THE TITHE
Let us start by examining the purpose for tithing in the Old Testament.
Tithing is established for the provision of the full-time servants of God. Before the Law the Priest Melchizedek, as God’s Servant, was ordained to show God’s Way unto the people and offer the sacrifices for man’s sins unto God. He received tithes for his service as God’s Priest in the earth. This is one of the first recorded incidents that specifically states that tithes were given to the servant of the Most High God.
Genesis 14:18-20
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. KJV
This lets us see that tithing was an established practice for God's servant (or His people) even before the nation of Israel was formed. Tithing continued to be observed during the Law. It’s primary purpose was for the provision for the Levites and Aaron’s Priesthood. The Levites and Aaron’s household were all full-time servants of God, the ministry was their career and discipline (their life). The tithe of the children of Israel was God's inheritance for the full-time servants of God. This money was to be used for the provision of the servants of the Tabernacle of God.
Numbers 18:23-29
23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.
24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
25 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
27 And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.
28 Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD's heave offering to Aaron the priest.
29 Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it. KJV
In verse 26 we see the designated amount of the tithe which is ten percent of all your increase. This is not limited to money but it also includes livestock, food, spices, etc... or whatever that has increased in your substance.
Deuteronomy 12:17-19
17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
18 But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.
19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. KJV
The tithe was used for the provision of the servants of God, it also encouraged the Levites and priest to continue faithfully in their service toward the Temple of God, the study of Law, cleansing ceremonies and prayers for the people. This is recorded in 2 Chronicles 31:4-6
4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the fields; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps. KJV
We can see this same thought of encouragement and faithfulness to continue partaking of the things of God in Nehemiah 10:37-39
37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God. KJV
It is very obvious from the scriptures that the servant of God can spend more time on the things of God if their needs are met. Historically, the Children of Israel were shepherds (Genesis 46:31-34) and they all had specific skills that also allowed then to prosper in the works of their hands even outside of shepherding, remember Joseph. However, the Levites and the Priest were chosen by God to attend upon the things of God continuously. The Children of Israel were given an inheritance in the land of Israel but the inheritance for the Levites and Priest was the tithe from the other tribes of Israel. God was also the Levites and Priest inheritance, Himself according to Numbers 18:20-22
20 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. KJV
Notice that is was not acceptable to God for the children of Levi to do whatever they wanted. They were told to service God in the tabernacle of the congregation or be classified as a sinner and possibly die. The thought that as believers we can do whatever we want to do is ungodly. God's heart of mercy is so large that even when people refuse to obey His Calling upon their life they will not face instant death, but they will never enjoy the full measure of God’s peace and protection if they continue to ignore His Purpose for their life. The Lord Himself desires to be our spiritual portion and wealth as opposed to lands and possessions. For all those in the full-time ministry should have an attitude of God's Will first, which is loving people as He loves them regardless of the pay. We can see that God will provide for His servants financially but money should never be our motive for His service. We must keep our priorities straight and our conscience clean before God. We can see from a practical stand point if the servant of God has food and shelter with their family adequately supplied they can concentrate on the study of God’s Will whole heartedly without distraction. This honor of the servant of God has a dual purpose.
1) One it was bless the people in the minister’s influence because the servant of God will be more knowledgeable and better able to help whoever needs advice or ministry.
Malachi 2:4-7
4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.
6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.
7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. KJV
And Jeremiah 3:14-15
14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. KJV
And Acts 6:2-4
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. KJV
2) Secondly, it will give God the opportunity to bless those that believe in His Structure because the Lord promises divine engagement into the lives of all those who support His Plan.
Malachi 3:7-12
7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. KJV
Ultimately it always comes back to God's Love which He has for us and all mankind. The Lord loves us so much that He set up a system to have 24 hour access to our lives in every area if we would only follow His Word, His Commandments. Tithing is so much more than just giving God (or the Church, or Minister, or Priest, etc...) a sum of money according to what we just read in Malachi 3:11 it is part of God's Divine Protection and Guidance Plan for your financial portfolio. We tithe primary to show our love for God and His people, and because this motive is right God promises to bless the works of our hands and protect us from certain financial attacks from the enemy of our soul. Some have thought that the meat in His House is for the poor and needy (verse 10) which is fine. However if you understand exactly who the tithe is for as explained earlier you know that the tithe was for the servants of God specifically. The Levites and the Priest needed meat in the Temple of God to provide for them and their family. If no provision is in the Temple of God (The Church) the servant of God must use his hands to work in order to provide for his family. The Lord is very practical, He told us in 1 Timothy 5:7,8 that the head of the household should provide for his household, speaking about godly men.
