13. (O.T.) Conclusions

The Tithe?

13.  Conclusion on Old Testament Tithing

There are several conclusions that can be made from this study of Old Testament tithing:

• Although the word "tithe" was used before the Law of Moses, its contents had nothing to do with the biblical tithe. Abram gave a tithe (10%) to Melchizedek out of the spoils of war, giving back the balance of the 90% to its owner.
• Abram never gave out of his own possessions as what was required under the Law of Moses.
• Nothing is mentioned of Abram tithing again, revealing it was not a regular practice for godly people.
• Jacob promised a tenth to God if He would bring him back to his land again. God granted him the request; however, there is no mention whether Jacob fulfilled his vow. Even if he did, who would he tithe to, and who would benefit from the tithe?
• It has not been established there was any practice of tithing before the Law of Moses.
• The tithe was not required by the wandering Jews in the wilderness.
• The tithe was only tied to the land of Canaan, and consisted of the produce of the land. 
• The tithe was only required by agrarian Jews and herdsmen once they occupied, farmed, and harvested within the land of Canaan.
• The Jews who did not farm the land were not required to tithe.
• There were three yearly tithes under the Law of Moses, equaling 23 1/3 % - not 10%.
• The first and third tithe was given to the Levitical priesthood for themselves and the poor people’s support.
• The Levitical priest and the poor never tithed – instead, they received the tithes.
• The second yearly tithe was for the celebration feast for ALL Jews to enjoy.
• The tithe was never given to build or support the tabernacle or the temple – instead, voluntary offering were given.
• Taxes from all Jews to the temple or the Empire were given in gold, silver, or monetary coin exchange.
• Although not done too successfully at various time, the tithe was God's way of allowing His people to be responsible to Him, to each other, and give help to those in need.

To continue on to section #14 on tithing, click here