To Tithe or Not to Tithe?

Nope, you didn't. Go through again - and when I read answers, then I'll offer something.

Cheers. 

Here, let me help you:

I very much appreciate the texts you quoted. However, like I said, you really have not answered my question.

"1. Is there any scriptural command obliging any kind of giving at all in the NT?"

Yes, or No - and whichever was the case, this is why it is so from this and that text of Scripture.

If I have to go through each text you offered, we'D have to come round seeing that not all apply to money issues (Matt. 10:8 on healing, it's not about giving money).


I wasn't asking about what amount anyone wants to give, or of flip sides to what you're assuming. The one question was and is: where is the scriptural command obliging any kind of giving at all in the NT?


Perhaps we shall have cause to come to all that. My enquiry was simple enough - "2. Are there any blessings at all enunciated in the Bible for "giving" (tithes or whatever other type)?"

Perhaps I was expecting something like this:

      Yes
      No,
      you don't know (or whatever else),
     - and thus and so are the reasons why from Scripture.

Of course, it doesn't have to be in that format exactly for me to read yours as an answer. I understand that we all have different ways and appraoches to enquiries. However, I'm actually looking for simple straightforward answers from yours.


Okay, if I should take that as an answer, then it only speaks to the point that you agree there are indeed blessings for "giving". Whether or not anyone is looking for a formula does not have any bearing at all in what I'm asking; and that is the roundabout argument that I stated I'm not in the least interested in.


With regards to the Melchizedek case, I think you're looking away from what the text says and points to. Please read it again. . . carefully, and it might become clear how you missed the point.

Cheers.

@TV01,


I asked simple questions; if you had proffered as simple enough answers thereto, you'D not be losing sleep sweating to play the teaser yourself.


Don't skirt around the simple question. One could as well "give" their wives, yes? This is precisely the same thing I cautioned about roundabout arguments. My question was about money matters, not the swinging about giving. You and Hnd-holder have been hooting about "the topic is about tithing"; and now you've momentarily frgotten that to speak of give this or that.


Is it too much to ask that you be simple enough instead of first skirting around and eventually away from the questions being asked?


Please be honest with yourself. Does that verse speak of money matters?


Did you miss what I commented on following that; or you're just deliberately trying to be funny?


Neither does your premise buttress he case for giving as well.


So predictable.


Heb.7:8 - "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. "

Please note that verse indicates a present instance (check the Greek 'μαρτυρέω' to see for yourself). What that points to is simply this: the priesthood of Melchizedek is a living priesthood, not one that has become obselete. In contrast to those who received tithes here ("here men that die receive tithes"), Scripture is clear that the priesthood of Melchizedek is a present event ("but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth").

To further emphasize the point on tithing, we understand that the singular response of Abraham in Gen. 14:20 actually affected his progeny - as is clear in Heb. 7:9 & 10 -- "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him."

Those who militate against tithes as a NT practice for Christians should calmly consider this portion of Scripture; or they should do one simple thing: proffer the verse in the Bible that states that Christians are NOT to tithe.


I do have interest in honest dialogue. It is your roundabout silly drivels that don't interest me in the least. If you're going to discuss, be a gentleman when and if you do so. If, however, you'D play your characteristic overblown image, I'm no stranger to putting you in your place. Dare me.

Cheers.

Good of you to remember, since you are working tirelessly to make tithing = giving !


I quoted various verses. Pick one that does not talk specifically about money and build a siegemound. Oh Miss, you can do better. Giving is varied, and even restricting it to money matters is answered by some verses I offered.

Giving encopmpasses money. To say that it is about giving leaves you blind-sided as you insist tithing = giving. So maybe we should tithe time, or any other resouce huh?


Doublespeak!


Too much learning leads to brainfag - to paraphrase  !

Here => under the law (levitical priesthood). Both redundant Miss.
There => under a superior priesthood to the levitical type. Is Melchizedek High Priest now?

No it didn't affect his progeny, just showed their priesthood to be inferior to Melchizedeks.


Calm down Miss. We have duly considered it. It does'nt mean a tithe is demanded of NT Christians. Neither have you shown that it does. Plus you further muddle your own position. As this would suggest it is mandatory, whilst you are trying to sell it as voluntary and the same as giving.