And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. NKJV
This lets us see that God is very interested in His Divine Plan for mankind. His Plan always includes a servant of His choosing to carry out His Plan (His Message) with a team of faithful believers to carry it unto the world. The great thing about doing things God's Way is that it will bless the giver as we just discussed and it will mutually bless the receiver. The receiver will be able to fulfil God's Will for their life without distraction as recorded in 2 Chronicles 31:8-12
8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.
9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,
12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. KJV
In this example notice the word "Since" verse 10, this implies that when the people did not bring in their offerings and tithe there was not enough to eat, nor did they have any left. This scenario would make it appear that God did not bless His people. Thus, making God look bad because the people disobeyed His Commandments concerning tithing. We notice that God’s intention is clear, the people are obedient to His Way of tithing for God’s servants. In return the Lord helps those people to make provision with extra and they give their tithes to the minister (Levites and Priests) so that the Priest can proclaim God's Ways with prayer for God's Blessing for the whole nation. This practice of tithing is consistent in the Holy Bible as we can see from Ezekiel 44:27-30
27 And in the day that he goeth into the sanctuary, unto the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, saith the Lord GOD.
28 And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
29 They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.
30 And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house. KJV
When things are done the right way everyone benefits the firstfruits of all things is generally the best of the harvest. Remember the tithe is holy unto the Lord so it would not be wise to offer a lesser gift. Some have referred to tithing as a gift of worship, that would suggest, to give (offer) God your best. Those that do this consistently can claim verse 30 where the Lord promised to cause His blessing to rest in their house, which would include all people living with you. Having a house with the blessing of God in it does contain certain spiritual fruit as shown in Nehemiah 12:43-47
43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron. KJV
These verses emphasize the great joy that was present in Jerusalem due to the people honoring God with their substance. The means the city was full of God’s Presence publicly (the temple, business, etc…) and privately (in their homes, on their land, etc…). We can see that the priests and Levites represent God’s servant and honoring them meant honoring God. Today, this tells us that He desires for each and every one of His ministers to have adequate provision to the place of joy being in their heart because they are experiencing the goodness of God in their life. The receiver is supposed to be blessed by God with more than adequate provision for himself and his family. The giver will be blessed by honoring God as recorded in the life of our Father of faith Abraham because God always honors the tither. Remember we stated early in Genesis 14:18-20 that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (the priest of the most High God), therefore we know that Abraham observed the practice of tithing.
Genesis 24:34-35
34 And he said, I am Abraham's servant.
35 And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses. KJV
Let us be very clear in this matter, we (Angela and I) are in no way saying that if you tithe you should be rich in silver, or rich in gold, or rich in menservants and maidservants, or rich in much livestock. What we are stating is if you tithe God will honor you with a better life and a better outlook on life because He will see to it that you are provided for. Remember Jacob also promised to be a tither and God's Blessing upon his life came in different ways and at different times. The greatest blessing (honor) one can even imagine is to have God answer your prayers (concerns, trouble, major problems, etc..) when ever you call upon His Name. Let us look at a few examples of Jacob (later known as Israel) starting with Genesis 28:10-29:1
10 And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.
11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. KJV
Notice Jacob promised to give God a tenth (10 percent) of what the Lord gave him. Jacob was showing us that a percentage (10%) of what he increased would be God's Money, devoted totally to the Lord for His purposes. The following examples show part of the blessings that came upon Jacob after he made this promise.
Genesis 31:9-13
9 Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.
12 And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.
13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. KJV
In this example we see that God gave Jacob the wisdom to prosper in his job (occupation) which would increase his financial condition. Notice that the Lord specifically quoted back to Jacob the place where he (Jacob) made a vow unto the Lord. This shows us that the Lord is paying attention to what we do and say. This also shows us that the Lord will honor the agreement between His Word (His Covenant) and us. This took place when Jacob was about to make a major change in his life. Jacob needed re-assurance about his actions because relocating could cost him and his family their life due to the fact that Esau vowed to kill him after the death of his father, Isaac.-Refer to Genesis 27:41,42 In Genesis 32:1-3 we only show you the major highlight of his deliverance which was the angels of God met with Jacob.
