What was the purpose of the tithe? Moses discussed the tithe in 14:22-29 and it seems to provide many functions. Part of it was used to create a celebration of the worshiper with God. A way to recognize what God had provided for the one making the offering. It was a party for all those who a toiled at their work which God had increased and given a harvest. It was also an opportunity to invite the Levites, the poor, the widows, and the orphans to join in the celebration of what God had provided for the worshiper. The tithe offered every third year was to be set aside in local storage to care for the needs of the Levites, the poor, the widows, and the orphans. So from Moses’ discussion what is the tithe suppose to teach us? I don’t believe it was intended to be a rigid structure to be used as a test of faith. It was to be a freewill offering that was not laid on the altar and burned, but shared with many in a celebration of the bounty that God provides to his people. Maybe in today’s culture the best way to offer a tithe to God might be to buy a cake and find a lonely widow in the congregation and celebrate a birthday (or even an un-birthday) with she and her friends. As Tony Compolo entitled one book; “This Kingdom of God is a Party.”
It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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