The agrarian culture of the ancient world, seems far disconnected from modern society. And mega churches, with televised media, websites, publications, and musical performances, are intended to attract members. Almost limitless, choices are available, to please any personal preference, for spiritual fulfillment. And the religious experience comes at a price.
So what is the biblical principle for funding religious worship?
The Tithe!
The principle of a 10% Tithe, focuses on the agricultural growing season within the territory of Israel. Three times a year, it is required for Israelite Head of household, to present a tithe of their increase, at the appointed festival in Jerusalem. The fall planting season, between October and November, would not be prepared for harvest until after Passover. During the winter season, a 10% tithe, may be saved from other productive labor. Then, on the 15th day of the first month of the Festival calendar, in Spring. The Tithe, would be presented to the Levi, assisting the priest, performing assigned duties, at the Temple in Jerusalem. Fulfilling the commanded Tithe, and commencing the appointed assembly, of UnLeavened Bread. During the days of UnLeavened Bread, a “Wave Sheaf” of first fruit, is offered at the temple, before spring harvesting may begin. For the next 50 days, winter barley and wheat will be harvested. And summer crops will be planted. Then on the 50th day, in the third month, is Pentecost, when a 10% tithe, of the wheat and barley is presented, at the temple in Jerusalem, during the commanded assembly. The summer produce, will be gathered in the fall. In the seventh month, a 10% tithe, of the fall harvest, is transported to Jerusalem, for the Festival of Tabernacles.
See also: PENTECOST to JUBILEE; SABBATHs of LIBERTY
and JOSHUA's PASSOVER n the SABBATH
Tithe, Three Times a Year
Exodus 23:14–19 (NASB95) — 14 “Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me. 15 “You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days you are to eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. 16 “Also you shall observe the Feast of the Harvest of the (first fruits = Pentecost) of your labors from what you sow in the field; also the Feast of the (Ingathering = Tabernacles) at the end of the year when you gather in the fruit of your labors from the field. 17 “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the (Lord God = Yehwah Elohe). 18 “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor is the fat of My feast to remain overnight until morning. 19 “You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God. “You are not to boil a young goat in the milk of its mother.
Dt 18:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; A 10% tithe, of sheep and cows, also became a required offering, from the flocks and herds. The birth of animals usually occurred in early spring or late summer. A female sheep could give birth twice in a year.
Dt 15:19; 20; 21; 22; 23; The first born animal, of a sheep or cattle, was set apart as dedicated to Yehwah Elohe. Any increase in the flock or heard, Beyond the first born, may become subject to the 10% tithe. And, the animal, dedicated to Yehwah Elohe, would be set apart like other tithe, until one of the three yearly appointed assembly festivals. Every animal dedicated to Yehwah Elohe, should be carefully nurtured until it had completed one full year of life. This is why, Moses said, do not boil a kid, in it’s mother’s milk.
See also: MiLK n MEAT - to EAT or NOT?
First Fruits
Exodus 34:21–26 (NASB95) — 21 “You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. 22 “You shall celebrate the (Feast of Weeks = Pentecost), that is, the first fruits of the wheat harvest, and the (Feast of Ingathering = Tabernacles) at the (turn of the year = seventh month of Festival calendar). 23 “Three times a year all your males are to appear before the (Lord God = Yehwah Elohe), the (God = Elohe) of Israel. 24 “For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no man shall covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe). 25 “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread, nor is the sacrifice of the Feast of the Passover to be left over until morning. 26 “You shall bring the very first of the first fruits of your soil into the house of the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe). “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”
Tithe 10%
ESL H 4643 מַעֲשֵׂר [maʿaser, maʿasar, maʿasrah /mah·as·ayr/] n m. From 6240; 32 occurrences; AV translates as “tithe” 27 times, “tenth part” twice, “tenth” twice, and “tithing” once. 1 tithe, tenth part. 1a tenth part. 1b tithe, payment of a tenth part.
ESL H 6237 עָשַׂר [ʿasar /aw·sar/] v. A primitive root ; Nine occurrences; AV translates as “tithe” four times, “take … tenth” twice, “give tenth” once, and “truly” once. 1 to tithe, take the tenth part of, give a tithe, take a tithe. 1a (Qal) to tithe. 1b (Piel) to give a tithe. 1c (Hiphil) to take a tithe.
See also: COVENANT of LIFE or DEATH
and CiRCUMCiSiON n COVENANT LAW
The 10% tithe, is only subtracted from the increase of a person’s flock of sheep or herd of cattle, that occurs during a single year. The same rule for the 10% tithe, applies to the value of harvested crops or other productive labor, during a single year. And the 10% tithe, must be presented, to the Levi, at one of the three yearly appointed Festival assemblies.
Yehwah’s Tithe
Leviticus 27:30–32 (NASB95) — 30 ‘Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the (Lord’s = Yehwah’s); it is holy to the (Lord = Yehwah). 31 ‘If, therefore, a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he shall add to it one-fifth of it. 32 ‘For every tenth part of herd or flock, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the (Lord = Yehwah).
