God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

B. JACOB (Genesis 28), was aware of the amount due to God, but was reluctant to give it. A revelation of God's presence gave him a desire to give and enter covenant. THEREFORE, we have two classic examples of tithing in the first book of the Bible: wealthy Abraham and penniless (at this time) Jacob. 5. WHAT TYPE OF GIVING WAS DEMANDED UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES? Three tithes are mentioned, and also strong admonitions about being liberal to the poor and strangers. A. "THE LORD'S TITHE" or "THE LEVITICAL TITHE' ' was for the support of the priesthood. Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-32. The tithe included one tenth of all possessions, nothing was exempt. The ministry was just as obligated to tithe as the people. B. THE SECOND TITHE or "THE FESTIVAL TITHE" was for worship, joy and maintaining the fear of God. Deuteronomy 14:22-27. Those who find it difficult to give find it difficult to worship. This tithe consisted of the yearly increase and was eaten and enjoyed by the tither himself at the God-ordained meeting place. C. THE THIRD TITHE for the poor came every three years, and insured the blessing of God upon the donors. Deuteronomy 14:28, 29. This was given to the widows, the fatherless, the strangers and Levites. D. ADDITIONAL GIVING. There was to be a further giving of substance to the poor and strangers. Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 24:19-21. Note Ruth 2:2-17. And, as if that is not enough, note the ultimate tithe: giving one out of every ten people for God's service! Nehemiah 11:1, 2.

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