Malachi 3: 8-10; Proverbs 3: 9; Psalm 24: 1; Numbers 18: 20-21
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this, “Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it”.
The concept of tithing is not new in the Christian faith; though instituted under the Mosaic Law, it remains a legitimate practice in our day according to Biblical principles. A tithe is one tenth of our income (or increase) -dedicated to, and set aside for God. Some Christians are somewhat confused about the issue of tithe – whether it should be paid or not. The Bible remains our ‘go to’ manual on this subject; so come with me as we explore God’s word with regards to tithing.
A brief Bible study on tithing revealed some interesting findings; in Genesis 14:19-20. Abram initiated the concept of tithing (by giving a tenth of his possessions to Melchizedek) when he returned from defeating the armies (of Kedorlaomer along with his allies) and rescuing Lot; so, Abram was the very first person to tithe, in response to God’s goodness, deliverance, and blessings over his life.
Leviticus 27:30 – 34 is the very first time tithing was included in the law of Moses, as instructed by God on Mount Sinai. The Israelites paid tithe to the Levites (this was supposed to be a means of income for the Levites) ; the Levites were also expected to pay a tithe of the tithe they received. This buttresses the fact that a tenth of our income(s) or produce is to be paid as tithe.
In addition to paying tithes to support the Levites, the Israelites also had to pay tithe to support the poor, widows, orphans, and special feasts celebrated in their time. This is detailed in Deuteronomy 12; 14:22-29. Throughout the Bible, God has always made provisions for the Levites, and the needy to be catered for through tithing and offering (Acts 4: 32-35; Matthew 23: 23).
In Proverbs 3:9, we are encouraged to worship the Lord with our possessions (all that we have and own), and the first fruit of our increase (our income, etc.). Other translations say “Honor the Lord with your wealth, and with the first fruits of all your crops (income)” – AMP. “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines – TLB. There is a blessing in tithing, and God has promised to open the windows of heaven (Malachi 3:10).
Tithing is a form of worship, and reverence to God – who deserves our very best! This is also one of the ways we can honor God – bringing the fruits of our sweat (labor), is equally as important as offering HIM the fruit of our lips (praises). Most people would rather offer the fruit of our lips than part with anything of value (money, wealth, time, etc.) or worth.
However, it is important to keep in mind that God not only gave you HIS best, but also gave all of HIMSELF when HE left the glories of heaven, came to this sinful world, and shamefully died on the cross. Such epitome of love compels us to give willingly – suddenly, this tenth of our income (or produce) seems very little in light of Calvary’s sacrifice!