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
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.
