Tithing is often portrayed as a non-negotiable tenet of faith, but have we ever paused to ask if our understanding aligns with Scripture? Is tithing truly a New Covenant requirement, or have modern practices misrepresented its original purpose? This study dives deep into the Hebraic roots of tithing, exposing misconceptions and revealing the heart of biblical giving. Together, let's rediscover what it means to honor Elohim through generosity, free from obligation and full of grace. Tithing has long been a controversial and misunderstood topic within the realm of faith. Many believers are taught that giving 10% of their income is not just a spiritual discipline but an obligation, often tied to promises of financial blessings or warnings of divine curses. However, when we examine the Scriptures through a Hebraic Biblical lens and delve into historical and theological contexts, it becomes clear that much of what is taught about tithing today diverges significantly from its original intent.
In this exploration, we’ll uncover the biblical foundations of tithing, its transformation under the Renewed Covenant, and how modern practices often distort its purpose. We’ll also address how some leaders exploit tithing, turning it into a tool for profit rather than worship, and why returning to the heart of giving is essential for true faithfulness.
1. The Hebraic Foundations of Tithing: A Covenant of Worship and Community
Tithing in the Torah was never about monetary income or a universal tax. Instead, it was deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of ancient Israel and served specific covenantal purposes.
A. The Agricultural Basis of Tithing
The Torah defines tithing as the offering of a tenth of the land’s produce, livestock, and other agricultural goods:
Leviticus 27:30-32: “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to Yahuah; it is holy to Yahuah.”
Deuteronomy 14:22: “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
Tithing was directly tied to the land Yahuah gave Israel as their inheritance. Those who worked the land were required to tithe, while those who did not own land, such as artisans or laborers, were exempt. This context is crucial to understanding why the modern application of a universal 10% monetary tithe does not align with Scripture.
B. The Purpose of Tithing in Ancient Israel
The tithe served multiple purposes, all rooted in sustaining the covenant community:
Supporting the Levites: The Levites were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Since they had no inheritance of land, the tithe provided for their sustenance.
Numbers 18:21: “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”
Caring for the Vulnerable: Every third year, the tithe was used to support widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29: “At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns... so that they may come and eat and be satisfied.”
Celebrating Before Yahuah: Portions of the tithe were used for communal feasting and worship during the appointed festivals.
Deuteronomy 14:23: “Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and olive oil... in the presence of Yahuah your Elohim at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name.”
Key Insight: Tithing in the Torah was not about individual financial gain or institutional wealth but about communal worship, provision, and justice.
2. The Renewed Covenant: Transforming the Heart of Giving
With the coming of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach, the framework for worship and giving underwent a profound transformation. The Levitical priesthood, central to the tithing system, was fulfilled in Y’shu’ah’s perfect priesthood.
A. The Fulfillment of the Levitical System
Y’shu’ah’s sacrifice marked the end of the Temple-based worship system:
Hebrews 7:11-12: “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood... what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek?”
Matthew 5:17: Y’shu’ah declared that He came to fulfill the Torah, including its priestly and sacrificial requirements.
The destruction of the Temple in 70 CE reinforced this shift, as there was no longer a central place to bring tithes. Instead, worship became centered on faith, obedience, and the indwelling of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).
B. Generosity as the New Standard
In the Renewed Covenant, giving is characterized by voluntary generosity and a spirit of love:
2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for Elohim loves a cheerful giver.”
Acts 2:44-45: The early believers shared everything they had, meeting each other’s needs out of love and unity.
This approach emphasizes freedom and joy in giving rather than legalistic obligation. The focus shifts from percentages to the heart’s intent.
Key Insight: Under the Renewed Covenant, giving is an act of worship and love, guided by the Ruach, not a mandated tithe.
3. The Exploitation of Tithing: “Fleecing the Flock”
Sadly, many modern leaders misuse the concept of tithing for personal or institutional gain, often referred to as “fleecing the flock.”
