Heres an interesting thing I have learned from Exodus 30 -- the tithe was NOT used for the upkeep and maintenance of the temple/tabernacle. Instead, the temple was provided for by a half-shekel census , by which every Isrealite ransomed his life. The funds thus amassed were then used for the service of the tent of meeting. (Exodus 30:16). Thats a different thing from the tithe, over and above what the tithe was used for. Tithing is described in Numbers 18 and Deuteronomy 14. I find it hard to believe that Isrealites had to pay all this at once -- 30% of their increase -- given what a fuss they kicked up over paying 10% to the king. Nonetheless, the various tithes are used 1) To support the Levites, who are not supposed to inherit lands and fields themselves and so must live on tithes 2) To be provided to the fatherless and the widow 3) As a religious celebration, a feast where people would spend it all and gorge on one particular feast day. I think it possible that NONE of this was to be used for temple maintenance or for building funds --- thats what the census was for. Instead, it was used specifically to help those in need -- those who had no visible means of support, such as Levites, orphans, and widows. So its possible that, if your church is demading money for a food court, thats *probably* not what the tithe is for. Although, full disclosure, I dont believe the tithe is an NT thing anyway. Food for thought.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:44:45 +0000
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