Same old sorry arse strategy. "Mixed grain theology". Mixing OT & NT, Law & Grace, shadows and fullness. With a nice little topping of implied blessings/curses. Lame. Did I say you can do better? I still believe you can

NT exhorts Christians to give. Nowhere does the NT command tithing. Unless of course you can show otherwise.

And no one is millitating against it. Just saying it's not mandatory and if voluntary, then no different to giving and thus a non-starter.

You sound really het up. Is everything alright?

God bless
TV

@TV01,

I knew you'D so quickly pick on clemcykul and slice at his post. Anyhow, here's something for you to think through:


Nope, you shouldn't be misreading issues into my reposte was the point.


TV01, it doesn't cost anything to be honest. That verse does not speak about money matters, and you know it. Trying to offer it as a pretence for money matters is hideous when infact it does not. If someone quotes another verse for a principle, you'D characteristically be first to raise your hand and cry hooha.


Since giving is varied, WHY then has it been such a nightmare to you especially when the same GIVING is mentioned in connection with "tithing" (another type of giving)? What games are you playing here?


You're such a silly laugh, honestly. You make a case so much for giving and tithing and then come back complaining against the same strains you're offering. Please go back and pick out where indeed I said (or "insist") that "tithing = giving". If you no longer understand English, what do you make out of this clause in my rejoinder: "any kind of giving at all in the NT"?!?


The champion you are at that.


Interesting way to capture your ribald underachievment, another paraphrase perhaps?


Olodo! Go get you study tools and dust them to help you see your noise is not worth it. You agree it was "under a superior priesthood to the levitical type." Question: has the Melchizedek priesthood been set aside for a third type of "superior" priesthood?


Classic denial yet again. What then is the meaning of Heb. 7:9 & 10? Abraham's tithing to Melchizedek in no way affected Levi, NO?


You make yourself sound so very cheap when you try to accuse and force issues into people's posts. I nowhere intended tithes as mandatory; and my point is simply that it is not taught in Scripture that tithing is disparaged or negated the way those who oppose it have been doing! That is why I offered that you guys bring forward such a verse where tithing has been forbidden, as well as offered the first question initially: "1. Is there any scriptural command obliging any kind of giving at all in the NT?"

When people have cheated behind the counter to force their premises denouncing tithing in order to militate against it, I have offered just one simple question where such a position is not at all found in the Word: show me the verse that says tithing is NOT to be a Christian observation.


I remember who used that language to show how beggarly he is in his pretended "walk" and under-achievements when discussing Biblical issues. Indeed, I'm now so used to your crap that it would have been surprising if you didn't post that bunkum to show how beggarly your reading skills have become.


Don't sob so loud - I didn't use the word "command" to discuss tithing. I only asked you to show where Scripture denounces tithing the way you have been cheating readers once and again. That too hard for your level of understanding?


Oh, "no different to giving", you say? Don't make me laugh, loser! Are you not the same chap who's been making crap noise about equating tithing to giving? "No different to giving" - listen to yourself!


You must have been to the health center already. I'm cool. . . just don't have the time for your games.

Cheers.

@TV01,


Crying already? As before, I asked for a discussion, not your usual sly invectives.


Scurrying away from the verse, are you? Why is it so difficult for you to admit honestly that the verse (Matt. 10:8) is not about money matters? Just because it mentions "giving" does not mean you have to assume it to establish a case it does not for your persuasion. There are other verses that mention the word "give" - and one doesn't have to suppose they're about money matters: (Matt. 10:42 - "give to drink"; Matt. 14:16 - "give ye them to eat"; Matt. 24:19 - "to them that give suck in those days!").

My comment on the dozen others still do not answer my question: "1. Is there any scriptural command obliging any kind of giving at all in the NT?" By quoting those texts, are you assuming they point to the Scriptural "command" and "obligation" to give any kind of giving at all in the NT? That is why I offered earlier that I refrained from commenting because you really didn't answer my questions. Instead, you scooted away from that question and began to talk about an "amount" and the "flip side" of issues I didn't ask you.


Ol' boy, take style play this game gently. Try not dribbling round it.


Are you so badly wounded you are seeing double now?


And therefore where is tithing denounced?


