What is the storehouse as discussed in Malachi? I’ve heard dozens of preachers proclaim that the storehouse was the church. That’s an interesting concept. However, none can provide a scriptural reference to support their idea. It’s what I refer to as theology by folklore. One person said it and it gained traction. The storehouse falsehood was repeated until it was no longer challenged.
The storehouse in the Old Testament was an area of the temple complex where food was stored. Since the tithe was always food, there would need to be a storage place for food. If the tithe had been money, a vault or similar place would have been required.
What Is The Storehouse in Malachi
Malachi 3:8-10 gets more tithing talk than all other tithing verses combined. Regrettably, it’s rarely taught correctly. Biblical terms are disregarded and misdefined. Secular terms are substituted without hesitation.
Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
I wrote about the whole tithe in a previous article. If you’re curious about what the “whole tithe” means Biblically then please click here. That term has been shattered by hundreds of well-meaning but Biblically lazy ministers. Regrettably, they double down with the term “storehouse” as well.
Pastors of all stripes indicate that the storehouse is the church. There is not one Bible verse supporting that incorrect definition. Why make stuff up? Who knows?
I’ve been unable to determine ground zero on this subject. Perhaps it is a spillover from replacement theology.
History of the Storehouse
The storehouse was an “add-on” to the temple complex out of necessity. It wasn’t a holy place of worship but rather a barn where excess food was stored.
2 Chronicles 31:9-12 (NIV) Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the Lord, and this was done.
Food was being wasted so Hezekiah ordered the construction of storerooms (aka storehouses). This eliminated rotten tithes.
The Storehouse In Nehemiah
Nehemiah 10:37-38 (NASB) We will also bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the new wine, and the oil to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithe of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are they who receive the tithes in all the rural towns. And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes, and the Levites shall bring up the tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.
Nehemiah answers many tithing questions. Unfortunately, this book is rarely used for understanding the tithe.
He discussed the concept of the storehouse and reiterated that it was used for food storage. I like how he mentions tithes received in rural towns. One translation identifies these areas as farming communities.
Farmers are the ones who tithed in the Old Testament. Carpenters, fishermen, and other tradesmen would have nothing to tithe.
That There May Be Food In My House
Food is another word that some pastors incorrectly define. The tithe was always edible food items. How do pastors redefine this simple word? They refuse to budge on the tenth meaning tithe. Yet, this word is magically transformed by pastors with zero guilt.
Here’s an example of a tithe and offering sermonette for a non-denominational church.
“God is good! C’mon, you can do better than that! God is good!”
Pastor waits for the congregation to reply, “All the time!”
Then he (or she) says, “All the time, God is good!”
Turn to your neighbor and say, “I’m God’s favorite” and have a seat.
“In Malachi God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there will be food in my house. Now that simply means we tithe off the gross and not the net. The storehouse is the local church. What food needs to be in the local church? The meat of God’s word! The bread of life! Amen?”
Food from Moses to Malachi was edible items. Somewhere after the resurrection of Christ, it was magically transformed into sermons. No one knows why or when. Few question this inaccurate teaching. Those who do are often labeled as heretics, greedy, or both.
Here is a link to the Ultimate Guide To Tithing.
The Storehouse Is Not The Church
Politicians lie to the public daily. Most Christians are disturbed by these lies. Political lies are often done for the “best interest” of the people. Presidents, governors, and mayors believe they are looking out for the best interest of the people. Does that make the lie okay? Nope!
It’s the same in the church. Preachers believe that tithing is good for people and the church. They are convinced that giving 10% of the gross is better than the net. Additionally, pastors desire members to give to them and not a missionary or other parachurch ministry.
The storehouse is not the local church. Should Christians give to their local church? Yes, I believe that they should. However, there is no scriptural mandate compelling this behavior.
Pastors need to trust God and the members of their church. When believers are properly positioned they give generously, radically, and without fear.
Tim manages a $ billion+ loan portfolio. He loves to write and teach about biblical stewardship. He has authored three stewardship books, including The Profit Dare. His fourth book, Savvy Stewardship, will be released in May 2024. He hosts The Profit Dare and Sola Melodica YouTube Channels.
He has an MBA from Cornerstone University and a Certificate in Behavioral Finance from Duke University.
Tim is a former church planter, youth pastor, and short-term missionary.