1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. KJV
This meeting was primarily for encouragement for Jacob to continue on his journey back to the promise land. However, as Jacob obeyed, the Lord arranged for another divine meeting to strengthen and calm Jacob before he met with his brother Esau face to face. The Lord always desires for us to face our challenges in life head on without fear, for God is able to protect us and deliver us from all our fears. We know that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind according to 2 Timothy 1:7 This divine encounter came at a time when Jacob was very distressed because he had heard that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred (400) men.-Refer to Genesis 32:6-12 It is always good to know that when the outlook is dim, God is able to give us a bright outcome. Amen!
Genesis 32:24-30
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. KJV
In this encounter Jacob thought he wrestled with God and prevailed but all Christians (Believers, Saints) know that is impossible to wrestled with God and win. The Lord does not wrestle with His servants He simply tells them what to do and the consequences if they don’t. Another possible thought is that Jacob wrestled with an Angel of God but that would contradict the scripture in 2 Peter 2:11 which states Angels are greater in might and power than man. I personally believe this encounter took place with the nature of his flesh driven by the spirit of fear. We must conquer our personal fears or else they will conquer us. The nature of our flesh operates in the negative and often seems to prefer the ways of darkness. This position is established because firstly - the event happened at night; secondly - the Holy Bible states it was a man, not a spirit, and definitely not a Divine Being; thirdly - neither one demonstrated that they had superior power; fourthly - the result of the damage to Jacob was a weaker body. This shows us that mere mortal man must lean on God to have success in the earth and make it to Heaven. For that time on the flesh of Jacob was broken so that his spirit could thrive. The staff of Jacob (Genesis 32:9-12) represents the same thing that the Rod of Moses (Exodus 4:1-4) represented which is the Power of God. Today, we lean (depend) upon God’s Holy Word, not the arm (or legs) of the flesh. Fifthly - this being (opponent) knew to constrain him or bet him (prevail against him) you must have power with God. Today if we have the Spirit of God and the Name of Jesus we too can master our flesh and it’s evil tendencies. Sixthly - this being was afraid of the day, or we could say “the Light”. No being of the Kingdom of God is threatened by light, on the contrary the light enhances their efforts. Seventhly - the being did not want to declare his name which shows us that it is not important. Thus, his name would not of Glorified God. The most important note to make in this whole encounter is that Jacob prayed to God and the Lord answered his prayer in a supernatural way. Verse 30 sums it all up for Jacob with the statement, “my life is preserved”. In other words everything is going to be all right. The blessing of God will stay with the servant of God as you face challenges in your life. As long as Jacob continued to honor God the Lord was always there to honor him. We can see that at another time in Jacob life God reminded him that He still had great plans for Jacob and his seed, so great of a blessing that he would become the nation of Israel.
Genesis 35:9-15
9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan-aram, and blessed him.
10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.
11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.
13 And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.
14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel. KJV
Remember Jacob left this land with very little and he returns with very much. Jacob left this land due to fear of death from his brother and now he returns to this land in faith and love for his brother. God didn't tell Jacob exactly what would happen in his life but the Lord did let him know that he and his family would be all right. The protection of God with the protection of Jacob's assets continued to be with Jacob, even when his children walked in rebellion. This is demonstrated in Genesis 34:30-35:5 when Simeon and Levi killed the men of the land that dwelt next to Jacob property.