I've offered just an example; and if you haven't seen that already, no need trying to traipse your hogwash about and litter the thread. The one thing I've asked is still being asked: where do you find tithes denounced in the NT? If Scripture does not denounce, why have you been cheating readers into thinking so and yet have not been able to provide a simple verse for that argument instead of your pretended "blah-blah"?


I've severally cautioned that you "discuss" issues and avoid the invectives. Did you cinsider them as "compliments" when using them in yours against others?


Ahh there! Lol, TV01, you seriously need to humble yourself when you read Scripture. Could I ask you to proffer the verse for what you conclude as "yes the Melchizedek has been set aside for the fullness in Christ"? You have a fine way of making a mess of your pretended scholarship, and I'D just like to see how your clean up this one.


Oga, settle down and follow Scripture instead of letting your thoughts run ahead of declared statements in God's Word. The text does not suggest that Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek in accordance with the Law; nor does it even suggest that
"the people" tithe to Melchizedek in "accordance with the law". This is the one thing that always comes to the fore whenever you guys read the word "tithe" - you often assume it must be by LAW! And yet, the text in Heb. 7:9 & 10 did not mention
tithing in connection with the Law! Can you read at all, or you are hoping thia backhand game would score you the cheap point you're pretending to introduce where it does not exist?

That text is clear: "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham" - and it does not warrant the "according to the law" that you're sweating to argue into it!

@ Pilgrim.1,

Let me re-state clearly. Melchizedek =/= Christ. Melchizedeks priesthood is a Shadow of Christs. Just as the Aaronic one also pre-figured Christs.

The reference to the tithe and the sons of Levi was to show that the Melchizedek priesthood was superior to the Levitical. Finito. Not a hint to NT Christians to Tithe.

Hebrews clearly states that;
1. The Levites recieved tithes under the law
2. Said law is now done away with.
3. Their payment of tithes through Abraham denoted Melchizedeks priesthood as superior.
4. But even the Melchizedek type has been replaced bas "another has arisen" (of similar type).

And so I repeat. NT Christians are nowhere mandated to tithe.

If a NTC wishes to do so voluntarily, then fine, but such an act accrues no blessings (similarly, not doing so accrues no curses) unavailable to one who simply gives.

In that case voluntary tithing is no different to giving (which is also voluntary), and it becomes a mute point.

If you request a NT verse that denounces tithing, I'll say this;
1. Show me one that proclaims it as NT practice.
2. A thorough exigeses of the topic in context shows that it is at best a non-starter.

Quit the lip and admit the weakness of your position. I promise to be a gentleman and not gloat for too long  . I'll even applaud your hard efforts although usually lame and ultimately futile.

God bless
TV

^{Pilgrim.1, when are you going to admit to being an alter-ego?} _{What's a mis-road girl??}

Hope we no go share the glasses?

In addition to what I've offered as to WHY tithes are mentioned in Heb. 7, let me remind you again: the Levites did not pay tithes through Abraham to Melchizedek under any LAW! Your ideas are a classic example of the lazy thinking of people who always want to see tithes as connected with a law! The Levites' payment of tithe through Abraham not only demonstrates Melchizedek's priesthood as superior, but more to the point is what is mentioned in connection with tithes in verse 8 - and I've discussed that just above.

The inspired apostle does not use tithes as the basis for arguing that Melchizedek's priesthood was superior to the Levitical one - and I've given a few reasons why that idea is crass. Rather, the apostle uses two undeniable facts to establish that superiority:

   (a) Melchizedek: priesthood was predicated on the power of an endless life (vs. 16), and that he abides a priest continually (vs. 3);
   (b) Levitical: "the weakness and unprofitableness" of the Law (vs. 18); and their inability to continue "by reason od death" (vs. 23).

That the Levites paid tithes through Abraham to Melchizedek is not the reason that establishes the superiority of the priesthood of the latter over the former; because even under the Law, the Levites themselves also paid tithes (Num. 18:25-30)! You can't miss the reason for why the apostle mentions tithes in Hebrews 7, as given in verse 8 for the attention of the Christian: "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."


