The Tithe Unveiled: A 5-part series diving into the significance of the tenth
If you’ve been in church for a while, the word tithe probably sounds familiar — and maybe a little weighty.
For many of us, it’s been presented as the gold standard of Christian giving: 10% of your income, off the top, no questions asked.
But when I finally paused to ask, Is that really what the Bible teaches?—I realized I had some digging to do.
I didn’t write this series on tithing because it was easy.
I wrote it because it wasn’t.
Over the past several years, I’ve dug deep into Scripture, history, theology, and both modern and early church practices—always with curiosity, sometimes with frustration, and often with prayerful pleading: “Lord, what’s true?”
I’ve read countless arguments and commentaries that land on all sides—from those who say tithing is a non-negotiable command to those who believe it has no place under grace. I’ve sat with the tension, asked hard questions, led with all the logic the Lord has gifted me with, and let the Holy Spirit refine my assumptions.
This study wasn’t about affirming my opinion.
It was about seeking God’s heart.
I didn’t want a rubber stamp for what I already believed—I wanted to understand what He actually says.
Not just what sounds good.
Not just what makes sense on paper.
But what’s true.
What I found is more layered, more beautiful, and far more freeing than I expected. And I’d love to walk you through it.
A Closer Look at the Tithing under the Old Covenant
First, let’s clear something up: the word tithe literally means “a tenth.” And under the Old Covenant, tithing wasn’t just one ten percent offering — it was actually a system of multiple tithes.
Here’s a quick overview:
The Levitical Tithe (Numbers 18:21–24): A tenth given to the Levites — the priestly tribe — who had no land of their own. This was their inheritance and their livelihood.
The Festival Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22–27): A second tenth was set aside to fund yearly worship festivals — joyful celebrations of God’s faithfulness!
The Charity Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:28–29): Every third year, this tithe was gathered to care for the marginalized — the poor, the widow, the orphan.
When you put all the pieces together, Israelitied were commanded to give roughly 20-23% of their increase off the land through various tithes (this doesn't take into consideration other offerings and gifts). But here’s a key detail we can’t overlook:
These tithes were intimately connected to the land of Israel itself—its harvests, its herds, and the inheritance God had given them.
The Israelites didn’t tithe while wandering in the wilderness — not once in those forty years. Why? Because the tithe was connected to the produce of the land God was giving them.
“When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you...
then bring the tithe...”– Deuteronomy 26:1–2
In other words, the tithe was part of living in the promised land, it was a way of acknowledging all the abundance they had was from the Lord and was all the Lords.
And furthermore, to be clear and up front: Biblical tithing under the Old Covenant was never applied to every type of “income” -it was only ever tied to the produce (crops/cattle) of the Promised Land.
This made me wonder: If fishermen didn’t tithe fish and craftsmen didn’t tithe sandals, what does that tell me about the original purpose of the tithe — and the heart behind it? Could it be that the tithe was never meant as a universal giving law, but as a way for Israel to remember where their abundance came from? How do I practice that kind of remembrance today?
Once Israel entered the Promised Land, tithing became part of a larger rhythm — a God-designed way of living in community, worshiping rightly, and taking care of one another.
Let’s dig a little deeper into each tithe so we can figure out how each of them could potentially impact our lives (and wallets!) today.
1. The Levitical Tithe – Numbers 18:21–24
This tithe supported the Levites, who had no inheritance of land (if they did it would have been their responsibility to work the land -increasing its fruitfulness, amongst other things!). Their role was to minister before the Lord — caring for the tabernacle (and later the temple), teaching the people, and offering sacrifices.
💭This made me wonder… could God have been setting an example that still could be utilized today? I wondered if the point of this tithe wasn’t just about provision, but about presence—maybe it was an example that shows us God’s nearness matters, and so does the faithful work of those who help us draw nearer to Him.
2. The Festival Tithe – Deuteronomy 14:22–27
This one is a little shocking for modern ears: the people were to set aside a tenth of their produce — and then take it to Jerusalem and eat it joyfully before the Lord! If it was too heavy to carry, they could turn it into silver, travel to the holy city, and spend it on “whatever you desire — oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink” (v. 26).
💭 I wondered if God, in His kindness, knew how much humans need rhythms of rest and joy—pockets of time set apart from our regular work to remember Him. Maybe the invitation wasn’t just to obey, but to enjoy His goodness. To set aside resources to feast in His presence and be refreshed by reminding ourselves of His faithfulness.
3. The Charity Tithe – Deuteronomy 14:28–29
Scholars aren’t entirely sure whether this was an additional tenth—a separate tithe set aside every third year—or simply the regular tithe, stored and distributed differently in those years. Some see it as a distinct practice to ensure provision for the poor, while others argue it was a reallocation of the usual tenth with a special focus on Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows every third year. Regardless of the details, this command beautifully highlights God’s heart for the needy.
💭 I wonder if this was a glimpse into God’s tender love—one that notices the overlooked, that prioritizes caring for the struggling, and that builds mercy right into the fabric of community life.
A Beautiful System for a Beautiful Purpose
These tithes reveal something stunning: God didn’t just give Israel random rules — He gave them a way of life that reflected His heart.
The tithes don't seem to be about checking a box. I would venture to say their heart was about participating in a holy rhythm: supporting the ministers, remembering God’s faithfulness through joyful feasting, and caring for the vulnerable.
This wasn’t just economics — it was worship, empathy, and relationship with God, all wrapped together.
Coming Up Next:
Part 2: “But what about…?”
…the two men who gave a tenth long before the law—Abraham and Jacob.
What does their giving tell us?
…the most quoted verse about tithing: Malachi 3:10.
What was God saying through the prophet? Is that promise still for us today?
Stay tuned. 🤍📖
