Biblical Answer

Abraham's Tithe: A Historical Context

In the book of Genesis, Abraham is recorded as giving a tithe to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High, in Genesis 14:20. This act of giving is significant because it establishes a precedent for the Israelites to follow. As the author of Hebrews notes, "their forefather Abraham had done the same" (Heb. 7:6). This implies that the Israelites would have understood themselves to be following in Abraham's footsteps when they were commanded to tithe under the Law. The tithe was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's provision and to provide for those who led the worship and cared for the needy.

The law of the tithe, as recorded in Leviticus 27:30-33, is built upon this historical precedent. The law specifies that the tithe is to be given to the Levites, who in turn give a tithe of the tithe to the priests. This arrangement is designed to provide for the material needs of those who serve in the worship and care for the needy. The law of the tithe is not a new command, but rather a development of the principle established by Abraham's example. As the author of Hebrews notes, "the law of the tithe has a long-standing precedent in the Ancient Near East" (Heb. 7:5).

In conclusion, Abraham did tithe before the Law. His act of giving a tithe to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:20 established a precedent for the Israelites to follow. The law of the tithe, as recorded in Leviticus 27:30-33, is built upon this historical precedent and is designed to provide for the material needs of those who serve in the worship and care for the needy. While the command to tithe may not automatically apply to Christians today, the principle of giving to support the worship and care for the needy remains a vital part of the Christian life. As the author of Hebrews notes, "every believer is a temple of God" (1 Cor. 3:16), and as such, we are called to support the worship and care for the needy.