Yehwah Elohe, selected the sons of Levi to assist, Aaron’s descendants during their priestly service at the temple. Sons of Levi, received a share of Israel’s 10% tithe, as a daily food allotment, as they performed their assigned labor, at the temple. Each son of Levi, would serve an average of 15 days a year. And throughout the year, the sons of Levi, were required to share 10% of the total tithe, with the Priests, that are descendent from Aaron. Aaron’s two sons, produce 24 Priestley family lines, that also served, only 15 days a year at the temple.
(1 Chr 24:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; )
So then, the 10% tithe, from the Israelites, would be stored in the temple grainry. And the tithe, was gradually distributed, to the families of Levi and Erin, to compensate for their hours of working at the temple.
See also: PRiESTHOOD vs MELCHiZEDEK
Administering the Tithe
Numbers 18:21–31 (NASB95) — 21 “To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting. 22 “The sons of Israel shall not come near the tent of meeting again, or they will bear sin and die. 23 “Only the Levites shall perform the service of the tent of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, and among the sons of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 24 “For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the (Lord = Yehwah), I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’ ” 25 Then the (Lord = Yehwah) spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and say to them, ‘When you take from the sons of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present an offering from it to the (Lord = Yehwah), a tithe of the tithe. 27 ‘Your offering shall be reckoned to you as the grain from the threshing floor or the full produce from the wine vat. 28 ‘So you shall also present an offering to the (Lord = Yehwah) from your tithes, which you receive from the sons of Israel; and from it you shall give the (Lord’s = Yehwah’s) offering to Aaron the priest. 29 ‘Out of all your gifts you shall present every offering due to the (Lord = Yehwah), from all the best of them, the sacred part from them.’ 30 “You shall say to them, ‘When you have offered from it the best of it, then the rest shall be reckoned to the Levites as the product of the threshing floor, and as the product of the wine vat. 31 ‘You may eat it anywhere, you and your households, for it is your compensation in return for your service in the tent of meeting.
Upon entering the Promised Land, Joshua allocated portions of Canaan as an inheritance, for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. In contrast, the descendants of Levi, did not receive a specified territory, to call their own. Yehwah Elohe, instructed Moses, to assigned the families of Levi, sections of land that surrounded “Cities of Refuge and 42 other cities”, within the other tribal Territories of Israel. So each family of Levi, also possessed their own land, for farming and pasturing animals. And each family of Levi, was capable of providing for the needs of their own family. Therefore, The required 15 days of Temple service, for an adult son of Levi, only became a temporary absence, from his family and farming chores.
Delegating, Land for Levi
Numbers 35:1–6 (NASB95) — 1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, 2 “Command the sons of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession cities to live in; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities. 3 “The cities shall be theirs to live in; and their pasture lands shall be for their cattle and for their herds and for all their beasts. 4 “The pasture lands of the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits around. 5 “You shall also measure outside the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits, with the city in the center. This shall become theirs as pasture lands for the cities.
(1000 cubit x 2000 cubic = approximately 100 acres on four sides of each city)
6 “The cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee to; and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.
Joshua 21:1–3 (NASB95) — 1 Then the heads of households of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of households of the tribes of the sons of Israel. 2 They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The Lord commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.” 3 So the sons of Israel gave the Levites from their inheritance these cities with their pasture lands, according to the command of the Lord.
Moses assigned to the sons of Levi, the duty of transporting the “Tent of Meeting”, sacrificial altar, and other articles for worship. Yehwah Elohe’s Tabernacle, established the location for Israel’s three yearly appointed Festivals. The “Tent of Meeting”, represented the center of worship, from the time of Joshua until Solomon, constructed the Tabernacle in Jerusalem.
Feast before Yehwah
Deuteronomy 12:5–7 (NASB95) — 5 “But you shall seek the (Lord = Yehwah) at the place which the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe( will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. 6 “There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the contribution of your hand, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. 7 “There also you and your households shall eat before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe), and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) has blessed you.
Preparations for Yehwah Elohe’s 3 appointed Festivals. Seven days of UnLeavened Bread, one day of Pentecost, and eight days of Tabernacles, are also designated as the appropriate time for collecting the Tithe. Yehwah Elohe, demonstrates his Love, for His Faithfully Obedient Covenant people. When Yehwah’s Covenant people, Bring their Tithe, to the three yearly Festivals. Then Yehwah, permits His people to share in the abundance, by feasting on the in gathering of the Tithe. The Covenant people, also presented free will offerings, and received a portion of their sacrificial gift, as food for their family. Yehwah Elohe’s Blessings for Obedience, produces abundance of harvest and prosperity. And only a portion of the Tithe, would be consumed during the Joyous Festival. The remaining Tithe, would be stored in the Temple grainry, to support the Levi and Priest, during their 15 days a year, assigned duties of Temple service.
See also: PASSOVER APPOINTMENT
Eat of the Tithe
Deuteronomy 12:17–18 (NASB95) — 17 “You are not allowed to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any of your votive offerings which you vow, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand. 18 “But you shall eat them before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) in the place which the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) will choose, you and your son and daughter, and your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates; and you shall rejoice before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) in all your undertakings.
