Tithing Essay Discussion Paper
Tithe in the OT (Thu 16 June): Briefly study every reference to the tithe in Moses and in Malachi.[2] Then answer the following questions. What is a tithe? What is it made on (what material)? To whom was it given? What was done with it? When was it given? Why was it given (what was its purpose)? Was the tithe given on the gross or on the net? (be very careful with the answer to this question) Explain how you know the answers to these questions. Use 3-4 pages (see syllabus writing guide)Tithing Essay Discussion Paper.
2] In ESV the following: Lev 27.30-32; Num 18.21, 24, 26, 28; Deut 12.6, 11, 17, 14.22-24, 28, 26.12, 14; Mal 3.8, 10.
Tithe
The tithe is popular in early and modern churches. All the Christians are encouraged to give tithes and offerings to their churches to attract support for God’s work and kingdom. In return, tithing attracts blessings. This paper presents tithing as addressed by Malachi and Moses, including what it was made of, people who were given the tithe, its purpose, and if it was supposed to be a percentage of gross or net income Tithing Essay Discussion Paper.
What is a tithe?
The concept of tithing is widely covered in the Bible, especially by Moses and in Malachi. The book of Malachi describes tithe as a way of supporting God’s kingdom business and putting God first in one’s life to attract blessings. First, in Malachi 3:9-10, “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so 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.” The Bible also states “‘Test Me in this way,’ says the LORD of Hosts” “‘See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure” (Malachi. 3:10). Additionally, Malachi 3:11–12 of the Bible says, “Open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it?” This Bible verse implies that God will bless those who tithe genuinely. Furthermore, the book of Malachi describes the failure to pay tithe as a way of robbing God. Malachi 3:8 states. “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. ‘But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions”
On the other hand, Moses covered the concept of tithe widely. Moses presents tithing as central to God’s law and a way of acknowledging God as the source of people’s health, wealth, and well-being. Deuteronomy 8:18; “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” More so, through offering, the Israelites would attract God’s blessings. Deuteronomy 28:12; “The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.” Additionally, Moses instructed the Israelites that offering should not be more than what is required; “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” Then Moses gave an order…”No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary,” Exodus 36: 3-6. Moses also declared it a claim to appear before the Lord empty-handed. Deuteronomy 16:16; “No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed.” Tithing Essay Discussion Paper
What is tithe made on?
The tithe is made of money and material things. People were advised to bring 10% of their income to God’s house to support His work. “Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house,” Mal. 3:10. Additionally, the Bible states that Israelites were instructed to bring their tithes of grain, olives, wine, and meat, which were to be stored in the Temple. These goods were supposed to assist the Levites and the priests who were serving God vocationally since they were their only source of income. Hence, the tithes would support God’s work. Additionally, tithes were used to meet the needs of poor community members. Finally, goods that were offered to the church were used to meet Temple operations expenses. Therefore, tithes and offerings were considered God’s means of meeting the financial needs of His church.
To whom was tithe given?
The tithe that was described by Malachi was given to the priests and priests who were serving God in the temple vocationally. These servants did not have any other job; hence they met all their needs through tithes and offerings. Tithes also enabled the priests to celebrate the annual sacred feast. Funds that were given in the form of tithe were used to throw a party in honor of God. The priests also used a certain percentage of church tithes and offerings to help the poor church and community members. Tithing Essay Discussion Paper
Purpose of Tithe
The purpose of the title is to support God’s kingdom to attract His kingdom. In Malachi 3:7–12, “Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings and is promised great blessings.” Furthermore, Malachi 3:12 states, “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.” On the contrary, God is unhappy with people who give less than what they are blessed with. Malachi 1:14: “Cursed is that man who promises a fine ram from his flock and substitutes a sick one to sacrifice to God. For I am a Great King,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be mightily revered among the people of the world.” Additionally, Malachi 3:9-10 states, “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so 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.”
Was the tithe given on the gross or the net?
People were advised to give 10% of their net income to the temple as tithe. Giving this percentage would indicate gratitude to God for His wealth, good health, and overall well-being. Giving tithe would then attract God’s blessing. Deuteronomy 16:17, “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.”
Overall, tithing was described by Malachi and Moses as people’s way of expressing their gratitude to God and supporting His kingdom. The tithe should be given to the priests to enable them to continue with God’s work. Additionally, priests use tithes to help the poor church and community members. God in return blesses people who give their tithe to support His work Tithing Essay Discussion Paper