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TITHING IS NEEDFUL IN GOD’S SERVICE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 4
Deuteronomy 14:22-29

Malachi 3:8-10

 

“Bring ye all the tithes

into the storehouse…”

 

TITHING IS NEEDFUL IN GOD’S SERVICE
 
Tithing was meant to render service before the Lord. Tithing originated from Abraham when he gave tithes to Melchisedec (Heb 7:1-2). Jacob also promised to give tithes in Genesis 28:22. This was before the Mosaic Law was given. Tithing is formally promulgated in Leviticus 27:30-33. These were to be given to the Levites and the Levites to the priests. The Levites and priests among them were ministers.
 
Israel was commanded to give tithes of the seeds of the field, the food crops and of their domestic animals. They could also give in the form of money. This was part of the worship of Israel and they had to deliver their tithes when they went to the place of worship. There were rules regarding the tithes, and honesty was required of everyone.
 
There were specific feasts that were appointed for Israel every year and part of those feasts was their sacrifice offering and contribution of the tithes. They were to eat in a place that God would appoint. In Israel’s history, Jerusalem was the appointed place as the Temple was there. When they had to travel to Jerusalem, they were told to change their gifts into money and they would buy again in the place of worship. They were also commanded to give the Levites their due so that they might be able to render their service without worry for their livelihood. This continued through the history of Israel. In the time of Nehemiah after the return from Babylon, tithe-giving was neglected. Nehemiah reprimanded the nation for their uncaring attitude. It was about that time also that Malachi commented and stressed the need to tithe and the blessings that would come with it. Tithing is continued to this day because it is a worthy and reasonable proportion to give to the Lord who said, “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” (Mal 3:10).
 
THOUGHT: Tithing is necessary to render full service to the Lord.

PRAYER: Father, may I always give a worthy portion to Thee.

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