Rev. David Holwick Evening Bible Study
First Baptist Church Bible study Ledgewood, New Jersey
April 20, 1997
Malachi 3:6-12, etc.
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I. The principles of tithing.
A. We give a PORTION to God to acknowledge that ALL is from God.
B. Tithing is important to supporting the ministry of God's work.
C. The tithe is a guideline but not a law.
1) Its application changed over the years.
II. Key Bible passages.
A. Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-32; Deuteronomy 12:5-18; 14:22-29.
B. Matthew 23:23; Luke 18:12; Heb 7:2-10
III. History of the tithe.
A. Abraham, the first Jew, tithed to Melchizedek. Gen 14:18-20
B. Moses commands the tithe as an obligation. Lev 27:30-33
1) Tithe of fruit and grain could be bought back.
a) In some periods, only crops were tithed. Neh 10:37
2) Animals could not be bought back.
a) Defective animals could not be preferred.
3) God gets the tithe before people can use the crop. Lev 23:14
4) Part is consumed by offerer, part given to priests. Num 18:11
a) Fellowship was an important aspect.
C. Jerusalem became the focal point of all tithing. Deut 12:5
1) Third year tithe was held in local town. Deut 26:12
a) Charitable benefit stressed.
2) Two cycles, then Sabbath year?
D. Conflict between Deut 14:22-27 and Numbers 18:21-32.
1) Deut has tithe going to Levites, who tithe to priests.
a) They can eat it wherever they wish, not just Jerusalem.
2) Rabbinical resolution.
a) Two tithes, one for Levites and other for family.
b) A third tithe for the poor took the place of the
second every three years. Deut 14:28-29
3) Modern interpretation.
a) One tithe, not two or three.
b) Tithe changed as Israel's situation changed.
1> In Wilderness it was given to priests for poor.
2> In Kingdom it was eaten with priests in feast,
then shared with poor in third year.
E. Correct tithing brought prosperity to God's work. 2 Chron 31:4-12
IV. Abuse of tithing.
A. Practice of it can become empty posturing. Amos 4:4; cf. Luke 18:12
B. Neglect of it robs God. Malachi 3:8-12
V. New Testament perspective.
A. Jesus acknowledges tithe but balances it with justice. Matt 23:23
B. The tithe is suggested but not demanded - it is possible to
give more to God. Mark 12:41-44; Matthew 19:27-29
C. Whatever we give, it must be done voluntarily, regularly and
cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
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