Contributions

In the biblical context, contributions refer to offerings made by the Israelites to support the work of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, as well as to provide for the needs of the Levites, priests, and the poor. These contributions were a vital part of the covenant community's worship and service to God. The concept of contributions is rooted in the understanding that everything belongs to God, and His people are stewards of His resources.

In Exodus 25:1-2 , God commands Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him." This voluntary offering was used for the construction of the Tabernacle. Contributions were also made for the maintenance of the Temple and the support of its services, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:12 : "And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts."

Firstfruits

The offering of firstfruits was an important practice in ancient Israel, symbolizing the acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. The firstfruits were the initial yield of the harvest, dedicated to God as an expression of gratitude and trust in His continued provision. This practice is rooted in the agricultural cycle of Israel and is a demonstration of faith that God would bless the remainder of the harvest.

Leviticus 23:10 instructs, "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest.'" The offering of firstfruits was a way to honor God with the best and the first of what He had provided. Proverbs 3:9 reinforces this principle: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest."

Tithes

Tithing, the practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce, is a biblical principle established to support the Levitical priesthood and the communal religious life of Israel. The tithe was a mandatory offering, distinct from voluntary contributions and firstfruits, and was intended to sustain those who served in the Temple and to assist the needy.

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." The tithe was a recognition that all provision comes from God and that His people are to honor Him with a portion of their increase. Malachi 3:10 emphasizes the importance 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."

In the New Testament, while the specific practice of tithing is not explicitly commanded, the principle of generous and sacrificial giving is upheld. 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages believers, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This reflects the continuity of the spirit of tithing and contributions as acts of worship and trust in God's provision.