Giving in the Old Testament
Shane Carrington
“Please list the five actions of worship.” That was
the class assignment. “Singing!” “Prayer!” “The Lord’s
supper!” “Studying scripture!” Then a long pause....
This high school class did not think about contribution.
In the next class session the teacher again asked,
“What are the five actions of worship?” The order
stayed about the same. This time they remembered
contribution, but last again. This was no scientific
study, but it seems contribution gets last consideration
among brethren. Some relegate it to, “Contribution
today is merely about paying the bills. Why don’t we
just put a box in the foyer?”
If asked about Old Testament worship, giving ranks
higher. Considering God’s expectations for that era
may help New Testament passages mean more to us.
Tithing
This aspect of Old Testament giving gets the most
attention. The Hebrew word translated “tithe” means
“tenth part.” Our first record of tithing was of Abram
giving Melchizedek a tenth of what he reclaimed from
Lot’s captors (Genesis 14:1-20).
When God separated the Israelites from Egyptian
slavery, He instructed them to tithe their increase. “And
all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land
or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the
Lord... And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock,
of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall
be holy to the Lord” (Leviticus 27:30,32). They ate part
of this at the tabernacle. “And you shall eat before the
Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make
His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new
wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your
flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God
always” (Deuteronomy 14:23).
Part of this went to the Levites as their inheritance
(Number 18:8-32; Deuteronomy 18:1-8). Paul illustrates
the support of gospel preachers with this: “Do
you not know that those who minister the holy things eat
of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the
altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the
Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel
should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13,14).
In turn Levites were to dedicate a tenth of the tithe they
received to the Lord (Numbers 18:25-32). Then on the
third year Israelites gave a tithe for the Levites and
needy (Deuteronomy 14:28,29). God accused Israelites
refusing to tithe of robbing Him (Malachi 3:8-10).
While no percentage is specified today, God still owns
all things (Psalm 50:10-12) and still expects His people
to give (2 Corinthians 8 & 9; Phil. 4:14-18).
Offerings for the tabernacle
The tabernacle represented God’s presence. There
Israelites, through their priesthood and sacrifices, met
with God. While preparing this, they were instructed to
give precious metals, fabrics, wood, etc. for tabernacle
construction (Exodus 35:4-9). Note: “This is the thing
which the Lord commanded, saying: ‘Take from among
you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing
heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord....’”
(verses 4b-5a). This sounds similar to the attitude with
which we should give today: “For if there is first a willing
mind, it is accepted according to what one has...” (2
Corinthians 9:12a). The result in Exodus? They gave
more than necessary for this great project and were
told to stop (36:4-7). Some believe Old Testament
giving was like being taxed — “no sincerity but necessary.”
Yet God only accepted giving from the heart, and
the same holds true today.
Offerings and sacrifices
God commanded Israel to offer many kinds of
offerings and sacrifices. Note this list for further study:
1. Leviticus 1-7; Number 28 & 29 — various
offerings and animal sacrifices.
2. Numbers 15 — grain and drink offerings.
3. Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 26:1-15 — tithing principles
and first fruits.
In these God only accepted the best: no leftovers
(Leviticus 22:17-33). “Whatever has a defect, you shall
not offer, for it shall not be acceptable on your behalf”
(Leviticus 22:20). We do well to remember this today.
Plan ahead for giving; put God first in the family budget
(cf. 1 Cor. 16:1,2).
Conclusion
While we live in the Gospel age, we are enlightened
concerning New Testament teaching about giving by
studying God’s instructions for Old Testament Israel.
May we always recognize the importance God reserves
for our giving today too.