Tithes
“A tenth part”
Summary
A tithe was the tenth part of one's increase given to God, established as a perpetual obligation for supporting the Levites, maintaining worship, and caring for the poor.
☩Origin and Practice
Tithing predates the Mosaic law. Abraham gave a tenth of all the spoils of war to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God. Jacob vowed at Bethel to give a tenth to God. Under the law, Israel was to tithe all the increase of their seed, the fruit of their trees, and their herds and flocks. Every tenth animal passing under the rod was holy to the Lord.
☩Purpose
Tithes were primarily given to support the Levites, who had no inheritance in the land but served at the sanctuary. The Levites in turn gave a tenth of what they received to the priests. Additional tithes were used for festival celebrations and for supporting the poor, strangers, fatherless, and widows. The prophet Malachi rebuked Israel for robbing God by withholding tithes and offerings.
