Deuteronomy 14: More About Tithe

"Each year you are to set aside a tenth of all the produce grown in your fields.  You are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, in the presence of the Lord your God at the place where He chooses to have His name dwell, so that you will always learn to fear the Lord your God."

Deuteronomy 14:22-23

Israelites were never asked to give ten percent of their money to the church, as we are taught today.  They were instructed to take a tenth of their produce (crops and livestock) to the tabernacle (at this point a tent, but later a temple in Jerusalem) and feast upon it in the presence of the Lord.  If they lived so far away that taking a tenth of their produce with them wasn't an option, they sold it where they lived, brought the money with them, and used it to buy a feast when they got to Jerusalem.

The purpose of this was to rejoice in what the Lord had given, and to understand that without Him they would have nothing.  Thus, they should fear the Lord's retribution if they act against His Commands.  This whole section about tithe follows instruction not to engage in forbidden practices.

"At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and store it within your gates.  Then the Levite who has no portion or inheritance among you, the foreign resident, fatherless, and widow within your gates may come, eat, and be satisfied.  And the Lord your God will bless you in all the work of your hands that you do."

Deuteronomy 14:28-29

Every third year, Israelites are commanded to keep their tithe in storage rather than eat it themselves.  For two years, they celebrate by feasting.  Then for the third year, they celebrate by sharing their blessings with those in need.  Still, they are not asked to give any money to the church.

I'm not advocating that people stop giving money to their churches.  I think that donating money to the church is an excellent form of charity, and I definitely believe that ministers do a job worth getting paid for.  However, I think that we've come a long way from understanding the biblical idea of tithe.

Question of the Day:

In what way(s) do you celebrate the abundance the Lord has given you?

Prayer of the Day:

All praise to You, the King of Kings, who has blessed me with an abundance of joy!  My heart rejoices in Your love!  Let every meal I eat and every smile I greet be a celebration dedicated unto You.  Amen.