Part 2: The Law and Tithes
In
the name of God, Master of the Universe, Ruler of the earth.
Abraham the founder
of the Hebrew nation has an initial importance in tracing the history of tithing.
For the record there is documentation on sharing the spoils of war with rulers
and religious leaders. However the origin of the tithe or tenth as a rate for
paying tribute to rulers and as a religious duty is not known.
Meanwhile, we see the
first reference to paying tithes in the Bible relating to Abraham. Abraham and
his family including his nephew Lot left Ur to go to the land of Canaan. (See
Genesis 11:27-31, 15:7 and 12:1- ). The land of Ur or Chaldeans was most likely
what is now the region of Northern Kuwait and South Eastern Iraq.
For a concise and
detailed discussion on the reason for the migration of Abraham to Canaan see
the New Testament Book of Acts 7:2-4 and the entire chapter for a history of
the Jews. In this chapter we see the Apostle Stephen addressing the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin was a council of religious leaders controlled by the Sadducees.
The High Priest Caiphas whom Stephen addressed was the same High Priest who had
questioned and condemned Jesus. (John 18:24).
Stephen reveals that
God told Abraham to go to the land of Canaan. (God changes the name of Abram to
Abraham Genesis 17:5). God changed his name shortly before the promised son was
conceived. From this point on, the Bible calls him Abraham. Meanwhile God
assured Abraham in a vision that this was the land his seed would inherit.
The Biblical record
shows that Abraham knew of tithes as a custom when he migrated to the land of
Canaan. In Genesis 14 we see Abraham wining a great victory over the King
Chedorlaomer and the King of Sodom. Thus he rescued Lot, his family and
regained Lot's possessions. Meanwhile due to custom and tradition Abraham gave
a tenth of the spoils gained from his victory to the king of Salem (Jerusalem)
who was Melchizedek.
Melchizedek reminded Abraham
that God is the one to be blessed for this victory. (Genesis 14:20). A further
note on Melchizedek reveals that he was one of the small groups of God-honoring
people noted in the Old Testament who came in contact with the Israelites.
However, Melchizedek was not a Jew. Thus Melchizedek is a clear indication in
Old Testament scripture that the requirements to be a follower of God were not
genetic. Therefore, the people of God are based on obeying his teachings and
recognizing God's greatness.
So we can say that
Abraham set the precedent for the paying of tithes or a tenth of the spoils in
war to the High Priest Melchizedek. Also we note that at this time God had not
established the Levitical Priesthood. Again it is noteworthy that the first
High Priest was not a Jew. Meanwhile it was a considerable time before legal
requirements were set upon tithing. Thus, customs in paying tithes varied.
However after the Levitical Code was completed, tithes belonged exclusively to
the Levites. (Numbers 18:21).
Meanwhile we see an
indication in this verse that there were different kinds of tithes or
offerings. Thus the altar services consisted of sacrificial offerings and
offerings that consisted of provisions of food for the body. These provisions
were given to the tribe of Levi for their support.
In verses 25 & 26
(Numbers 18) we note that the Levites were exclusively involved in the work of
the tabernacle. However, they were not exempt from tithing. The Apostle Paul in
1 Corinthians 9:14 notes that to live for the Gospel means to obtain a living
from those to whom the Gospel is preached. (Also see Galatians 6:6).
Therefore, the
tithing principle is still relevant today. God expects all of his followers to
supply the material needs of those who devote themselves to meeting the
spiritual needs of the community of faith. Nevertheless, for the record there
are many questions raised today regarding the use of the money paid in tithes.
There are also many questions raised regarding the great emphasis placed on raising
money in the church.
What is the reason
for giving to the Lord when God owns everything and is the Creator? In verse 28
of Numbers 18 we see the following. Giving to the Lord was the same as giving
to the Priest. That was so because the Priests were engaged exclusively in the
service of God. We note another important message in verse 29 that relates to
giving God your best. Thus, they gave the fat or choicest beast to God. They
gave the best whether it was used for sacrifice or as food for the Priest.
Verse 18:32 reads:
"And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the
best of it: Neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel,
lest ye die." The Priests had a right to part of things sacrificed as food.
However, this did not excuse them from the obligation of being clean under the
requirements of law. In another context it is noted that gifts dedicated to God
were to be treated with respect.
As we pursue the
question of what should be done with the money given to the church, we can use
Numbers 18:32 as a scripture reference. The contemporary church has a
responsibility to carefully manage the money and time people have dedicated to
God. Thus, there must be careful management and responsible stewardship of resources
given to God.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net