Yehwah Elohe, understands that transporting large quantities of an abundant harvest, may become an overwhelming burden. So then,, Yehwah allows a person, to exchange the Tithe of the harvest, for an equivalent amount of money. Then, the monetary Tithe, is easily carried to the Festival, an exchange for food. And any remaining monetary Tithe, Will be contributed to the Temple treasury, and provide for the needs of Levi and the priest.
Tithe, exchanged for Money, to purchase Food
Deuteronomy 14:21–29 (NASB95) — 21 You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.
22 “You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes out of the field every year. 23 “You shall eat in the presence of the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe), at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) always. 24 “If the distance is so great for you that you are not able to bring the tithe, since the place where the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) chooses to set His name is too far away from you when the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) blesses you, 25 then you shall exchange it for money, and bind the money in your hand and go to the place which the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) chooses. 26 “You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) and rejoice, you and your household. 27 “Also you shall not neglect the Levite who is in your town, for he has no portion or inheritance among you.
Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Law, also designate a “Land Sabbath”, every seven years. No crops are planted, in the seventh year of the Land Sabbath cycle. Yehwah Elohe, promises a truly abundant harvest in the six year, as a Vlessing for Obedience. So then, the Festival Tithe, and abundant harvest in the sixth year, would provide enough food for the seventh year land Sabbath, and even beyond. Yehwah Elohe, is training his Covenant people, to trust Him. And Yehwah Elohe, desires that His people, develop a Heart of Generosity and Love for others in need. That is why, Yehwah Elohe, established the third and sixth year, of the seven year Land Sabbath cycle, as a time to share the Tithe, with the poor and needy, in the land. So, the Tithe, was collected by the Levi, that lived near the assigned Cities of Refuge. The Levi, became responsible for distributing food to the families that are in need. Also, the Levi, were required to set aside 10% of the total Tithe. This 10%, remains in Jerusalem, to provide for the priest and Levi, performing their service at the Temple. The years of abundant harvest, have also stored a great supply of grain, oil, wine, and other resources in the Temple storehouse. And the three yearly Festivals, will still be celebrated with Joyous abundance.
Heart of Tithe
28 “At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and shall deposit it in your town. 29 “The Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
Third year Tithe, for the Poor
Deuteronomy 26:10–13 (NASB95) — 10 ‘Now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, O (Lord = Yehwah) have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe), and worship before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe);
11 and you and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) has given you and your household.
12 “Shirley completing 10%, towards (Covenant agreement) all tithe, your increase within the year, in the third year. This tithe, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
13 “You shall say before the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe), ‘I have removed the sacred portion from my house, and also have given it to the Levite and the alien, the orphan and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed or forgotten any of Your commandments.
Even though Solomon constructed the first Temple in Jerusalem, dedicated to Yehwah Elohe. Solomon’s many foreign wives, turned his heart away from worshiping Yehwah. And many Israelites followed Solomon’s example of honoring pagan gods. Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments, were forgotten. The Temple worship and priesthood became corrupted. And appointed festivals, 10% Tithe, and seven year land Sabbaths, were neglected. Israel received 70 years of punishment, as consequences for the missing seven year land Sabbaths. Israel’s punishment had accumulated over the 490 years, from the time of Solomon’s first temple construction, in 1004 B.C. Until the second Temple reconstruction in 514 B.C...
(2 Ch 30:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; )
A temporary revival of the appointed Festivals, and gathering of the Tithe, occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah.
(2 Kings 23:21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 2 Ch 35:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; )
More than 50 years later, hezekiah’s grandson good king Josiah, made a final attempt to restore Temple worship an True Honor for Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments. Good King Josiah’s Love for Yehwah Elohe, did not prevent the impending 70 years of Jerusalem desolation. Israel and Judah, would receive a just punishment, because of their disobedience to Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant, laws, appointed Festivals, land Sabbaths, and Tithe.
See also: Daniel Ezekiel Ezra Esther
and Babylonian Chronicles n 70 yrs.
Tithe, of Pentecost and Tabernacles
2 Chronicles 31:5–11 (NASB95) — 5 As soon as the order spread, the sons of Israel provided in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of all. 6 The sons of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of sacred gifts which were consecrated to the (Lord their God = Yehwah Elohe), and placed them in heaps. 7 In the “third month = Pentecost”, they began to make the heaps, and finished them by the “seventh month = Festival of Tabernacles”. 8 When Hezekiah and the rulers came and saw the heaps, they blessed the (Lord = Yehwah) and His people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok said to him, “Since the contributions began to be brought into the house of the (Lord = Yehwah), we have had enough to eat with plenty left over, for the )Lord = Yehwah) has blessed His people, and this great quantity is left over.” 11 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of the (Lord = Yehwah), and they prepared them.
(1 Kings 9:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; Jer 7:9; 10; 11; 22:5; 26:4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; )
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, occurred in 590 B.C...
