Tithing has long been a subject of theological debate and practice within Christianity. Its origins are rooted in ancient biblical history, evolving through the Old Testament and receiving new interpretation in the New Testament. This article delves into the comprehensive narrative of tithing, examining its origins, biblical mandates, and contemporary application in the light of New Testament teachings.
Origins of Tithing
Abraham and Melchizedek: The Genesis of Tithing
The concept of tithing first appears in the Bible in Genesis 14:18-20. After a victorious battle, Abraham meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he has won in battle. This act of giving a tithe (a tenth) is significant for several reasons:
- Voluntary Nature: Abraham’s tithe was a spontaneous act of reverence and gratitude. It was not commanded by God but was a voluntary gesture acknowledging Melchizedek’s priesthood and God’s providence.
- Pre-Law Practice: This event occurred before the establishment of the Mosaic Law, indicating that the principle of giving a portion of one’s wealth predates the formalization of tithing under the Law of Moses.
Jacob’s Vow: A Personal Commitment
In Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob makes a vow to God, promising to give a tenth of all that God gives him if God protects and provides for him. Similar to Abraham, Jacob’s tithe is a voluntary act, rooted in a personal commitment rather than a divine command. This instance further underscores the idea that tithing, in its early biblical context, was an individual act of devotion and trust in God’s provision.
Tithing Under the Mosaic Law
Levitical Tithes: Supporting the Priesthood
The formalization of tithing comes with the Mosaic Law, where it becomes a mandatory practice for the Israelites. Several passages in the Pentateuch outline the specifics of tithing:
- Leviticus 27:30-33: The Law decrees that a tenth of the land’s produce and livestock is holy to the Lord. This tithe is designated for the Levites, who serve in the temple and have no inheritance of land (Numbers 18:21-24).
- Numbers 18:21-24: The Levites receive the tithes in return for their service in the tent of meeting. This system ensures the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood, who dedicate their lives to temple service.
Festival Tithes: Communal Worship and Celebration
Deuteronomy 14:22-27 introduces another dimension of tithing—festival tithes. This tithe is set aside for communal meals at the place God chooses. The purpose is to foster a sense of community and gratitude towards God. If the designated place is too far, the tithe can be converted into money, which is then used to purchase food for the festival.
Tithes for the Poor: Social Welfare
Every third year, the Israelites are instructed to store a tithe for the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). This practice underscores the social dimension of tithing, ensuring that the vulnerable in society are cared for.
Post-Exilic Period and the Prophecy of Malachi
Context of Malachi 3:8-10: A Call to Covenant Faithfulness
The book of Malachi, written after the Israelites’ return from Babylonian exile, addresses various issues of covenant unfaithfulness, including the neglect of tithing. Malachi 3:8-10 is a pivotal passage often cited in discussions about tithing:
- Malachi 3:8: “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings.”
- This verse reveals God’s accusation against Israel for failing to bring the full tithes and offerings. The language of “robbing God” highlights the seriousness of their neglect.
- Malachi 3:9: “You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me.”
- The curse mentioned here refers to the consequences of breaking the covenant. Israel’s disobedience in tithing brought divine displeasure and subsequent hardship.
- Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
- God challenges the Israelites to bring the full tithe and promises abundant blessings in return. This is one of the few instances in the Bible where God invites His people to test Him.
Understanding Malachi in Context
Malachi’s message is specific to Israel under the Old Covenant. The tithing system was integral to the nation’s covenantal relationship with God. It supported the temple system and ensured that religious and social obligations were met. However, this context does not directly translate to New Testament Christianity, where the covenant dynamics differ significantly.
Tithing in the New Testament
Jesus and the Pharisees: A Critique of Legalism
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses tithing in the context of critiquing the Pharisees’ legalism. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says:
- “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing but condemns the Pharisees for focusing on minor details while neglecting the core principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. His emphasis is on the weightier matters of the law, indicating that outward compliance with tithing is meaningless without inner righteousness.
Acts of the Apostles: A New Model of Giving
The early church, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, does not emphasize tithing but rather a communal approach to resources:
- Acts 2:44-45: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
- Acts 4:32-35: “No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had… from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
The early Christians practiced radical generosity, sharing their possessions freely to meet each other’s needs. This model is a departure from the fixed tithe system, emphasizing voluntary and sacrificial giving.
Paul’s Teachings: Generosity and Cheerfulness
The Apostle Paul’s letters provide further insight into New Testament principles of giving:
- 2 Corinthians 8-9: Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously and willingly. He commends the Macedonian churches for their generous giving despite their poverty, using them as an example for the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, he writes: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: Paul provides practical instructions for regular giving: “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
Paul’s guidance reflects the New Testament emphasis on voluntary, proportionate, and cheerful giving, tailored to individual circumstances and needs.
Summary and Conclusion
Old Testament
In the Old Testament, tithing was a divinely mandated practice integral to Israel’s covenantal relationship with God. It supported the Levitical priesthood, facilitated communal worship, and provided for the poor. Instances of voluntary tithing, such as those by Abraham and Jacob, predate the Mosaic Law and reflect personal acts of devotion.
New Testament
The New Testament shifts the focus from mandated tithing to principles of generous and voluntary giving. Jesus critiques the legalistic approach to tithing and emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The early church practices communal sharing, and Paul encourages believers to give cheerfully and according to their means.
In-Depth Look at Malachi 3:8-10
Malachi 3:8-10 is often cited in discussions on tithing, but its application to contemporary Christianity requires careful consideration of context:
- Historical Context: Malachi addresses post-exilic Israel, urging them to fulfill their covenantal obligations, including tithing. The passage highlights the connection between covenant faithfulness and divine blessing.
- New Covenant Context: Christians, under the New Covenant established by Jesus, are not bound by the Old Testament tithe laws. Instead, the New Testament encourages voluntary and generous giving, reflecting a heart transformed by grace.
Contemporary Application
The use of Malachi 3:8-10 to enforce tithing in the church today can be seen as a misapplication of scripture. While tithing can be a helpful guideline for personal giving, it should not be imposed as a legalistic requirement. The New Testament invites believers to give freely and cheerfully, motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation.
Conclusion
Tithing, as practiced under the Mosaic Law, served specific purposes within the covenantal framework of Israel. In the New Testament, the focus shifts to generous, voluntary giving, reflecting a heart transformed by grace. The application of Malachi 3:8-10 to enforce tithing in the church today can lead to legalism and compulsion, contrary to the New Testament’s emphasis on cheerful and voluntary giving. Christians are called to support their communities and those in need through generous and willing contributions, embodying the spirit of love and generosity that defines the New Covenant.
This comprehensive article covers the origins, development, and interpretation of tithing from the Old Testament to the New Testament, providing a detailed analysis of key scriptures and their application to contemporary Christian practice.
