Biblical Answer

The tithe originates in the Bible in the Ancient Near East, where it was a common practice for people to give a tenth of their harvest to the gods. The Israelites followed this practice, as seen in Genesis 14:20 and 28:22, where Abraham and Jacob both gave a tithe to God. This practice is also seen in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were commanded to give a tithe to the Lord and the Levites, who were responsible for leading the people in worship and providing for the needy (Leviticus 27:30-33 and Numbers 18:21-29).

In the Old Testament, the tithe was used to support the Levites, who were responsible for leading the people in worship and providing for the needy. The Levites were given a tithe of the tithe, which was used to support the priests (Numbers 18:26-29). The tithe was also used to provide for those who were needy, including the fatherless and the widows, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:28-29. This practice was intended to demonstrate God's care for the needy and to encourage the Israelites to give generously to those in need.

While the command to tithe is no longer applicable to Christians, who are no longer under the Sinai covenant, the principle of giving a portion of one's income to support the needy and the work of the church remains an important aspect of Christian living. As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Abraham and Jacob, who gave a tithe to God as a way of acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in their lives. By giving a portion of our income to support the work of the church and the needy, we can demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and show our commitment to living out our faith in practical ways.