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TITHE

A tenth of one’s annual income set aside for sacral purposes. Tithing was common not only in ancient Israel but throughout the ancient Near East, and while the primary function was sacral, it was also utilized for state income (1 Macc. 3:49; 10:31). Most biblical texts indicate that the believer was obliged to tithe, though the manner in which this was practiced seems to vary from era to era.

The nature of the sacral tithe is most clearly and consistently outlined in the pentateuchal traditions. Lev. 27:30-33 establishes that all the seeds from the land and fruits from trees belong to God, and a tenth of all herd and flock are holy to the Lord. The people were expected to tithe their grain, wine, oil, and firstlings from the herd and flock (Deut. 14:22-24). An important component of the tithe involved the bringing of the yield to the designated sanctuary, where the people would participate together in a meal. If it was not possible to transport the yield because of distance, then the yield could be redeemed for cash and the money used for whatever the person desired. However, if one’s yield was redeemed for cash, then a further fifth of the yield must be added to the sum (Lev. 27:31).

The tithe also included a social component to care for the poor within the society, and every third year the tithe must be set aside for the Levite, the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow. Blessings from God are directly connected to this mandate (Deut. 14:28-29). The worshipper is to make all offerings, including the tithe, with joy and happiness (Sir. 35:8-12). Amos was critical of the people for fulfilling all their sacral duties, including the giving of tithes, yet not living just lives (Amos 4:4-5).

The Levite, unlike other residents, does not have an inheritance, and since what the people have is considered the allotment of the Levite’s inheritance, then a tenth must be given to the Levite (Num. 18:21-32). Part of Ezra and Nehemiah’s widespread reform included a tithe (tax) collected at the temple, to support the priests and the Levites (Neh. 10:37-38). Like some other mandatory laws, the tithe was not always kept (Mal. 3:8, 10).

The distinction between sacral and nonsacral purposes of the tithe is sometimes blurred, particularly when the tithe is given to a royal sanctuary (2 Sam. 6; 1 Kgs. 12:25-33). King Hezekiah is said to have collected tithes and stored them for the temple (2 Chr. 31:5-6). When the people seek to establish a monarchy, Samuel warns them that the king would require a tithe of grain, vineyards, and flocks of all the citizens for his officers (1 Sam. 8:14-15).

Hemchand Gossai

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

TITHE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)