30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
The blessing of divine protection was not just upon his flesh and blood but also upon his assets. They lost nothing and remained safe through God's Protection. We can see that God is able to provide great deliverance for those who trust in Him but we must be willing and obedient to His Word. We have taken a few different looks at the life of Jacob because it is important for each Believer to know that God protects us in many ways and tithing can provide much more than a financial return. God told us in Malachi 3:11 that He would rebuke the devourer so that he would not be able to destroy you and we just saw some examples of that. In that same context the Lord told them that their failure to not tithe robbed Him and the whole nation in verses 8 and 9. When the servant of God does not have provision from God according to the promise of God’s Laws ultimately God is blamed. The nation of Israel was chosen by God to represent His Will upon the earth. They had a covenant with God to obey His Laws, statures and precepts to dishonor the agreement by nonpayment is the same result of taking money from an individual. To take that which does not belong to you is robbing or stealing, gun or no gun. The tithe belongs to the Levites and the priest and to not give it to them is robbing God because His Servant represents Him. This disobedience to God’s Word cursed the whole nation of Israel because God could not bless them while they where in disobedience to His Word. We see an example of this in Nehemiah 13:9-13
Nehemiah 13:9-13
9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. KJV
These verses show us that when the things of God are neglected God can not show Himself strong toward the offenders. Notice in verse 10 when the Levites did not have adequate provision they went back to their fields. This basically means that they were not fulfilling their calling to do work for the Temple of God and basically the Temple of God was out of order. Whenever God’s House in the land of Israel is not right it always follows that the Nation of Israel as a people are not right with God either. We can see that Nehemiah set things in order first then in verse 14 he prayed unto God with a clear conscience.
Nehemiah 13:14
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. KJV
We have shown through multiple witnesses that tithing is right and holy before God now we will mention that the proper pattern for tithing, is always 10 percent of your increase. This is not ten 10 percent of all the money that you receive but rather 10 percent of your increase. What this means is that if you brought home 100 dollars from work but you spent 50 dollars to do your work your increase is 50 dollars. Thus, your tithe is 5 dollars (ten percent of 50 dollars). Now would be a good time to tackle the controversial issue of do you tithe on the gross or net? We recommend being open to either one considering your profession. I will explain; if the money you receive from an employer does not have taxes taken out, and you are in control of the full gross amount you could pay tithe on the Gross Income. However, it would be prudent to set aside your estimated income tax in a saving account and gain interest on that saving account until the time that your taxes became due. Remember paying your taxes is God’s Will according to Mark 12:13-17
13 Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. 14 When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?"
But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them,"Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it."16 So they brought it.
And He said to them,"Whose image and inscription is this?"They said to Him, "Caesar's."
17 And Jesus answered and said to them,"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
And they marveled at Him. NKJV
The statement, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”, is the answer of yes to pay taxes to the government. The Gross amount works when no deductions are taken out because it truly is your first fruits and it is totally in your control. If the church you attend teaches you to put a certain amount on taxes immediately then count the amount left over as increase, that is OK also. The amount left would be your net income tithing on the net is acceptable before God. I will say though if you have extra income and you can afford the extra amount tithing on the gross just might be better for you. One reason why tithing on the gross would be better includes if your heart really believes you should, this way you keep a clear conscience before God. Another reason I have heard that tithing on the gross could be better if you are really doing quite well financial because a larger investment in the Kingdom of God is a very smart investment. We have tithed on both the gross and net because of how the Lord instructed Angela and I. We can tell you from experience the Lord has been consistent to bless us on both fronts. Typically, if you are not financially strong tithing on the net is more practical because specifically speaking the net is your increase. Many companies take out taxes before you get your check, thus that tax money could never be your first fruits because it is indeed the company’s first fruits. If you have no control of when the money will be taken out and if the money will be taken out it can not be considered your money, the companies yes, your money no. I know it will show up on your W-2 form but it will be classified as prepaid tax. If you tithe on the Net Income be sure you also tithe on your income tax refund (federal, state and/or city) if you receive one. If you tithe on the Gross Income you do not need to tithe again on the Income Tax refund check. Some companies take out various deductions before you receive your take home pay. This is the difference, if you decided to take it out, (like a 401k, insurance premiums, etc…) you should pay tithes on that amount because it was done under your control. If you had no choice in the matter, it can not be considered your first fruits. Therefore it is up to your discretion if you desire to tithe on that amount or not. Some government may decide to over tax the people at a rate of 70%. This could mean, for example, your check grossed 100 dollars but the government took automatically 70 dollars. If you paid tithes on the 100 dollars your tithe would be 10 dollars leaving you only 20 dollars to live off. Now if you tithe off the net the scenario changes a little in your favor, now you would pay a tithe of 3 dollars (10% of 30 dollars) leaving you 27 dollars to live off. The Lord is not trying to make your life hard He only ask you to give 10 percent of your increase to His System of Ministry. The second situation takes the leverage out of the hands of the employer/government and gives it back unto the receiver because tithing is personal, not corporate. There is more than one way to look at the tithing amount whether on Gross or Net Income. We encourage tithing period, if you have only a little tithing on the Net is always better than not tithing at all. If you have a lot then tithing on the Gross is probably better for you then tithing on the Net. There may be certain situations where you do both. It is not uncommon to tithe of the Net Income of your checks received from your employer and also tithe off the Gross Income of all gifts you receive from people. Remember the Holy Bible does not focus on Gross or Net it simply states the first fruits of our increase so we can rest assured whatever increases us in our daily life should be tithed upon. Please do not allow yourself to be confused or condemned about tithing this was created to be a joyous occasion with God. The Holy Bible declares what ever you do, do it unto the Lord if you obey that concept with a clear conscience you do well.
