraham giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:20). The practice 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, as the Levites had no inheritance of land among the tribes of Israel (Numbers 18:21-24).

Despite the clear instructions and the spiritual significance attached to tithing, the historical record within the Scriptures indicates that the Jewish people were often slow or negligent in fulfilling this obligation. This neglect is highlighted in several passages where the prophets and leaders of Israel admonish the people for their failure to bring the full tithe into the storehouse.

One of the most notable rebukes comes from the prophet Malachi, who ministered during the post-exilic period. In Malachi 3:8-10 , the Lord challenges the Israelites, saying, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. 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."

This passage underscores the spiritual and communal consequences of withholding tithes. The failure to tithe was not merely a financial issue but a reflection of the people's spiritual state and their relationship with God. The call to "bring the full tithe" was both a challenge and an invitation to experience God's provision and blessing.

The issue of tithing also surfaces during the reforms of Nehemiah. Upon returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and its walls, Nehemiah discovered that the Levites had not been receiving their due portions, leading them to abandon their temple duties to work in the fields (Nehemiah 13:10). Nehemiah's response was swift and decisive: he rebuked the officials and restored the practice of tithing to ensure that the house of God was not neglected (Nehemiah 13:11-12).

Throughout the biblical narrative, the slow or reluctant giving of tithes by the Jewish people serves as a recurring theme that highlights the tension between obedience to God's commands and the tendency towards spiritual complacency. The call to tithe was not only a matter of religious duty but also an expression of trust in God's provision and a commitment to the well-being of the community and the worship of Yahweh.Nehemiah 13:10
And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... less is blessed of the greater."Men who receive tithe here below ... "O fools and slow
of heart ... Paul at Rome expounded to the unbelieving Jews, "persuading them ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... passed round to sympathizing friends""Many of the Jews which came ... creature is a lesson
we are so slow to learn ... does take from me my share of tithe every year. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the foe by their ceaseless evolutions before giving the final ... Jahveh is slow to anger
and great in power, and ... for a welcome change in the fortunes of the Jews. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... men would do rocking a child in the cradle, five hundred women giving it suck ... wearing
the tiara on his head, recited an invocation in a slow and mysterious ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... vagabond Jews, the exorcists, there say, 'We adjure you by ... iniquity; and as he is
for giving none, so ... and neglecting the weightier matters, paying tithe of mint ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Should we tithe off our gross or net income? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income, e.g. inheritance, gifts, winnings, tax refunds, legal settlements, etc.? | GotQuestions.org

Should a church tithe 10% of the offerings it receives? | GotQuestions.org

Tithe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus