Biblical Answer

The Question of Tithing Before the Law

Did Abraham tithe before the Law? This question is a crucial one, as it seeks to understand the origins of tithing and its relationship to the Mosaic Law. To answer this question, we must examine the biblical account of Abraham's life and the early Israelites' understanding of tithing.

The Biblical Account of Tithing

According to Genesis 14:20, Abraham did tithe before the Law. When Abraham's nephew Lot was captured by King Chedorlaomer and his allies, Abraham and his allies pursued them and recovered the spoils. In recognition of God's blessing, Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem. This act of tithing was a voluntary act of devotion, and it was done before the Mosaic Law was given. Furthermore, the Israelites would have understood themselves to be following in Abraham's footsteps when they were commanded to tithe in the Law (Leviticus 27:30-33).

The Significance of Tithing Before the Law

The fact that Abraham tithe before the Law is significant, as it shows that the principle of tithing was established by God before the Mosaic covenant. This principle was not a new requirement, but rather a continuation of the practice that had been initiated by Abraham. The law of the tithe was not a means of initiating people into God's family, but rather a way of recognizing and expressing gratitude for God's blessings. As Paul wrote in Galatians 3:17, the law was given 430 years after God's promise to Abraham, and it could not invalidate or restrict the scope of that promise. Therefore, the principle of tithing was established before the Law, and it continues to be an important aspect of God's people's relationship with Him today.