Daniel 9:1; 2; Ezra 6:3; 12; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; Then, 70 years later, in the first year of King Darius, in 520 B.C., the second Temple reconstruction, would soon fulfill, the 490 year prophecy, in 514 B.C...
Ezra 7:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; Ezra, helped organized the priesthood. And the surviving remnant of Judah and Levi, renewed their devotion, to Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant laws, appointed Festivals, and gathering the 10% Tithe.
From 458 B.C. the seventh year of ArtaXerxes, Ezra continued leading the Temple worship, until the time of Nehemiah.
In 444 B.C. the 20th year of ArtaXerxes, Nehemiah received permission, to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.
See also: DiVORCE isRAEL?
Storing tithe, in House of Yehwah Elohe
Nehemiah 10:35–39 (NASB95) — 35 and that they might bring the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all the fruit of every tree to the house of the (Lord = Yehwah) annually, 36 and bring to the house of our (God = Elohe) the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks as it is written in the law, for the priests who are ministering in the house of our (God = Elohe). 37 We will also bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the new wine and the oil to the priests at the chambers of the house of our (God = Elohe), and the tithe of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are they who receive the tithes in all the rural towns.
(The Israelites travel to Jerusalem, for one of the three annual appointed Festivals. And the sons of Levi, were assigned the duty of gathering the Tithe, and distributing food for the Festival celebration. The sons of Levi, also separated 10% of the Tithe, and placed it in the Temple storehouse, for the Priestley Temple service. When the Festival appointed time, was completed. Then the remaining abundance from the Tithe, would also be placed in the Temple storeHouse. Alternatively, the third and six year of the land Sabbath cycle. Required the gathering of the remaining abundance from the Festival Tithe. Then the Levi, carried a portion of the remaining Tithe, to their assigned city, to be shared with the poor and needy.)
38 The priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes, and the Levites shall bring up the tenth of the tithe to the house of our (God = Elohe), to the chambers of the storehouse. 39 For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of the grain, the new wine and the oil to the chambers; there are the utensils of the sanctuary, the priests who are ministering, the gatekeepers and the singers. Thus we will not neglect the house of our (God = Elohe).
Gathering Tithe and Offering
Nehemiah 12:44 (NASB95) — 44 On that day men were also appointed over the chambers for the stores, the contributions, the first fruits and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions required by the law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who served.
Ezra and Nehemiah, directed the Tithe and Temple worship, between 444-424 B.C... Near the end of this temporary revival, Nehemiah confronted Judah’s religious leaders. Nehemiah learned, that the Tithe, offerings, and Temple worship, had been neglected. So then, the Levi and priest had returned home, to their fields and family.
Levi’s, Temple Service or Working their Fields!
Nehemiah 13:10–12 (NASB95) — 10 I also discovered that the portions of the Levites had not been given them, so that the Levites and the singers who performed the service had gone away, each to his own field. 11 So I reprimanded the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” Then I gathered them together and restored them to their posts. 12 All Judah then brought the tithe of the grain, wine and oil into the storehouses.
Malachi’s prophetic ministry, coincided with the work of Ezra and Nehemiah. Malachi’s message became a serious warning, to Levi and the Priestley descendants from Erin. While in Babylonian captivity, the remnant of Judah and Levi, had adopted many pagan cultural beliefs, and even married foreign wives. Between 539-520 B.C. Gradually Jews and sons of Levi, return to the desolate ruins of Jerusalem. The second Temple, reconstruction was completed in 514 B.C...
Ezra and Nehemiah, attempted to instruct Levi and the priest, in the proper way to conduct Temple worship. Because the Jews and sons of Levi, had lost most of their understanding, of the original Hebrew Scriptures. During 70 years in Babylonian captivity, Jewish religious leaders had developed many oral traditions, substantially replacing the correct understanding of Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments. Yehwah Elohe, anticipated the wavering devotion of unfaithful Jews and sons of Levi.
So, Malachi’s message ends with a promise of a future prophet, that would purge and cleanse the sons of Levi. The promised prophetic Messiah, would teach Levi and Judah, to offer acceptable sacrifices. Restoring Faithful Obedience to the Covenant Commandments, that were given to Moses, by Yehwah Elohe.
Daniel 9:24; 25; 26; This prophetic mystery began in 458 B.C. When Ezra return to Jerusalem, determined to organize the sons of Levi and the Priestley descendants of Erin.
Leviticus 25:8; 9; 10; Then in 26 A.D. On Atonement., Messiah Yeshua, announced the jubilee year. Completing the 490 of missing land Sabbaths, that began in the first year of ArtaXerxes reign in 464 B.C...
Judah and Levi’s continuing disobedience, led to serious consequences, and over 400 years of silence.
Yehwah Elohe, prophetic word, became hidden from the minds of Judah’s religious leaders. Jewish oral traditions, combined with Babylonian paganism, and Greek mythological beliefs, corrupted their understanding of Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments..
