Biblical Answer

The Precedent of Tithing in Abraham's Day

The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income to the Lord, has a long-standing precedent in the Ancient Near East. In Genesis 14:20, it is written that Abraham gave a tithe of his spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High. This act of devotion was a special vow, and it is likely that Abraham's descendants would have understood themselves to be following in his footsteps. Furthermore, in Genesis 28:22, Jacob makes a vow to give a tithe to the Lord if He will be with him and bless him.

The Significance of Tithing in the Law

Although the law of the tithe is first commanded in Leviticus 27:30-33, it is not surprising that Israelites are required to tithe. The significance of tithing is clarified by saying that even though the priests were descended from Levi, not every Levite became a priest (Num. 18:1-7). The initial tithe went to the Levites, who in turn gave a tithe of the tithe to the priests (18:26-29). This arrangement would adequately supply the priests, who were far fewer in number.

Tithing in the Context of the Mosaic Covenant

Paul argues that the law was given 430 years after God's promise to Abraham, and therefore could not invalidate it or restrict its scope (Gal. 3:17). Abraham's tithe was not based on the law, but on his faith in God. In fact, Paul says that Abraham did not achieve God's blessing by law, but by faith (Gal. 3:6-7, 10-12). This demonstrates that tithing was a practice that existed before the law, and was based on Abraham's faith in God's promise to bless all the nations of the world through him (Gen. 12:3).