That's not taught anywhere in the Bible. God never said that the Melchizedek priesthood has been "replaced" by another; otherwise it would mean that Christ was called "after the order of" someone else's priesthood which has "replaced" that of Melchizedek! You make assertive denials like the above because you have refused to open your eyes and read what Scripture clearly declares.


You're simply cheating yourself with the use of "mandated" every time you read the word "tithes"! The NT does not present tithes or any type of givig as a "mandated" exercise. You've been cheating your adulators with that word because you cannot acknowledge the simple Biblical understanding that tithes are not a matter of "mandate", "force" or "coersion". When Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, where do we read that he did so as a matter of having been "mandated"?

And the idea of a "mandated" giving that you've been so beggarly straining at can be corrected to free your imprisoned mind if you look closely into the Word. I've asked the question earlier: "1. Is there any scriptural command obliging any kind of giving at all in the NT?" Rather than answer the question, you skirted around it and so typical scooted away to something other than what I asked. If you so believe that Christians are not "mandated" to give anything, then strike out the following verse from your own Bible:

Rom. 15:27 - "It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."

God's Word clearly teaches that it is the Christian's duty (read "mandate" if you please) to give financially - especially in the realization that we have been beneficiaries to the spiritual things ministered unto us. That's why the apostle does not state an opinion or his personal suggestion in Gal. 6:6 when he confirmed this point yet again: "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." Come back and tell me that is not a command or an obligation that Christians are called to betake themselves unto.


TV01, those who give are blessed over those who do not. The idea of "simply give"  with which you've imprisoned your mind on this subject is nowhere taught in Scripture! Giving in simplicity as an attitude (Rom. 12:8) is not to be confused with the act of worship that invites our giving as a sacrifice which pleases God (Heb. 13:16). The idea that "giving" and "not giving" are to be regarded on the same plane (neither this nor that) is actually a display of blind and cold-hearted rebellion of a queer kind to the Word of God.

When a believer honours the Lord with the his sacrificial giving as an ACT of worship, Scripture clearly teaches that such believers are blessed over those who do not have the revelation of doing so. Here are a few clear texts to the point (ask yourself if those who do not obey the principles in those texts receive the same blessing or response from God as those who obey them):

2 Chron. 31:10 - "And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store."

Proverbs 3: 9 & 10 - "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

Mal. 3:10 - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

2 Cor. 9:6 - "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

2 Cor. 9:10 - "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness"

There are several more, my dear TV01. The problem is that you've imprisoned your mind and have been pretending that sorry condition as "freedom". If you don't want to give your tithes because you can't see it for anything other than a "mandated" exercise, then keep that argument to yourself and don't pretend it as what is taught in the Word. When you start giving (tithes and offerings as a worship-sacrifice), you will definitely receive God's response in blessings in just precisely as the Word declares in the several verses offered just above (see again 2 Cor. 9:10).

Modern Tithing is Based on Many False Assumptions



One denomination’s statement on stewardship is typical of what many others teach about tithing. It says that "tithing is the minimum biblical standard and the beginning point which God has established that must not be replaced or compromised by any other standard." It adds that the tithe is from gross income which is due to the church before taxes.

The following points of this essay contrast the false teachings used to support tithing with what God’s Word actually says.



Point #1: N. T. Giving Principles in Second Corinthians 8 and 9 are Superior to Tithing.



The false teaching is that tithing is a divine mandatory expectation which always must precede free-will giving.



Free-will giving existed before tithing. The following New Covenant free-will principles are found in Second Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9: (1) Giving is a "grace.” These chapters use the Greek word for "grace" eight times in reference to helping poor saints. (2) Give yourself to God first (8:5). (3) Give yourself to knowing God’s will (8:5). (4) Give in response to Christ’s gift (8:9; 9:15). (5) Give out of a sincere desire (8:8, 10, 12; 9:7). (6) Do not give because of any commandment (8:8, 10; 9:7). (7) Give beyond your ability (8:3, 11, 12). ( Give to produce equality. This means that those who have more should give more in order to make up for the inability of those who cannot afford to give as much (8:12-14). (9) Give joyfully (8:2). (10) Give because you are growing spiritually (8:3, 4, 7). (11) Give because you want to continue growing spiritually (9:8, 10, 11). (12) Give because you are hearing the gospel preached (9:13).



Point #2: In God’s Word the Tithe is Always Only Food!