See also: ADAM to MESSiAH in 6000 yrs.
and MESSIAH's TEMPLE in 70 WEEKs
Offering and tithe to Yehwah
Malachi 3:1–10 (NASB95) — 1 “Behold, I am going to send My (messenger = John the Baptist), and he will clear the way before (Me = Messiah). And the (Lord = Yehwah the Messiah), whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the (messenger = Messiah Yeshua) of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the (Lord = Yehwah Elohe) of hosts. 2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness. 4 “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the (Lord = Yehwah Elohe) of hosts. 6 “For I, the (Lord = Yehwah), do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the (Lord = Yehwah Elohe) of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 “Will a man rob (God = Elohe)? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the (Lord = Yehwah Elohe) of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.
(Mark 7:6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 11:15; 16; 17; Jer 7:11; Lk 19:46; Mt 21:12; 13; 23:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; )
On the Day of Atonement, in 26 A.D. Messiah Yeshua, began His Jubilee Ministry.
Malachi 4:4; 5; 6; the prophetic Messiah, began calling all people to repent. By Returning to faithfully obey Yehwah Elohe;s Covenant Commandments. The promised Messiah’s message of Salvation, and Merciful Reconciliation, was rejected by the Jewish religious leaders. The sons of Levi and Priestley descendants of Aaron, had allowed the Temple worship of Yehwah, to become corrupted by rabbinical oral traditions and pagan mythological beliefs. Jewish religious leaders, Priest, Pharisees, and merchants, had turned the Temple worship, into a profitable enterprise. Honoring the Holiness of Yehwah’s presents, was replaced by meaningless sacrifices, and empty ritual. And the Tithe and Offerings became a convenient form of extortion and robbery, of the poor. Religious leaders became rich, and the people were burdened with empty traditions of the Pharisees. While Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments were manipulated for a profit, and sin could be excused with a bribe.
Messiah Yeshua, proclaimed the True message of Salvation. Requiring Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness.
See also: True Messiah vs 70 LXX Rabbi
and RiGHTly DiViDe_TRUTH vs LiES
The Tithe, that Bines
Matthew 23:23 (NASB95) — 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
The original purpose of a 10% Tithe. Is intended to help Israel Trust Yehwah Elohe’s Faithfulness to provide for, everyone that loves Him and keeps His Commandments. The 10% Tithe, would be saved in preparation, for one of the three, yearly Festival, commanded assemblies. The faithful worshipers, carried the Tithe, to the Festival gathering. And the Festival participants, were allowed to eat a portion of the 10% Tithe. The remaining abundance from the Tithe, would be dedicated to the Levi and priest, performing Temple service. Everyone that attended the Feast of UnLeavened Bread, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, participated in the joyous Festival. Yehwah Elohe, desire that Israel remember the poor and needy, by sharing the abundant harvest. And in the third and sixth year, most of the remaining festival Tithe, would be distributed to the poor, as the Levi returned to their designated city. So that is why Messiah Yeshua, remind the Pharisees, of their duty to distribute Tithe, and demonstrate charity to the poor. But, the Jewish religious leaders, priest, and Pharisees, Rob the Temple Tithe, to make themselves rich.
See also: UNDER the LAW? and LAW within LAW
Charitable Tithe
Luke 11:39–42 (NASB95) — 39 But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. 40 “You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41 “But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you. 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
Genesis 14:18; 19; 20; Abraham presented a Tithe, to Melchizedek , the priest of EL elyon the Father. Later, Moses received instruction, to follow the pattern of a 10% Tithe, to provide for Festival appointed assemblies. Most of the Tithe, Beyond food for the Festival, was contributed to the support for the sons of Levi and priest that serve at the Temple. The appearance of the True Messiah, expose the greed and lawlessness of the religious leaders, priest, and Pharisees. The Jewish religious leaders, even condemned and crucified the promise Savior. Then three days later, Messiah Yeshua, a rose from the dead, and ascended to the EL elyon the Father. Now, Yeshua, has been restored to his position as high priest Melchizedek , the King of Righteousness and Prince of Shalom Peace. And the unjust, sons of Levi, and Priestley descendants of Aaron, have been removed from their temporary position, of Temple service. So then, only Messiah Yeshua, the high priest Melchizedek, is worthy to receive the 10% Tithe, from Faithful worshipers, that Obey Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments.
See also: Melchizedek the Savior Elohe
Tithe toMelchizedek
Hebrews 7:1–11 (NASB95) — 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. 4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. 11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?
Many liters, of religious organizations,, claim their right to collect a 10% Tithe, from the yearly income of church members. But, the biblical Tithe, was never intended to produce a bountiful income, for the sons of Levi or Priestley descendants from Aaron. Religious leaders that claim Biblical authority, are not following the principles of 10% Tithe, established through Moses. Some religious organizations, demand 10%, 20%, or even 30%, of the yearly income of their members. Obedient members, experience financial difficulties, while ministers feast on the abundance of other people’s labor. Some religious organizations, pretend to teach obedience to Yehwah Elohe’s Covenant Commandments. And a few religious organizations, still Honor Yehwah Elohe’s commanded Festival assemblies and Sabbaths.
