In the Old Testament, Jewish people living under Mosaic Law had to pay tithe. The word tithe simply means one-tenth i.e., ten percent. Abraham gave a tenth of his war spoils to the High Priest Melchizedek. (Genesis 14:20) This was later made Law. There are three types of tithes an Israelite gave.
First tithe: Jewish people were required to tithe to support the Levite priests. (Numbers 18:21-24) The Levites were solely dedicated to serving the Lord in the temple. Hence tithes were collected to support them.
Second tithe: Jews were required to give the second tithe to support the festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. (Deuteronomy 12; 14:22-26) These were yearly festivals that were supported by tithes and celebrated by the whole nation.
Third tithe: Another tithe was given by Jewish people to take care of the poor. (Deuteronomy 14:28-29) Sojourners or immigrants, fatherless and widows.
Total offering: The Jewish people were expected to give 20 to 30 percent according to the year of harvest. It is estimated each Jewish family contributed about 23 percent of their income. The calculation is a little complicated as after paying the first tithe, from the remaining amount, the second tithe was calculated, and so was the third tithe.
Storehouses: The Temple in Jerusalem was considered the storehouse where tithe should be brought. (Malachi 3:10) Some scholars opine that the synagogues and civil offices in cities also had storehouses, from where the poor, strangers, immigrants, fatherless, and widows get help.
Exceeding Righteousness: Lord Jesus Christ taught that the righteousness of disciples should exceed that of Pharisees. (Matthew 5:20) Jewish leaders make ten percent as minimum and twenty percent as maximum. Lord did not expect disciples to be legalistic like Pharisees, but more genuinely generous than Pharisees.
Giving Design: Disciples are expected to give cheerfully, proportionately, regularly, and consistently, unto the Lord. Showing mercy to the poor and those in need should be a discipline and habit of a believer. Discerning God’s will to give various ministries or those in need is essential.
Do I give diligently?