Topical Bible: Tithe: The Pharisees Scrupulous in Paying

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The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, serving as an expression of obedience and devotion to God. The practice is first mentioned in Genesis 14:20, where Abram gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. The Mosaic Law later formalizes tithing as a requirement for the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 27:30-32, where it is stated, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD."

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often highlighted for their meticulous observance of the law, including the practice of tithing. Jesus addresses their scrupulousness in Matthew 23:23 : "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." Here, Jesus acknowledges their diligence in tithing even the smallest of garden herbs, yet He criticizes them for neglecting the weightier matters of the law.

The Pharisees' approach to tithing reflects their broader commitment to the letter of the law, often at the expense of its spirit. In Luke 11:42 , Jesus reiterates this critique: "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." This passage underscores the Pharisees' focus on external compliance while overlooking the internal virtues that the law was meant to cultivate.

The Pharisees' scrupulousness in tithing is emblematic of their broader religious practice, which often emphasized ritual purity and legalistic righteousness. Their attention to detail in tithing, while commendable in its precision, serves as a cautionary example of how religious observance can become hollow when divorced from the underlying principles of love, justice, and mercy. Jesus' teachings remind believers that while tithing is an important act of worship and obedience, it should not overshadow the greater commandments of loving God and neighbor.

In the context of the early Christian community, the practice of tithing continued to be a topic of discussion and reflection. The Apostle Paul, while not explicitly addressing tithing, emphasizes the principles of generosity and cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7 : "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative that prioritizes the heart's intention over mere ritual compliance.

The Pharisees' scrupulousness in paying tithes serves as a historical and theological touchpoint for understanding the balance between law and grace, external observance and internal transformation. Their example invites believers to reflect on their own practices of giving, ensuring that such acts are rooted in a genuine love for God and a commitment to His justice and mercy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 11:42
But woe to you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 18:12
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... of the name of Christ, such as the Jews and Pharisees did accustom ... law, setting much
by small things, and neglecting the weightier matters, paying tithe of mint ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm