Page 71 - BV16

YEHOVAH’s Tithe in Scripture 71

YEHOVAH’S TITHE IN

SCRIPTURE

Happily there are many people throughout the world who recognize that it is a
religious and moral obligation to give. So now, as in past ages, many earnest
people not only approve but practice the priniciple of setting aside from their
incomes “not less than a tenth for YEHOVAH God.” Scriptural studies may
help many inquirers to “perceive and know” what is the mind and will of
YEHOVAH respecting their giving, and that they may have “grace and power
faithfully to perform the same,” is the prayer and fervent desire of the authors.

Henry Lansdell
John D. Keyser
Part Two

H AVING studied the laws of the Pentateuch concerning tithes and offerings, we proceed to in-
quire what further light may be obtained upon tithe-paying from the working of these laws
during the period covered by the rest of the Old Testament, taking the books in the generally
received order. This period may be conveniently divided into four parts, beginning with the settle-
ment of Canaan under Joshua and the Judges, and taking next the monarchy under Saul, David, and
Solomon. A third era begins with the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel, which may be followed
by the re-settlement of the land after the Babylonian captivity.

As in previous chapters, let us search diligently for passages concerning first fruits, pres-
ents, and dues to priests; for sacrifices, and instances of the offering of material things to
YEHOVAH God; as well as for examples of private beneficence in general, so that, in the absence
of actual mention of tithes, we may see what can be inferred respecting them, as also concerning re-
ligious giving, and non-prescribed benevolence generally.

After crossing the Jordan, Joshua at once put in force the laws concerning circumcision and
the observance of the Passover, Joshua 5. Also, on coming to Mount Ebal, he built an altar unto
YEHOVAH, offered burnt offerings, sacrificed peace offerings, Joshua 8:30-32, and wrote on the
stones, in the presence of the people, a copy of the law of Moses. “There was not a word of all that
Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women
and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them" (Joshua 8:35).

Joshua read therefore all that was commanded about tithes; and, seeing that the only means
of support of many thousands of Levites with their families was dependent on these contributions,
we can not suppose that this item of the law was permitted to remain a dead letter. Nor, indeed, were
the Levites slow to claim their rights, for they came to Joshua at Shiloh, saying: “The Lord com-
manded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle"

The Berean Voice July-August 2002