The Theology of Giving in the Old Testament

What is God's standard for giving? As a New Testament believer, am I obligated to give a tenth of what I have? How much should I give in order to be an obedient Christian?

Statistics:

• One-third of church attendees give $0 to the church.
• One-third of church attendees give $500 or less to the church.
• In larger churches, one-half give $0.
• Only around 7% of Christians give 10% or more.
• Sixty to seventy-five percent of people actively attending our churches today give $0 or less than $500 to the church yearly.

1. Voluntary Tithe Before the Law

- Abraham's Tithe (Genesis 14:22)

- Jacob's Tithes (Genesis 28:22)

2. Required Tithe During the Time of the Law

- Levites' Tithe: 10% to support the priest (Deuteronomy 14:27)

- Festival Tithe: 10% to Jewish ceremonies (Deuteronomy 12:10-11; 14:22-26)

- Welfare Tithe: 3.33% for orphans, widow, poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

- Other Tithes: Corners of fields; sanctuary tithe (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 30; Matthew 17:24-27))

- Total Tax/Tithe: 25%

3. Voluntary Giving During the Time of the Law

- Freewill Offering (Numbers 29:39; Deuteronomy 12:6)

- First-fruits Offering (Numbers 18:12-16 - They gave the first and best they had.)

- They gave sacrificially with a willing heart. (Exodus 35:21-22)

4. Principles of Giving in the Old Testament

- The tithe was not always required.

- God expected His people to pay their tithe. (Malachi 3:8-12)

- God's people gave their first fruits to God.

- God's people gave willingly, generously, and sacrificially.

- God's promised to bless the generous and to withhold blessing from the stingy. (Proverbs 3:9-10; Proverbs 11:24-25)