Old Testament Commandments
Leviticus 27:30
“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. ” This sacred practice serves as a reminder of the abundance that God provides and encourages gratitude among His followers. Furthermore, just as the land yields its produce, so too do we reap the rewards of our faithfulness in giving. Reflecting on this connection to nature, one may find richness in the best bible verses about flowers, which illustrate God’s beauty and care for His creation.
Reflection: This verse establishes the principle that the tithe belongs to the Lord and is considered holy. It underscores the importance of dedicating a portion of one’s produce to God as an act of worship and obedience.
Numbers 18:21
“To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting.”
Reflection: This verse explains that the tithe was given to the Levites as their inheritance for their service in the tabernacle. It highlights the practical purpose of tithing in supporting those who serve in ministry.
Deuteronomy 14:22
“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year.”
Reflection: This commandment emphasizes the regularity and consistency of tithing. It instructs the Israelites to set aside a portion of their annual produce as a tithe to the Lord.
Purpose and Blessings of Tithing
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Reflection: This verse highlights the promise of blessings associated with faithful tithing. God invites His people to test Him by bringing the full tithe, promising abundant blessings in return.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Reflection: This passage connects the act of honoring God with one’s wealth to the promise of prosperity. It encourages believers to prioritize giving to God, assuring them of His provision and blessings.
2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.”
Reflection: This verse illustrates the enthusiastic response of the Israelites to the command to tithe. It shows the collective effort and willingness to give generously to support the work of the Lord.
Tithing in the New Testament
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Reflection: Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing but criticizes the religious leaders for neglecting more important matters of the law. This verse emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to tithing and living out one’s faith.
Luke 11:42
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Reflection: Similar to Matthew 23:23, this verse highlights the importance of not only tithing but also practicing justice and love. It calls for a holistic approach to faith that includes both giving and righteous living.
Hebrews 7:8
“In the one case, tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives.”
Reflection: This verse contrasts the Levitical priesthood with the priesthood of Melchizedek, to whom Abraham gave a tithe. It underscores the enduring principle of tithing and its connection to a greater spiritual reality.
Examples of Tithing
Genesis 14:20
“And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
Reflection: This verse recounts Abraham’s act of giving a tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. It serves as an early example of tithing as an expression of gratitude and worship.
Genesis 28:22
“And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Reflection: Jacob’s vow to give a tenth of all he receives from God reflects his commitment to honor God with his possessions. It highlights the personal and voluntary nature of tithing as an act of devotion.
Nehemiah 10:38
“And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.”
Reflection: This verse describes the organized system of tithing in Nehemiah’s time, where the Levites collected tithes and brought a portion to the temple. It underscores the communal and structured aspect of tithing in supporting religious services.
Tithing and Generosity
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Reflection: This verse emphasizes the attitude and motivation behind giving. It encourages believers to give willingly and joyfully, highlighting that God values the heart behind the gift.
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Reflection: This verse quotes Jesus’ teaching on the blessedness of giving. It encourages believers to adopt a generous spirit, recognizing the greater blessing that comes from giving rather than receiving.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Reflection: Jesus teaches that generosity leads to abundant blessings. This verse encourages believers to give generously, trusting that God will provide and bless them in return.
Tithing and Worship
Deuteronomy 26:12
“When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled.”
Reflection: This verse highlights the social and communal aspect of tithing. It emphasizes that tithes were used to support not only religious leaders but also the marginalized and needy in the community.
Nehemiah 12:44
“On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.”
Reflection: This verse describes the organization and joy associated with tithing in Nehemiah’s time. It underscores the importance of proper administration and the communal celebration of supporting those who minister.
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer willingly as this? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
Reflection: David acknowledges that everything comes from God, and giving is simply returning a portion of what already belongs to Him. This verse highlights the humility and gratitude that should accompany tithing.
Tithing and God’s Provision
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: This verse assures believers of God’s provision. It encourages trust in God’s ability to meet all needs, which can inspire confidence in giving generously.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Reflection: Jesus teaches that prioritizing God’s kingdom leads to the provision of all necessities. This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s provision as they give and seek His kingdom.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Reflection: These verses highlight the paradox of generosity leading to greater wealth. They encourage believers to give freely, trusting that God will bless and enrich them in return.
Tithing and Obedience
Deuteronomy 14:23
“And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.”
Reflection: This verse connects tithing with learning to fear and revere God. It emphasizes that tithing is an act of obedience that fosters a deeper relationship with God.
Nehemiah 13:12
“Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses.”
Reflection: This verse describes the collective obedience of the people in bringing their tithes to the storehouses. It highlights the importance of community-wide faithfulness in tithing.
Malachi 3:8
“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.”
Reflection: God accuses the Israelites of robbing Him by withholding tithes and offerings. This verse underscores the seriousness of neglecting tithing and the need for faithful obedience.