The false teaching is that biblical tithes include ALL sources of income.



Use God’s Word to define “tithe.” Do not use a secular dictionary! Open a complete Bible concordance and you will discover that the definition used by tithe-advocates is wrong. In God’s Word “tithe” does not stand alone. Although money existed before tithing, the original source of God's "tithe" was never money. It was the “tithe of food.” This is very important: True biblical tithes were always only food from the farms and herds of only Israelites who only lived inside God’s Holy Land, the national boundary of Israel. The increase was gathered from what God produced and not from man's craft or ability.

There are 15 verses from 11 chapters and 8 books from Leviticus 27 to Luke 11 which describe the contents of the tithe. And the contents never (again), never included money, silver, gold or anything other than food from inside Israel! Yet the incorrect definition of "tithe" is the greatest error being preached about tithing today! (See Lev. 27:30, 32; Numb. 18:27, 28; Deut. 12:17; 14:22, 23; 26:12; 2 Chron. 31:5, 6; Neh. 10:37; 13:5; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11: 42).



Point #3: Money Was an Essential Non-Tithed Item



            The false assumption is that food barter usually replaced money.



One argument to support non-food tithing is that money was not universally available and barter from food must have been used for most transactions.  This argument is not biblical. Genesis alone contains “money” in 32 texts and the word occurs 44 times before the tithe is first mentioned in Leviticus 27. The word shekel also appears often from Genesis to Deuteronomy.

In fact many centuries before Israel entered Canaan and began tithing food from God’s Holy Land money was an essential everyday item. For example money in the form of silver shekels paid for slaves (Gen 17:12+); land (Gen 23:9+); freedom (Ex 23:11); court fines (Ex 21 all; 22 all); sanctuary dues (Ex 30:12+); vows (Lev 27:3-7); poll taxes (Num 3:47+), alcoholic drinks (Deu 14:26) and marriage dowries (Deu 22:29).

According to Genesis 47:15-17 food was used for barter only after money had been spent. Banking and usury laws exist in God’s Word in Leviticus even before tithing. Therefore the argument that money was not prevalent enough for everyday use is false. Yet the tithe contents never include money from non-food products and trades.



Point #4: Abraham’s Tithe to Melchizedek Reflected Pagan Tradition.



The false teaching is that Abraham freely gave tithes because it was God’s will.



For the following reasons, Genesis 14:20 cannot be used as an example for Christians to tithe. (1) The Bible does not say that Abraham "freely" gave this tithe. (2) Abraham’s gift was NOT a holy tithe from God’s holy land gathered by God’s holy people under God’s holy Old Covenant. (3) Abraham’s tithe was only from pagan spoils of war and was required in many nations. (4) In Numbers 31, God only required 1% of spoils of war. (5) Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek was a one-time recorded event. (6) Abraham’s tithe was not from his own personal property. (7) Abraham kept nothing for himself; he gave everything back. ( Abraham’s tithe is not quoted anywhere in the Bible to endorse tithing. (9) Genesis 14, verse 21, is the key text. Since most commentaries explain verse 21 as an example of pagan Arab tradition, it is contradictory to explain the 90% of verse 21 as pagan, while insisting that the 10% of verse 20 was God’s will. (10) If Abraham is an example for Christians to give 10% to God, then he should also be an example for Christians to give the other 90% to Satan, or to the king of Sodom! (11) As priests themselves, neither Abraham nor Jacob had a Levitical priesthood to support; they probably left food for the poor at their altars.



Point #5: First-Tithes were Received by Servants to the Priests.



            The false teaching is that Old Testament priests received all of the first tithe.



The "whole" tithe, the first tithe, did not go to the priests at all. According to Numbers 18:21-24 and Nehemiah 10:37b, it went to the servants of the priests, the Levites. And according to Numbers 18:25-28 and Nehemiah 10:38, the Levites gave the best “tenth of this tithe” (1%) which they received to the priests who ministered the sin sacrifices and served inside the holy places. Priests did not tithe.

It is also important to know that, in exchange for receiving these tithes, both Levites and priests forfeited all rights to permanent land inheritance inside Israel (Numb. 18:20-26; Deut. 12:12; 14:27, 29; 18:1, 2; Josh. 13:14, 33; 14:3; 18:7; Ezek. 44:28). Even if tithes were New Covenant they would first go to the (Levites) deacons to assist the preachers and maintain the buildings.



