Dictionary of Bible Themes The practice of offering to God a tenth of the harvest of the land and of livestock, as holy to the LORD. The idea is also used in a more general sense, meaning offering one-tenth of one's income to the Lord. Genesis 14:18-20Tithing was practised before the giving of the OT law See also Genesis 28:22Abraham offered a tenth of the goods taken in battle, apparently in thankfulness to God for victory. Hebrews 7:1-3Leviticus 27:30-32 Tithing under the law Tithing extends to all kinds of produce and livestock See also 2 Chronicles 31:5-6Cereal and fruit offerings could be commuted to money. Nehemiah 10:35-38; 13:12Numbers 18:21-24 Nehemiah 10:37-38 All tithes were paid to the Levites Hebrews 7:5Deuteronomy 12:5-6; 14:22-29; 26:2 Tithes were to be paid in a designated place Numbers 18:25-29Tithes were paid in Jerusalem, or every three years in towns where the tithe feast was eaten. Nehemiah 10:39Levites offered a tenth to the LORD Numbers 18:21Uses of the tithe See also Support of the Levites 2 Chronicles 31:4Deuteronomy 14:23 The tithe meal Deuteronomy 14:28-29A three-yearly gift to the poor Matthew 23:23Tithing of minor items must not lead to neglect of major matters See also Luke 11:42; 18:9-14Exodus 36:3 Freewill offerings were made in addition to the tithe See also They were given freely Leviticus 7:12-18Numbers 15:3 Ezra 1:4 Psalms 54:6 Ezekiel 46:12 Deuteronomy 16:10 See also They were given according to ability Deuteronomy 16:17Acts 11:29 1 Corinthians 16:2 2 Corinthians 8:12 There is no specific command in the NT for the church to tithe, but many commands to give generously and to support the Lord's work. Malachi 3:10Blessing promised to those who tithe See also Proverbs 3:9-10Malachi 3:8-10 Failure to tithe and abuses of the tithe See also Leviticus 27:331 Samuel 8:15,17 Nehemiah 13:10 See also 4444 flax5376 law, purpose of 5413 money, attitudes 5446 poverty 5578 tents 7368 grain offering 7404 ordinances 7550 Pharisees 7766 priests 7915 confirmation 8261 generosity, God's 8436 giving possessions |
    |