Tithing in the Old Testament

Tithing, the practice of giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is a significant biblical principle established in the Old Testament. The concept of tithing is first introduced in Genesis 14:20, where Abram gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This act of giving a tithe is seen as an acknowledgment of God's provision and blessing.

The formal institution of tithing is detailed in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites are commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30 states, "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." This command underscores the principle that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and the tithe is a way to honor Him with the firstfruits of one's labor.

Provision for the Levites

The tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, God designated the tithes of the Israelites as their inheritance. Numbers 18:21 declares, "Behold, I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work that they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting." This provision ensured that the Levites could focus on their priestly responsibilities without the burden of agricultural labor.

The Levites' role was to serve in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), perform sacrifices, and teach the Law to the people. As such, the tithes served as their primary means of sustenance. Deuteronomy 14:27 further instructs the Israelites not to neglect the Levites, emphasizing the community's responsibility to support those who minister before the Lord.

The Storehouse and the Community

The tithes were collected and stored in designated storehouses, which served as a resource for the Levites and for the broader community, including the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Malachi 3:10 exhorts the people, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, 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."

This passage highlights the dual purpose of tithing: to provide for the religious leaders and to ensure the well-being of the community. The storehouse was a place of provision and blessing, reflecting God's care for His people through their obedience and generosity.

Tithing as Worship and Obedience

Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it is an act of worship and obedience. By giving a portion of their resources, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in God's provision and their commitment to His covenant. The practice of tithing reinforced the understanding that everything they possessed was a gift from God, and returning a portion to Him was a tangible expression of gratitude and faith.

Throughout the Old Testament, tithing is portrayed as a vital component of the Israelites' relationship with God, serving both practical and spiritual purposes. It provided for the needs of the Levites and the community while fostering a spirit of dependence on and devotion to the Lord.