Biblical Answer

The Context of Tithing in the Ancient Near East

The practice of tithing has a long-standing precedent in the Ancient Near East, and it is found at Leviticus 27:30-33. This law states that a tithe, or a tenth, belongs to the Lord and the sanctuary. The act of devoting a tithe was probably done by means of a special vow (Num. 18:26). This understanding of tithing predates the law of the tithe as commanded in the Mosaic covenant.

Abraham's Example

The Bible records that Abraham, the forefather of the Israelites, had given a tithe to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High, in Genesis 14:18-20. This act of tithing was a demonstration of Abraham's faith and trust in God. The Israelites would have understood themselves to be following in Abraham's footsteps when they were commanded to tithe. In fact, Paul notes in Galatians 3:6-7 that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, and he did not achieve God's blessing by law, but by faith. This highlights the importance of faith in the context of tithing.

The Timing of the Law of the Tithe

The law of the tithe was given to the Israelites 430 years after God had promised Abraham that all the nations of the world would be blessed in him (Gen. 12:3). This law did not nullify or restrict the scope of God's promise to Abraham. Instead, it was a means of providing for the priests and Levites who served in the sanctuary. The law of the tithe was not given as a means of initiation into the family of Abraham, but rather as a way of providing for those who served God in the Mosaic covenant. Ultimately, the practice of tithing is rooted in faith and trust in God, rather than in obedience to the law. As Paul notes in Galatians 3:12, "The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, 'The one who does these things will live by them.'" (NIV) However, the Bible also teaches that we are to live by faith, not by the law (Rom. 10:5). Therefore, the practice of tithing is not a means of earning God's favor, but rather a way of expressing our gratitude and trust in Him.