Point #6: "It is Holy to the LORD" Does Not Make Tithing an Eternal Moral Principle.



The false teaching is that Leviticus 27:30-33 proves that the tithe is an "eternal moral principle" because "it is holy to the LORD."



The phrases “it is HOLY unto the LORD” and “it is MOST HOLY unto the LORD” are very common in Leviticus. However, almost every other use of these same two phrases in Leviticus has long ago been discarded by Christians. These phrases are used to describe all of the festivals, the sacrificial offerings, the clean food, the old covenant priests and the old covenant sanctuary. Especially read verses 28 and 29 in the same chapter.

While the “tithe of the tithe” (1%) which was given to the priests was the “best” of what the Levites received, the tithe which the Levites received was only “one tenth” and not the “best” (Lev. 27:32, 33).



Point #7: First-fruits are Not the Same as Tithes



            The false assumption is that tithes are first-fruits.



            The first-fruit was a very small amount of the first crop harvest and the first-born was the  first offspring of animals. The first-fruit was small enough to fit into a hand-held basket (Deut. 26:1-4, 10; Lev. 23:17; Num. 18:13-17; 2 Chron 31:5a).

            First-fruit and first-born offerings went directly to the Temple and were required to be totally consumed by ministering priests only inside the Temple (Neh. 10:35-37a; Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 18:4).

            The whole Levitical tithe went first to the Levitical cities and portions went to the Temple to feed both Levites and priests who were ministering there in rotation (Neh. 10:37b-39; 12:27-29, 44-47; Num. 18:21-28; 2 Chron 31:5b). While the Levites ate the tithe, the priests could also eat from the first-fruit, first-born offerings and other offerings.



Point #8: There are Four Different Tithes Described in the Bible.



The false teaching ignores all other tithes and focuses on an incorrect interpretation of the first religious tithe.



The first religious tithe, called the "Levitical tithe," had two parts. Again, the whole first tithe was given to the Levites who were only servants to the priests (Numb. 18:21-24; Neh. 10:37). The Levites, in turn, gave one tenth of the whole tithe to the priests (Numb. 18:25-28; Neh. 10:38). According to Deuteronomy 12 and 14, the second religious tithe, called the "feast tithe," was eaten by worshipers in the streets of Jerusalem during the three yearly festivals (Deut. 12:1-19; 14:22-26). And, according to Deuteronomy 14 and 26, a third tithe, called the "poor tithe," was kept in the homes every third year to feed the poor (Deut. 14:28, 29; 26:12, 13). Also, according to First Samuel 8:14-17, the ruler collected the first and best ten per cent for political use. During Jesus’ time Rome collected the first ten per cent (10%) of most food and twenty per cent (20%) of fruit crops as its spoils of war. One wonders what "churches" are trying to hide when they single out the one religious tithe which best suits their purposes and ignore the other two important religious tithes.



Point #9: Jesus, Peter, Paul and the Poor Did Not Tithe!



The false teaching is that everybody in the Old Testament was required to begin their giving to God at the ten per cent level.



The poor were not required to tithe at all! Neither did the tithe come from the results of man’s craft, hands and skill. Only farmers and herdsmen gathered what God produced as tithe increase. Jesus was a carpenter; Paul was a tentmaker and Peter was a fisherman. None of these occupations qualified as tithe-payers because they did not farm or herd animals for a living. It is, therefore, incorrect to teach that everybody paid a required minimum of a tithe and, therefore, that New Covenant Christians should be required to at least begin at the same minimum as Old Covenant Israelites. This common false assumption is very often repeated and completely ignores the very plain definition of tithe as food gathered from farm increase or herd increase.

It is also wrong to teach that the poor in Israel were required to pay tithes. In fact, they actually received tithes! Much of the second festival tithe and all of a special third-year tithe went to the poor! Many laws protected the poor from abuse and expensive sacrifices which they could not afford (see also Lev. 14:21; 25:6, 25-28, 35, 36; 27:8; Deu. 12:1-19; 14:23, 28, 29; 15:7, 8, 11; 24:12, 14, 15, 19, 20; 26:11-13; Mal. 3:5; Matt. 12:1, 2; Mark 2:23, 24; Luke 2:22-24; 6:1, 2; 2 Cor. 8:12-14; 1 Tim. 5:8; Jas. 1:27).



