Tithes in the Book Of Malachi (What Are They?)

What are tithes in the book of Malachi? Malachi prominently features tithes in his prophecy. What are tithes as mentioned in the book of Malachi? Can the term tithes be taken from 430 BC and dropped into the 21st Century without explanation? Can preachers freely define tithes by using modern vernacular? Or, should we understand exactly what Malachi was writing to the Aaronic priests, the Levites, and the other Israelites?

Tithes in the Book of Malachi are different than what’s typically discussed on Sunday morning. Preachers, for the most part, refuse to teach Malachi in its context.

In this brief article, we will Biblically investigate tithes in the book of Malachi. What exactly is this mysterious term that is often carelessly tossed around? Most preachers simply say “tithe means a tenth.” A tenth of what, exactly? They infer that a tithe is 10% of one’s gross income given to the local church.

Have you read the companion article to this one? It’s titled Offerings In The Book Of Malachi and can be found here.

What are tithes in the book of Malachi?

Tithes in the book of Malachi were edible food items. There were three tithes and around a dozen different offerings. It’s Biblically inaccurate to superimpose 21st-century definitions on a text that was written 2,400-plus years ago. Tithes and offerings in the Book of Malachi do not apply to New Testament Christians. Our covenant and way of giving is superior to the tithing system designed for the Old Covenant.

Will A Man Rob God?

Malachi 3:8 (NIV) “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.

Most pastors use Malachi 3:8 as their proof text in support of tithing. Typically the verse is read but terms are rarely defined. Does a pastor need to define terms? Defining terms tends to remove confusion and ambiguity. Church finances could use additional theological clarity.

At first blush, the verse seems simple. God is talking. He calls out thieves. What are they stealing? They are stealing tithes and offerings. What’s to explain, then?

What Are Tithes in the Book of Malachi?

There are three tithes in the Old Covenant. The majority of pastors believe that there is one tithe which equals ten percent of one’s income. That belief is inaccurate on many levels.

Tithes were always edible food items and never money. Money could be substituted but a 20% surcharge was added when that happened.

Leviticus 27:30 (NIV) A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.

Ten percent of grains and fruits were demanded.

Leviticus 27:32 (NIV) Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord.

Every tenth animal could be as much as ten percent but often it was less. If a farmer had nine sheep they could not tithe. Tithe equals ten percent. If a farmer had nineteen animals they would only give the tenth one. It’s impossible to give 1.9 animals.

Tithes in the book of Malachi — #1 The Levitical Tithe

The tribe of Levites did not receive a land inheritance from God. The tithe was the Levite’s inheritance.

Numbers 18:21 (NIV) 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.

Tithe number one was given to the Levites in exchange for their service. Farmers gave ten percent of their crops and every tenth animal. The Levites received this tithe.

First fruits are different than the tithe. Priests received the first fruits. Levites received the tithe.

Tithes in the Book of Malachi – #2 The Festival Tithe

There were three primary festivals celebrated in the Old Covenant and a second tithe supported these celebrations.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (NIV) Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.

The first tithe was presented to the Levites. This tithe was consumed in the presence of the Lord in Jerusalem.

Tithing, when considering this tithe, jumps from roughly ten percent to twenty every year.

Festival tithes were always edible food items and never money. The Levitical tithe could be given in the form of money with a 20% fee. Festival tithes were never money.

Deuteronomy 14:24-25 (NIV) But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the Lord your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the Lord will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the Lord your God will choose.

The Charity Tithe

Israelite farmers tithed 20% of their crops and animals every year. They tithed 30% every third and sixth year. Tithes were not provided during the Sabbath year. However, the poor were free to glean fields every seventh year. The tithe given in the third and sixth years is known as the Charity Tithe.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (NIV) At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Tithes in the Book of Malachi Exceeded 10%

Farmers, on average, tithed approximately 23.33% each year. It could have been as high as 25% if the Levitical tithe was redeemed. Giving money instead of food items was discouraged in the law and resulted in a 20% penalty.

Preachers who teach tithing from Malachi make several theological errors.

First, there is no historical evidence that the tithe (Biblically, food items) was magically translated into money. Bible teachers do not have the authority to transform Biblical words to fit their sermons.

Next, the book of Malachi was written to Hebrews living in Israel.

Finally, the amount given doesn’t match tithing in the law. Tithing, if the previous two objections are immaterial should be greater than ten percent.

Tithes in the Book of Malachi Do Not Apply To Christians

Christians across denominations disagree on tithing. Historical church leaders disagreed about tithing. It’s a volatile and emotional subject for most believers. However, that should not stop us from uncovering Biblical truth about it.

Arguments in favor of tithing are emotionally appealing but theologically weak. Here are some of the most popular arguments that were put to the test in an Ultimate Guide to Tithing.

Jesus never commanded tithing. Additionally, He didn’t commend tithing to New Testament Christians. His commendations were always made to Jews living under the law. What did Jesus say about tithing? click here.

Tithing before the law arguments are thin. However, if you’d like a brief review of tithing before the law then you should click here.

Perhaps you’d like to simply read tithing scriptures without commentary. If that is what you desire then click here for 41 Bible Verse On Tithing.

Have you been told that the Storehouse is the local church? If so, click here for some better info.

Practice Fearless Generosity

Christians have a better covenant. We’re no longer under the law. Tithing was specifically for Jewish farmers and had to be accepted by Levites.

We don’t qualify.

Give generously and fearlessly to your local church.

Open your heart to give to those who are less fortunate.

Acts 20:35 (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkb_3MET7Go