Topical Bible: Tithe: Under the Law Belonged to God

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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 considered a fundamental aspect of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Under the Mosaic Law, the tithe was explicitly designated as belonging to God, serving both religious and communal purposes within the Israelite society.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of tithing 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 a recognition of God's sovereignty and provision. Similarly, Jacob vowed to give a tenth to God if He blessed him (Genesis 28:22).

The Mosaic Law

Under the Mosaic Law, the tithe was formalized as a requirement for the Israelites. 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 declaration underscores the sacred nature of the tithe, emphasizing that it is not merely a voluntary offering but a divine mandate.

The tithe served several purposes:

1. Support for the Levites: The tribe of Levi, set apart for priestly duties, did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were supported by the tithes of the people. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting."

2. Provision for Religious Festivals: A portion of the tithe was used to fund religious festivals and communal meals, fostering unity and worship among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).

3. Aid for the Needy: Every third year, the tithe was stored in local towns to support the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows, ensuring that the vulnerable were cared for (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

Theological Significance

The tithe is a tangible expression of acknowledging God's ownership over all creation. By setting aside a tenth, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in God's provision and their commitment to His commandments. Malachi 3:10 highlights the spiritual significance of tithing: "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."

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not mandate tithing in the same way as the Mosaic Law, it upholds the principles of generosity and stewardship. Jesus affirmed the practice of tithing but emphasized justice, mercy, and faithfulness as weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23). The early church practiced communal sharing and support for those in need, reflecting the spirit of the tithe (Acts 2:44-45).

In summary, the tithe under the Law was a divinely instituted practice that belonged to God, serving as a means of worship, provision, and community support. It remains a significant concept in understanding biblical principles of giving and stewardship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 27:30
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... is the kingdom of Christ,"a kingdom which subsists not upon tithe, Church-rate ... force
than demand, saying to him, "Thou art not under the law, but under ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... those who devoted themselves to the study of the law. ... All property and income that
fell not under the ground ... half-shekel of the sanctuary, and the tithe of his ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Fourfold Treasure
... A thing was sanctified of old, under the law, when it ... goats"I mean, no argument from
the Jewish law, or hope ... cannot exceed his worth, or reach the tithe of it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the fourfold treasure.htm

The Second Part.
... "Ye tithe mint and ... they were taken in their pride, they saw themselves under their
iniquity ... just men, because the Jewish nation had received the Law, because it ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part 2.htm

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
... As a "fraternity" we meet them first under the rule of John Hyrcanus ... tithe, nor yet
the so-called "second" or "poor's tithe," was paid, as the law enjoined. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 14 the fraternity of.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... and rulers, expounders and administrators of the law, were all ... and the basest sins
been hidden under the broidered ... for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

A Rebuke against Extortion
... through Moses, that every third year a tithe be raised ... of the victorious army: "Ye
purpose to keep under the children ... so to them: for this is the law and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

Death.
... prowling round the farms, and taking their tithe of our ... God governs the world by
law, and not by ... cry in Egypt, and saw their oppression under cruel taskmasters ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xviii death.htm

The Secular Clergy
... Much of the regular tithe had fallen into the hands of ... part in the enforcement of
civil law and order ... as widows, minors, and orphans, came under the cognisance ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iv the secular clergy.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... The example of the Pharisees and priests under the law will not ... particular [662]
tribe for that service, and particular families, to whom it belonged by a ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm