Why Did They Tithe?
We saw that tithing was an act of faith and that is enough of a why. But in addition, it was the primary way of providing for the needy. It was the social welfare system set up by God.
Deu 14:28-29 At the end of three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase the same year. and shall lay it up within your gates: And the Levite, (because he has no part nor inheritance with you.) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
READ ALSO: GIVING TO PEOPLE
HOW DID THEY TITHE?
1. By giving a tenth of the animals and plants they had.
Deu 14:22-23 You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year. And you shall eat before the LORD your God. in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks; that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
2. It could also be converted to cash and carried. Modern life permits this even more than then when most people were farmers of crops and livestock.
Deu 14:24-25 And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it; or if the place is too far from you, which the LORD your God shall choose to set his name there when the LORD your God has blessed you: Then shall you turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose:
Deu 14:26-27 And you shall bestow that money for whatsoever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice you, and your household, and the Levite that is within your gates; you shall not forsake him; for he has no part nor inheritance with you.
But this is still not the full story.
READ ALSO: SHOULD CHRISTIANS TITHE? (PART 5)