Any person that desires to fellowship with a religious organization, should carefully examine their, biblical teachings and Financial practices. And consider, Messiah Yeshua’s warnings and instruction about the proper use of the 10% Tithe.
See also: MAN of SiN; iMAGE of JEALOUSY
The Tithe, and Food for the Laborer
1 Corinthians 9:3–19 (NASB95) — 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we not have a right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? 7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? 8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” (God = EL elyon the Father) is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.
11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
(The apostle Paul, compares his ministry of sharing the “True Gospel”, to the sewing of a “Spiritual Seed”. And ministrs of the “Good News of Salvation”, maybe worthy to receive material benefits, from the people they serve. Messiah Yeshua, and His disciples, were invited to dinners, in private homes. And recipients of the “Good News of Salvation”, often contributed “Free Will” offerings, to messiah’s ministry. )
12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of (Christ = Messiah).
13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?
(The 10% Tithe, provided the food and material resources, that became compensation for the labor performed by the sons of Levi and Priestley descendants of Aaron, during their 15 days of service at the Temple.)
(1 Chr 24:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; )
14 So also the (Lord = Yehwah Elohe) directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.
See also: Galatians GOOD NEWS
In conclusion, Melchizedek received a 10% Tithe from Abraham. But, Melchizedek and EL elyon the Father, do not need your money or food. So, Moses received instruction, for the 10% Tithe, to provide for three specific human needs.
1. The Tithe, provided the food for everyone, at the three Festival appointed assemblies.
2. After the Festival, the remaining abundant Tithe, would be placed in the Temple storehouse. Then the remaining Tithe, became food for the sons of Levi and Priestley descendants of Aaron, during their 15 days of service at the Temple.
3. In the third and sixth year, of the seven year land Sabbath cycle. The remaining Tithe, after each Festival, would be distributed to meet the needs of poor families. And only 10% of the total Tithe, would be set aside in the Temple storehouse, to provide food for the sons of Levi and Priestley descendants of Aaron.
The apostle Paul understands the lawful principle of the Tithe, that may be received by True ministers of Messiah’s Gospel of “Good News”.. In contrast, Messiah Yeshua, reminded His disciples, of the importance of charity, and considering the needs of the poor. So Paul, chose not to demand his right to the Tithe.
(2 Cor 8:3; 8; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 9:6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; )
But, Paul relied on charity, and the financial support from faithful friends, contributing to the “Gospel”,from the “Heart of Love”. This fulfills the True purpose of the 10% Tithe, representing Abraham’s Faithfulness and Trusting Love towards Melchizedek, and EL elyon the Father.
See also: Justification of Righteousness
and DOCTOR WHO?
What about: Josephus?
When Israel entered the promised land, there were 13 tribes. Within the Levi family, there were 24 direct descendants, of Aaron’s two sons. Moses allocated about 100 acres of land to each of the 24 Priestley families descended from Aaron. Four Priestley families settled in the north, south, east, and west sides of the six cities of refuge. The remaining Levi families received about 100 acres each, surrounding 42 other cities. These families were well-equipped to provide for their families’ needs for life.
The 10% tithe was required to provide food for priests and Levites during their 15-day annual temple service. The total yearly tithe was collected during three appointed festivals. Everyone could eat the gathered produce, and a portion of the firstborn flock and free will offerings became food for the priests and people. A great abundance remained after each festival gathering, which was gradually distributed as food for the priests and Levites during their service.
Consider that 10% tithe, of the 12 remaining tribes in Israel would equal about 120% of the tribe of Levi’s possible yearly income. The tribe of Levi would distribute 10% of the yearly tithe to feed the Priestley descendants of Aaron during their 15-day rotational service at the temple. In addition, the 12 tribes of Israel would consume approximately 10% of the yearly tithe during the festival of Tabernacles. This 10% became food for the festival, and another 10% became food for the priests during their annual rotational service at the temple. Thus, a remaining, 10 times 10%, was collected of 10 tribe’s tithe, of the yearly produce. And deposited in the Temple storehouse at the end of each yearly festival cycle.
A seven-year land Sabbath required Israel to leave the land unplanted, preventing a 10% tithe on harvested produce. However, in the third and sixth years, the 10% tithe was distributed to the poor, provided for festivals, and fed the priests during their 15-day temple service. Other provisions in the law met the needs of the poor.
As a unified nation, the 12 tribes of Israel provided the equivalent value of 120% of Levi’s yearly income under the tithing principle. However, the nation of Israel failed to follow most of the instructions given to Moses. Tithing and the seven-year land Sabbath were generally neglected. Substantially replaced by idolatry, greed, and immorality among the Israelites. Consequently, the 10 tribes in northern Israel were eventually led into captivity in Assyria, while Judah and Levi faced punishment of 70 years in Babylonian captivity. After 70 years, Judah and Levi were permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Nevertheless, most of the 10 tribes of northern Israel never returned to Jerusalem.