A. Misuse of Malachi 3
One of the most frequently misapplied scriptures is Malachi 3:8-10, where Yahuah rebukes Israel for withholding tithes. This passage is often used to guilt congregants into giving, but it must be understood in context:
The rebuke was directed at Israel for failing to bring agricultural tithes to the Temple.
It had nothing to do with monetary income or the Renewed Covenant community.
B. The Prosperity Gospel
The prosperity gospel exploits believers by promising financial blessings in exchange for tithes. This false teaching turns giving into a transactional relationship with Elohim, undermining the principle of grace.
C. Neglect of the Poor
Ironically, many institutions that demand tithes fail to use those funds for their biblical purpose—caring for the poor, widows, and orphans. Instead, funds are often used for extravagant buildings, salaries, and programs that do little to advance Yahuah’s kingdom.
Key Insight: The modern tithing system often prioritizes institutional wealth over genuine worship and care for the community.
4. Returning to Biblical Giving
To align with Scripture, believers must move away from legalistic and exploitative practices and embrace the heart of giving as outlined in both the Torah and the Renewed Covenant.
A. Worship Through Giving
Giving should be an act of worship, reflecting gratitude for Yahuah’s provision:
Proverbs 3:9: “Honor Yahuah with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
B. Caring for the Vulnerable
True worship includes meeting the needs of the poor and oppressed:
Isaiah 58:6-7: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen... to share your food with the hungry?”
C. Freedom in Generosity
Believers are called to give freely, led by the Ruach HaKodesh:
Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that HaMashiach has set us free.”
Conclusion: Restoring the Truth About Tithing
The practice of tithing, as taught in many modern congregations, often distorts its biblical purpose and obscures the heart of giving. Yahuah desires a relationship marked by generosity, love, and care for others—not legalistic obligations or manipulative practices.
By returning to the ancient paths and embracing the principles of the Renewed Covenant, we honor Elohim in our giving and reflect His character in how we steward His blessings. True giving is not about percentages; it’s about a heart transformed by Yahuah’s love and a life dedicated to serving Him and His people. Let us give with joy, freedom, and faithfulness, knowing that our offerings are an act of worship to the Most High.
Discussion Questions
How does the Hebraic understanding of tithing differ from modern interpretations often taught in religious institutions?
What role did tithing serve in ancient Israel’s agrarian society, and why was it tied to the land?
How does the Renewed Covenant redefine giving, and what Scriptures emphasize freedom and joy in generosity?
What does Malachi 3:8-10 teach about tithing in its historical and covenantal context?
How can believers ensure their giving aligns with biblical principles and avoids modern-day exploitation?
Answer Sheet for Discussion Questions
The Hebraic understanding ties tithing to agriculture and specific covenant purposes, while modern interpretations often focus on monetary income and institutional needs.
Tithing supported the Levites, cared for the vulnerable, and celebrated Elohim through feasts; it was never about personal profit but community worship and provision.
The Renewed Covenant emphasizes voluntary, joyful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) and sharing resources out of love (Acts 2:44-45), not obligation.
Malachi 3:8-10 addresses Israel’s failure to bring agricultural tithes to the Temple, not a universal monetary tithe for all believers.
Believers can align their giving by focusing on worship, generosity, and care for the needy, avoiding legalistic or manipulative practices.
Fill-in-the-Blank Study Questions
Tithing in the Torah was tied to the __________ of the land, such as grain, fruit, and livestock. (Leviticus 27:30)
The Levites received the tithe because they had no __________ of their own. (Numbers 18:21)
In the Renewed Covenant, giving is described as __________ and joyful, not under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The third-year tithe was designated to care for the __________, __________, and __________. (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)
The __________ system fulfilled the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial laws. (Hebrews 7:11-12)
__________ is the passage often misused to compel monetary tithing without understanding its agrarian context. (Malachi 3:8-10)
True biblical giving reflects __________ and love, prioritizing the needs of others over institutional gain. (Acts 2:44-45)
Answer Sheet for Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
Produce
Inheritance
Voluntary
Poor, widows, orphans
Melchizedek
Malachi 3:8-10
Generosity
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