Tithing: Worship, Honour, and Obedience
Tithing is not just a financial principle. It is an act of worship, honour, and obedience to God. Throughout Scripture, we see that tithing was not only present under the Law, but also before the Law, and it is even acknowledged in the New Testament.
Tithing Before the Law
One of the clearest examples is Abraham. Long before the Mosaic Law was given, Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:18–20
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him… and he gave him a tithe of all.”
This matters because it shows us that tithing did not begin as a legal requirement. It began as a response of honour to God.
We also see this with Jacob.
Genesis 28:20–22
“And of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”
Again, this was before the Law. Tithing was already connected to gratitude, covenant, and honour.
Tithing Under the Law
Under the Law, tithing became a clear instruction for Israel.
Leviticus 27:30
“And all the tithe of the land… is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.”
The tithe belonged to God. It was set apart as holy. It was not something to be treated casually.
The Warning in Malachi
One of the strongest passages on tithing is found in Malachi.
Malachi 3:8–10
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings… Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this…”
This shows us that withholding what belongs to God is serious. But it also reveals the heart of God. He invites His people to trust Him and promises His provision and blessing.
Jesus and Tithing
Some say tithing ended with the Old Testament, but Jesus also spoke about it.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe… and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
Jesus did not rebuke tithing itself. He rebuked hypocrisy. He made it clear that justice, mercy, and faith matter deeply, but He also said not to leave the other things undone. Spiritual maturity does not cancel obedience.
Abraham and the Believer
Tithing also connects to the life of Abraham, the father of faith.
John 8:39
“If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.”
Abraham’s life was marked by faith and obedience. If he honoured God in this way, it should not seem strange for believers to do the same.
Scripture also teaches that those who are in Christ are connected to Abraham’s blessing.
Galatians 3:29
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Why We Tithe
We tithe because it:
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honours God
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shows gratitude
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reflects trust
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supports the house of God
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follows a biblical pattern of obedience
Tithing is not about pressure. It is about putting God first. It is a declaration that our source is not our salary, our business, or our own ability. Our source is the Lord.
A Heart of Worship
At its core, tithing is worship. It says, “Lord, everything I have comes from You.” We do not tithe to earn God’s love, but because we already belong to Him. We tithe with reverence, thanksgiving, and faith.
When we honour God in this area, we are not losing anything. We are placing our finances under His Lordship.
Key Scriptures
Genesis 14:18–20
Genesis 28:20–22
Leviticus 27:30
Malachi 3:8–10
Matthew 23:23
John 8:39
Galatians 3:29