Upon restoring Jerusalem, the remaining tribe of Judah became the sole source of 10% tithe, essential for supporting the Levi workers and Temple priests. Consequently, the priesthood devised an alternative tithe system. The priests demanded that the people pay 10% tithe directly to them. Subsequently, a second 10% tithe was added, ostensibly to provide food for the festival. Finally, a third tithe was introduced, purportedly to support the impoverished within the third year. The rabbinical oral traditions altered the original 10% tithe established by Abraham and Moses. Moreover, the absence of the ten missing tribes of Israel significantly diminished the value of the yearly 10% tithe. As a result, the rabbis and the Levitical priests became excessively greedy. Jewish religious leaders, through deceptive means, extorted money from worshippers to enrich themselves.
Messiah repeated prophecy, the religious leaders had transformed the temple into a den of robbers.
Soft(Jer 7:8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; Hos 4:6; 7; 8; 9; Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; )
The Jewish historian Josephus, born in 37 A.D., came from a wealthy priestly family that served at the temple in Jerusalem. He received training in rabbinical oral tradition, which emerged during the Babylonian captivity. Like many other Jews, Josephus did not observe Passover on the evening of the 14th. Instead, he believed that the Seder commemorated Passover and the first day of unleavened bread. Additionally, he mistakenly counts to Pentecost, beginning on the day following the first day of unleavened bread. Rabbinic Judaism, in Josephus’s time, lacked a deep understanding of scripture and failed to accurately administer the law given to Moses. Josephus held the belief that every human possesses an immortal soul and that upon death, their spirits reside in the underworld known as Hades. Interestingly, Rabbinic Judaism had adopted many Hellenistic Greek mythological beliefs. As a result, Josephus became an imaginary storyteller, and his book, “Antiquities of the Jews,” is not considered reliable for biblical accuracy.
Numbers 18:21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26 Levi and the Priest, receive land inheritance, and collect the 10% tithe.
Deuteronomy 12:17; 18; 19; the Israelite people, may eat of the 10% tithe, during the appointed festival. Levi and the priest, receive a share in the tithe.
Numbers 35:1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; Moses designates, 100 acres of land, for the families of Levi and the priests. The 24 Priestley families, descendant from Aaron, receive the six cities of refuge. The remaining 42 cities, were distributed among the other families of Levi. Josephus, does not, properly record, the distribution of land, for the families of Levi and the priests.
10% of the total yearly tithe, is set aside for food during the festival.
Jewish historian Josephus, states: "Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, besides that which you have allotted to give to the priests and Levites. This you may indeed sell in the country, but it is to be used in those feasts and sacrifices that are to be celebrated in the holy city: for it is fit that you should enjoy those fruits of the earth which God gives you to possess" (Book 4, chapter 4, section 8).
100 acres of land, for each family of Levi and the priest.
(3. (67) And now Moses, because the tribe of Levi was made free from war and warlike expeditions, and was set apart for the divine worship, lest they should want and seek after the necessaries of life, and so neglect the temple, commanded the Hebrews, according to the will of God, that when they should gain the possession of the land of Canaan, they should assign forty-eight good and fair cities to the Levites; and permit them to enjoy their suburbs, as far as the limit of two thousand cubits would extend from the walls of the city. (68) And besides this, he appointed that the people should pay the tithe of their annual fruits of the earth, both to the Levites and to the priests. And this is what that tribe receives of the multitude; but I think it necessary to set down what is paid by all, peculiarly to the priests.
4. (69) Accordingly he commanded the Levites to yield up to the priests
“thirteen of their forty-eight cities”,
and to set apart for them the tenth part of the tithes which they every year receive of the people; (70) as also, that it was but just to offer to God the firstfruits of the entire product of the ground; and that they should offer the firstborn of those fourfooted beasts that are appointed for sacrifices, if it be a male, to the priests, to be slain, that they and their entire families may eat them in the holy city; (
Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (pp. 106–107). Hendrickson.)
Three yearly festivals.
(7. (203) Let those that live as remote as the bounds of the land which the Hebrews shall possess, come to that city where the temple shall be, and this three times in a year, that they may give thanks to God for his former benefits, and may entreat him for those they shall want hereafter; and let them, by this means, maintain a friendly correspondence with one another by such meetings and feastings together—(204) for it is a good thing for those that are of the same stock, and under the same institution of laws, not to be unacquainted with each other; which acquaintance will be maintained by thus conversing together, and by seeing and talking with one another, and so renewing the memorials of this union; for if they do not thus converse together continually, they will appear like mere strangers to one another.
Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 116). Hendrickson.)
In the following line 8. Josephus confirms, the people Will consume 10% of the tithe, that is presented to the Levi. And then, levi, shares another 10% with the priest...
(8. (205) Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, besides that which you have allotted to give to the priests and Levites. This you may indeed sell in the country, but it is to be used in those feasts and sacrifices that are to be celebrated in the holy city; for it is fit that you should enjoy those fruits of the earth which God gives you to possess, so as may be to the honor of the donor.
Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 116). Hendrickson.)
Tithe, exchanged for Money, to purchase Food
Deuteronomy 14:21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; Israelites may exchange the 10% tithe, for money, to buy food at the appointed festival. Also Israel, may receive a portion, of the first born animals, that are sacrificed for food at the appointed festival. Levi and the priest, also received their portion, of the 10% tithe, and sacrificial offerings, as food, in exchange for their Temple service.
