Tithing is the belief that we are to give 10% of our income to the local church.
This is a difficult subject for many because it involves money and is a tradition for the majority of churches.
This is a great topic to study because we all must ask God, “How much should I give?”
One of the major stories involved in this topic is Abraham tithing to a priest-king named Melchisidek.
This was to show that the priesthood of Jesus is a greater priest than any other.
He is greater because he is a priest after the order of Melchisidek and not Levi. All of the priests in the old covenant were after the order of Levi.
Now after Abraham defeated an enemy and gained the spoils of war, he took these spoils and gave 10% to Melchisidek as a tithe. Later we read about how he gave the rest, the 90%, to the king of Sodom.
This story is important because it is connected to the old covenant tithes and the story is repeated in the book of Hebrews, the New Testament.
Some have said, “He gave the other 90% to another king so if you are following the story as a guide, we should give the other 90% away.”
The 90% is irrelevant because Hebrews never mentions the 90%. The New Testament doesn’t really care about what he did with the 90%.
It does include it in the story.
What is repeated is the story of Abraham tithing.
Should it matter that he tithed spoils and not money?
The main point of the story is not whether he tithed, but that his tithe was a legit tithe and that he gave 10% of what was brought in. That’s why when I tithe, I give 10% of what comes into my possession.
If someone gives me a couch, I don’t tithe the couch cushion. I do tithe if I sell that couch for money.
Abraham gave what belongs to him.
The spoils of war were in his possession. He could’ve kept them or gave them away; this was what he had ownership of. The Bible calls Abraham’s tithe a legitimate tithe. It is not invalid simply because it came because of war.
There are many people in the military who get their finances because of war and being protecting us from war.
I would never go to a Marine who gave a check 10% of his military check and say that it was invalid.
No it is valid just as Abraham’s tithe.
I believe in tithing because it is a good principle to support the kingdom of God.
I believe tithing is an excellent amount because it is practical for every person.
Abraham’s tithe is a reminder us Christians today because it shows us how God will always provide and protect us.
It is also a reminder that Jesus is best priest.