Colossians 3:23-24
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. KJV
We can see by the previous examples that tithing was the Will of God for each individual who desired to follow Him into a deeper fellowship. Tithing is used to send a clear message that as the people go so goes the priest. If the nation of Israel did not stay faithful to God’s Word of provision for the Levites and priest, then the Levites and priest didn’t stay faithful to serve God in the Temple. And vice-versa if the priest goes astray so do the people that follow him. Using a percentage (10 percent) keeps everyone dependent upon each other. This is a good way to stay connected to God's People. We can conclude if the nation of Israel was in financial lack the priest would know it immediately because he is the recipient of their offerings. He should start seeking God for the answer and immediately deliver that divine answer to the people. This is exactly what the Prophet of God does to reconcile the sins of a nation. Likewise if the Nation of Israel is doing extremely well the Priest would also know that because the amount of his tithe would increase. This is important to God to keep everyone on a level living field. The Lord desired for His Servants to be able to identify with the people they serve. It is never a good thing for any person in leadership to require a lifestyle that is so expensive it causes them to lose touch with the reality their people are living in. Leaders that displayed this trait were not the best leaders. These principles of God are timeless and started in the Book of Genesis and traveled into our dispensation. In the New Covenant we still notice the principle of God choosing to use the money of those receiving the Good Word of God from the minister to pay for the minister’s services, their salary. Thus, God’s Plan of tithing is still being observed today.
1 Corinthians 9:7-14
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. KJV
And 1 Timothy 5:17-18
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (speaking of financial blessings), especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. KJV
Tithing is apart of the New Testament doctrine if the believer desires to bless God’s establish offices (Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor, and Evangelist). We don’t have to tithe to gain God’s Love. We simply tithe because we love God’s people and His full-time ministers and submit unto His Holy Written Word of instructions.
Hebrews 7:1-17
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. KJV
In verse 8 it states that on earth men that die receive tithes, the writer (many presume the Apostle Paul) is writing to Christian’s, therefore tithing was still being practiced. If this was only for the Old Testament the writer would of stated than men who were here received (past tense) tithes. Since the past tense was not used we should keep this verse in the present tense of our dispensation. Tithing is for the New Testament just as much as it was God’s Will in the Old Testament. If one believes the principle that the full-time servant of God should be financially supported by the people he/she ministers to, then that same principle would compel the worshipper of God to tithe. Not tithing will never stop God from loving you or blessing you in some form or fashion, but it does add more blessing to you. The principle is that when you help finance the Lord’s Work upon the earth according to His Word this always brings added blessing from God, even to the “n-th” degree.
Jesus endorsed tithing
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.KJV
Jesus stated that tithing should be done for God’s servants while we must continue to display good judgment in our personal decisions and show mercy to others by using our faith in God. Tithing is just like everything else in the Word of God only through faith and God’s Grace can one accurately see this truth. However the truth you see does not automatically make one a doer of the Word of God, only those who’s actions correspond with their heart’s belief and mouth’s confession will receive the full benefits of tithing. We are encouraged by God’s people in unison with God’s Word to bless others, especially those of the Household of Faith.
Galatians 6:6-10
6 Those who are taught the word of God should help their teachers by paying them.
7 Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. 10 Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters. NLT
One way to bless others (God’s Servants) is by showing them your love through the channel of tithing. This action will certainly be justified before God because you are helping to do God’s Plan of helping our fellow man. Amen!
In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster