Reflections on today’s reading concerning the command and law of offerings of tithe and first fruit – the types of tithe – Who are they meant for? Day 34 of 40 of prayer and fasting for church and leadership

*Reflections on today’s reading concerning the command and law of offerings of tithe and first fruit – the types of tithe – Who are they meant for? Day 34 of 40 of prayer and fasting for church and leadership*

Saturday,  April 19th, 2025

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Tithe were not just for the levites ( priest). See the list below of categories of people that should be given tithe to meet needs in community.

But before then,  let’s give a general perspective on types of tithes and amd why tithes in the new testament from the Apostles were never mentioned

*Tithe*

In the Bible, tithes refer to giving a tenth of one’s possessions, particularly income, to support religious institutions and the ministry. The Old Testament, particularly the Law of Moses, prescribes tithing as an obligation for Israelites. While the New Testament doesn’t explicitly mandate tithing as a legal requirement, it encourages generous giving and stewardship of resources.

*Old Testament Tithing:*
*Leviticus 27:30-34:*

This passage outlines the tithe as a portion of the harvest and livestock, designated as holy to the Lord.

*Deuteronomy 14:22-29:*
This section discusses the tithe of crops, livestock, and possessions, with specific instructions on how it should be used and who should receive it.

*Three Types of Tithes:*

*The Old Testament had three types of tithes:* the Levitical or sacred tithe (for the priests and Levites), the tithe of the feasts (for traveling to Jerusalem for festivals), and the tithe for the poor (for those in need).

*New Testament Perspective:*

No Explicit Command:
The New Testament does not explicitly require Christians to tithe in the same way the Old Testament did.

*Emphasis on Generosity:*

The New Testament emphasizes generous giving, not as a legal requirement, but as a response to God’s grace and provision.

*2 Corinthians 9:7:*
This verse encourages believers to give “as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.

*Modern Interpretations:*
Ongoing Debate:
The question of whether Christians should tithe remains a topic of discussion among theologians and Christians.

*Principle of Stewardship:*
Many Christians see the principle of tithing as a reminder of God’s ownership of all things and a call to steward resources responsibly.

*Generous Giving:*
Many churches and denominations encourage generous giving, often using the principle of tithing as a guide for financial contributions.

Let’s look at the tithe in Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 26:12-19 NKJV
[12] “When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year—the year of tithing—and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled, [13] then you shall say before the Lord your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the *Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me;* I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. [14] I have not eaten any of it when in mourning, nor have I removed any of it for an unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. [15] Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us, just as You swore to our fathers, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’  [16] “This day the Lord your God commands you to observe these statutes and judgments; therefore you shall be careful to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. [17] Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice. [18] Also today the Lord has proclaimed you to be His special people, just as He promised you, that you should keep all His commandments, [19] and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken.”

https://bible.com/bible/114/deu.26.12-19.NKJV

*PS.*

If you have questions concerning today’s reflection or any other questions for that matter, we will, by the help of the Holy Spirit, provide answers

Shalom
Ambassador Monday Oreojo Ogwuojo Ogbe
God’s Eagle Ministries GEMs
https://www.otakada.org