Point #10: Tithes were Often Used as Political Taxes.



The false teaching is that tithes are never comparable to taxes or taxation.



In the Hebrew economy, the tithe was used in a totally different manner than it is preached today. Once again, those Levites who received the whole tithe were not even ministers or priests -- they were only servants to the priests! Numbers chapter 3 describes the Levites as carpenters, metal workers, leather-craftsmen and artists who maintained the small sanctuary. And, according to First Chronicles, chapters 23-26, during the time of King David and King Solomon the Levites were still skilled craftsmen who inspected and approved all work in the Temple: 24, 000 worked in the Temple as builders and supervisors; 6,000 were officials and judges; 4,000 were guards and 4,000 were musicians. As political representatives of the king, Levites used their tithe income to serve as officials, judges, tax collectors, treasurers, temple guards, musicians, bakers, singers and professional soldiers (1 Chron. 12:23, 26; 23:2-5; 26:29-32; 27:5). It is obvious why these examples of using biblical tithe-income are never used as examples in the church today.

It is also important to know that Old Covenant tithes were never used for evangelism of non-Israelites. Tithing failed! See Hebrews 7:12-19. Tithes never stimulated Old Covenant Levites or priests to establish a single mission outreach or encourage a single Gentile to become an Israelite (Ex. 23:32; 34:12, 15; Deut. 7:2). Old Covenant tithing was motivated and mandated by Law, not love. In fact, during most of Israel’s history the prophets were God’s primary spokesmen – and not the tithe-receiving Levites and priests.



Point #11: Levitical Tithes Were Usually Taken to the Levitical Cities.



False teachers want us to think that all tithes were formerly taken to the Temple and should now be taken to the "church storehouse” building.



The “whole” tithe NEVER went to the Temple!  In reality, the overwhelming majority of Levitical tithes never went to the Temple! Those who teach otherwise ignore the Levitical cities and the 24 courses of the Levites and priests. According to Numbers 35, Joshua 20, 21 and First Chronicles 6, Levites and priests lived on borrowed land like Jericho and Hebron surrounding the Levitical cities where they farmed and raised (tithed) animals. And it is clear from Second Chronicles 31:15-19 and Nehemiah 10:37 that the ordinary people were expected to bring their tithes to the Levitical cities. Why? That is where 98% of the Levites and priests lived with their families most of the time. See also Josh. 20, 21; Numb, 35; 1st Chron.6:48-80; 2nd Chron. 11:13-14; Neh. 12:27-29; 13:10 and Mal. 1:14 for Levitical cities.



Point #12: Malachi 3 is the Most Abused Tithing Text in the Bible.



The false teaching about tithes from Malachi 3 ignores five important Bible facts.



(1) Malachi is Old Covenant context and is never quoted in the New Covenant to validate tithing (Lev. 27:34; Neh. 10:28, 29; Mal. 3:7; 4:4). (2) In 1:6; 2:1 and 3:1-5, Malachi is very clearly addressed to dishonest priests who are cursed because they had stolen the best offerings from God. (3) The Levitical cities must be considered and Jerusalem was not a Levitical city (Josh 20, 21). It makes no sense to teach that 100% of the tithe was brought to the Temple when most Levites and priests did not live in Jerusalem. (4) In Malachi 3:10-11 tithes are still only food (Lev. 27:30-33). (5) The 24 courses of Levites and priests must also be considered. Beginning with King David and King Solomon, they were divided into 24 families. These divisions were also put into place in Malachi’s time by Ezra and Nehemiah. Since normally only one family served in the Temple for only one week at a time, there was absolutely no reason to send ALL of the tithe to the Temple when 98% of those it was designed to feed were still in the Levitical cities (For courses see 1 Chron. chapters 23-26; 28:13, 21; 2 Chron. 8:14; 23:8; 31:2, 15-19; 35:4, 5, 10; Ezra 6:18; Neh. 11:19, 30; 12:24; 13:9, 10; Luke 1:5).