Yehwah Elohe, Covenant Law, also designate a “Land Sabbath”, every seven years. No crops are planted, in the seventh year of the Land Sabbath cycle. Yehwah Elohe, promises a truly abundant harvest in the six year, as a Vlessing for Obedience. So then, the Festival Tithe, and abundant harvest in the sixth year, would provide enough food for the seventh year land Sabbath, and even beyond. Yehwah Elohe, is training his Covenant people, to trust Him. And Yehwah Elohe, desires that His people, develop a Heart of Generosity and Love for others in need. That is why, Yehwah Elohe, established the third and sixth year, of the seven year Land Sabbath cycle. As a time to share the Tithe, with the poor and needy, in the land. So, the Tithe, was collected by the Levi, that lived near the assigned Cities of Refuge. The Levi, became responsible for distributing food to the families that are in need. Also, the Levi, were required to set aside 10% of the total Tithe. This 10%, remains in Jerusalem, to provide for the priest and Levi, performing their service at the Temple. The years of abundant harvest, have also stored a great supply of grain, oil, wine, and other resources in the Temple storehouse. And the three yearly Festivals, will still be celebrated with Joyous abundance.
Heart of Tithe
Deuteronomy 14:28; In the third year, the 10% tithe, is distributed by Levi, to the poor and needy. Also, everyone continues to share in 10% of the yearly tithe, that provides food for the appointed festival.
(Deuteronomy 15:4; 5; 11; 12; 13; 14; disobedience to Yehwah, often leads to poverty. Poor Israelite people, may become indentured servants, for six years. And in the seventh year land Sabbath, indentured servants, must be assisted in starting a new life for their family.)
Third year Tithe, and assistance for the Poor
Deuteronomy 26:10; 11; 12; 13; All of Israel and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the (Lord your God = Yehwah Elohe) has given you and your household.
12 “Shirley completing 10%, towards (Covenant agreement) all tithe, your increase within the year, in the third year. This tithe, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
(Deuteronomy 26:12; clearly establishes, that there only exist a single 10% tithe, which is collected in the third year. There is no evidence to support the existence of three separate 10% tithes, as imagined by Rabbinic Judaism. Scripture states: the total 10% tithe, of harvested crops, will be gradually collected, during the three yearly festivals.. The only change is an emphasis on the third year, when the majority of the 10% tithe surplus, may be distributed to the poor.)
In the third and sixth year, the 10% tithe, required an additional distribution to the poor and needy.
(in contradiction: Josephus says, "Besides those two tithes, which I have already said you are to pay every year, the one for the Levites, the other for the festivals, you are to bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed to those that want [i.e., lack]; to women also that are widows, and to children that are orphans" (Book 4, chapter 8, section 22).)
The first fruits, may be eaten by everyone at the feast.
(9. (226) He that plants a piece of land, the trees of which produce fruits before the fourth year, is not to bring any, firstfruits to God, nor is he to make use of that fruit himself, for it is not produced in its proper season; for when Nature has a force put upon her at an unseasonable time, the fruit is not proper for God, nor for the master’s use; (227) but let the owner gather all that is grown on the fourth year, for then it is in its proper season; and let him that has gathered it carry it to the holy city, and spend that, together with the tithe of his other fruits, in feasting with his friends, with the orphans and the widows. But on the fifth year the fruit is his own, and he may use it as he pleases.
Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 118). Hendrickson.)
Josephus, and a 1st 2nd and 3rd tithe?
(22. (240) Besides those two tithes, which I have already said you are to pay every year, the one for the Levites, the other for the festivals, you are to bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed to those that want; to women also that are widows, and to children that are orphans. (241) But as to the ripe fruits, let them carry that which is ripe first of all into the temple; and when they have blessed God for that land which bare them, and which he had given them for a possession, when they have also offered those sacrifices which the law has commanded them to bring, let them give the firstfruits to the priests. (242) But when anyone hath done this, and hath brought the tithe of all that he has, together with those firstfruits that are for the Levites, and for the festivals, and when he is about to go home, let him stand before the holy house, and return thanks to God, that he hath delivered them from the injurious treatment they had in Egypt, and hath given them a good land, and a large, and lets them enjoy the fruits thereof; and when he hath openly testified that he hath fully paid the tithes [and other dues] according to the laws of Moses, (243) let him entreat God that he will be ever merciful and gracious to him; and continue so to be to all the Hebrews, both by preserving the good things which he hath already given them, and by adding what it is still in his power to bestow upon them.
Josephus’s plain and express
“interpretation”,
of this law of Moses,
(Dt 14:28; 29; 26:12; )
Josephus claims, the Jews were bound every third year to pay three tithes, to the Levites, for sacrifices at Jerusalem, and for the indigent, the widow, and the orphans. Is fully confirmed by the practice of good old Tobit, even when he was a captive in Assyria, against the opinions of the rabbis, Tobit 1:6–8.
Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 119).
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