Tithes

Tithing, while deeply rooted in the Torah (Old Testament), has become a controversial subject in modern times. To arrive at a true understanding of tithing, we must examine all relevant verses in the Torah, with a focus on its original purpose and proper practice. It is essential to note that with no temple, no Levites actively serving, and no High Priest from the lineage of Aaron, the biblical requirements for tithing cannot be fulfilled today. Let’s explore what Scripture says.

1. The Foundation of Tithing in the Torah

Genesis 14:18-20

Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek after a victory in battle. This was a voluntary act of honor, not a commandment.

Genesis 28:20-22
Jacob vowed to give a tenth of his blessings to Yahuwah, but this, too, was a personal vow, not a law.
These early examples of tithing predate the Mosaic Law and show that tithing was initially an individual act of devotion.

2. Tithing as Defined Under the Mosaic Law

Tithing became a formal commandment in the Torah, specifically for the children of Israel, and was always tied to agricultural produce and livestock—not money.

Levitical Tithes

• Numbers 18:21-24: The Levites, who had no inheritance in the Promised Land, were to receive the tithes as their provision. This was Yahuwah’s way of supporting the tribe set apart for temple service.
• Leviticus 27:30-33: A tithe of the land, whether seed or fruit, and the firstborn of livestock, was holy and belonged to Yahuwah. If someone redeemed part of their tithe, they were to add a fifth to its value.

Festival Tithes

• Deuteronomy 14:22-27: A second tithe was set apart for the people to eat and celebrate in the presence of Yahuwah at the place He chose (the tabernacle or temple). If the journey was too long, the tithe could be converted into money, which would then be used to buy food and drink to enjoy before Yahuwah with joy and thanksgiving.

Charity Tithes

• Deuteronomy 14:28-29: Every third year, a tithe was stored within the towns and given to the Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows. This was called the “poor man’s tithe.”

3. Three Types of Tithes

From these verses, we identify three distinct tithes:

1. Levitical Tithe: Given to the Levites for their service.
2. Festival Tithe: Consumed by the family in Yahuwah’s presence during feasts.
3. Poor Man’s Tithe: Reserved every third year for the disadvantaged.

4. Key Points to Consider

1. Tithes Were Agricultural: The tithe was always food products from the land—grain, wine, oil, and livestock. Monetary tithes were not part of the Torah.
2. Tithes Were Linked to the Land of Israel: The laws of tithing were tied to the Promised Land and its agricultural produce, as seen in Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 12:1.
3. Temple and Priesthood: Tithing required an operational temple, Levites, and a High Priest. With the destruction of the temple in 70 CE and the absence of a functioning Levitical priesthood, the system of tithing outlined in the Torah cannot be implemented today.

5. Tithing in Practice: How It Was Used

• Deuteronomy 14:22-29: A portion of the tithe was to be eaten by the family in Yahuwah’s presence, shared with the Levites, and given to the poor. This demonstrates that tithing was as much about community and celebration as it was about provision for religious leaders.

6. Conclusion: Can Tithes Be Paid Today?

Given the Torah’s specific instructions, tithes cannot be paid to modern churches or clergy under the pretense of fulfilling Yahuwah’s law because:

• There is no temple.
• There are no active Levites serving in their biblically designated role.
• The tithe was always agricultural, not monetary.

Instead, as believers, we can honor the principles of tithing by:

1. Eating in Yahuwah’s Presence: Using part of our resources to rejoice with family and community during worship or festivals (Deuteronomy 14:26).
2. Helping the Poor: Sharing with the fatherless, widows, and strangers, reflecting Yahuwah’s heart for justice and compassion (Deuteronomy 14:29).
3. Voluntary Giving: Supporting teachers of truth and ministries aligned with Yahuwah’s word, though this is not a requirement.

Final Thoughts

“Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22), and Yahuwah desires us to align our actions with His truth. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), and our works should reflect true understanding of His Word. If we choose to honor Yahuwah with our resources, let us do so with joy, generosity, and adherence to His instructions, knowing that our blessings come from Him.

Would you like to explore how these principles align with modern giving practices?