Part 2

What is the Correct Biblical Injunction on the Tithe for the New Testament Church? — Part 2

The Biblical history of the tithe and the injunction thereof

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Defining a tithe

We had previously spoken of God’s grace that enabled us to be weaned from the tithe and our conviction that the tithe is not a New Testament ordinance¹. However, we did not define the tithe. So, let us do that now and discuss the matter of the tithe in Old Testament times.

A tithe signifies a tenth or 10 per cent. Under the Old Covenant, it was a mandatory contribution, constituting 10 per cent of various incomes — agricultural produce, livestock, and profits from goods.

Historical timeline of the tithe

1. Genesis 14 — Abraham and Melchizedek

The first biblical mention of tithing occurs when Abraham, after a victorious battle, voluntarily gives Melchizedek, a high priest, a tenth of his spoils. Let us note that Abraham was not under Melchizedek’s jurisdiction; neither was anyone from Melchizedek’s jurisdiction captured by the raiders! Hence, Abraham’s action recognised Melchizedek’s spiritual authority as a high priest of God.