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Bible Questions Answered - Two Creation Stories

Questions

Tithe

Question 10: What is a tithe? How do I know how much to give?

A: The word tithe comes from the Hebrew word "ma'aser" and simply means "tenth." We first encounter the term "tithe" in the Bible in Genesis 14:20 when Abraham gives a tithe, or tenth of the spoils taken in war to Melchizedek after a blessing.

There are a number of descriptions of tithing in the Bible, including voluntary contributions of a tenth of certain possessions at various sanctuaries (Abraham in Genesis 14:20, Jacob in Genesis 28:22). The tithe in Israel was designated to support the temple, levites and priests generally, but was also used for sacrifices and for participation in the annual festivals (Deuteronomy 12; 14:22-29). Even the support of the orphans and widows could come from a tithe (Deuteronomy 26:1-15).

The basic law of tithing for Israel was stated in Leviticus 27:30-33 which specifies a tenth of the produce of the ground (both grain and fruit) and of the flocks and herds was to be presented to the Lord. In Numbers 18:21 it is specified that this is given to the Levites for their service in the tent of meeting.

There is much debate over some of the details of the tithe. Were there multiple tithes, some to be used for worship, and some to be used for charity? Many people hold that the Israelites, when they were truly following God's command, gave 30% of their income in these various tithes. I imagine that this sounds drastic to modern American ears, and many would describe it as impossible, but let me give a personal testimony. My parents, as missionaries, on what would generally be considered a meager income, always dedicated 30% of their income based on this very principle. They would put aside 10% which was given to the church immediately to use as the church budgeted the tithe. A second 10% was given as offering for various projects through the church. A third tithe was set aside to help people in need including ministries other than the local church. Despite this "impossible" level of giving, we never went hungry or lacked for shelter.

Should one tithe net or gross income? Must the tithe be exactly 10%? The Biblical command tells us to tithe fruit, grain and animals, which were the medium of exchange of the time. This doesn't tell us precisely what money should be tithed.

I would suggest that instead of arguing the details we follow a few Biblical principles in determining how each one should give, and not limit this giving to tithes.

  1. Everything we own comes ultimately from God. King David, in blessing the people, said: "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you" (1 Chronicles 29:14). We should be conscious that we are stewards of God's resources and should act accordingly. Interpreting God's commands narrowly and in our own favor shows that we don't acknowledge God's ownership of everything.
  2. The tithe was consistently used for worship and for support of those associated with it. In modern times, this would suggest that the tithe should go primarily to support of your local church. Pacesetters Bible School, for example, does not solicit your tithe. We hope and pray that you will consider us in freewill offerings, but you should not do so as a replacement for supporting your local church and community.
  3. We need to take our stewardship requirements seriously. Malachi 3:8-18 discusses the blessings and consequences of making the wrong choices in our tithes. Acts 5:1-11 records an incident of dishonesty.
  4. We should make our choices carefully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but we should not judge others. That is God's function, not ours.

If all of the members of the church gave some percentage consistently for the work of ministry, imagine what could be accomplished.

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