For many Christians around the world, tithing is an issue that is surrounded by controversy. They don't know whether the Bible permits or requires it or not. Some look to the foundations of Christendom for support on this issue. Existing at the foundations of the faith are patriarchs such as Abraham. Those who examine his life will discover that Abraham did not tithe.
The misconception that Abraham paid tithes is rooted in an incident that takes place in the book of Genesis chapter fourteen. The incident entails a battle in which Abraham engaged after lot, his nephew was captured and taken away among the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's captors were identified as the four kings.
Along with the captives, the kings had also taken valuable possessions. The people's food was taken. So were all the properties of Lot. Clearly, The patriarch's quest was one of revenge, restoration and justice.
The Lord was on the patriarch's side and the four kings were defeated. He had the Lord with him but he also had other men assisting him in the fight. Verse thirteen makes mention of some of his allies, Aner, Mamre and Eshcol, and later on when they battle has been completed, the presence of these and other men on the scene makes it evident that they fought alongside the patriarch.
It was customary in those days for the men who participated in battle to be given a share of the spoils after victory. This is how Abraham's distribution of the possessions ought to be seen. When he gives one tenth of the spoils to Melchidezek therefore, Abraham was simply sharing the spoils of war. Since Melchidezek also turns out to be a priest of God many perceive this gift to be a tithe but it may also be a simple traditional gift given in return for a blessing as obtained with Isaac and his sons.
The principle of tithing requires that the tither sets aside and gives a tenth of his possessions. These spoils of war were clearly not Abraham's property. He declares to the King of Sodom that he had taken an oath that he would take nothing from him after the king offers him all the possessions and tells him to only return to him the people. The patriarch asked only for the food that the warriors had eaten and a share of the spoils to be given to the men who fought alongside him.
Additionally tithing is a frequent, habitual act. This is why today's tithers use weekly, bi-weekly or monthly routines. This was a single activity with no evidence of repetition thereafter.
This patriarch's actions in Genesis fourteen cannot be used as strong evidence in favor of tithing. He was not following a requirement to give a portion of his earnings or properties to the Lord. He was simply ensuring that those who fought a hard battle and won received their just rewards.
The misconception that Abraham paid tithes is rooted in an incident that takes place in the book of Genesis chapter fourteen. The incident entails a battle in which Abraham engaged after lot, his nephew was captured and taken away among the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's captors were identified as the four kings.
Along with the captives, the kings had also taken valuable possessions. The people's food was taken. So were all the properties of Lot. Clearly, The patriarch's quest was one of revenge, restoration and justice.
The Lord was on the patriarch's side and the four kings were defeated. He had the Lord with him but he also had other men assisting him in the fight. Verse thirteen makes mention of some of his allies, Aner, Mamre and Eshcol, and later on when they battle has been completed, the presence of these and other men on the scene makes it evident that they fought alongside the patriarch.
It was customary in those days for the men who participated in battle to be given a share of the spoils after victory. This is how Abraham's distribution of the possessions ought to be seen. When he gives one tenth of the spoils to Melchidezek therefore, Abraham was simply sharing the spoils of war. Since Melchidezek also turns out to be a priest of God many perceive this gift to be a tithe but it may also be a simple traditional gift given in return for a blessing as obtained with Isaac and his sons.
The principle of tithing requires that the tither sets aside and gives a tenth of his possessions. These spoils of war were clearly not Abraham's property. He declares to the King of Sodom that he had taken an oath that he would take nothing from him after the king offers him all the possessions and tells him to only return to him the people. The patriarch asked only for the food that the warriors had eaten and a share of the spoils to be given to the men who fought alongside him.
Additionally tithing is a frequent, habitual act. This is why today's tithers use weekly, bi-weekly or monthly routines. This was a single activity with no evidence of repetition thereafter.
This patriarch's actions in Genesis fourteen cannot be used as strong evidence in favor of tithing. He was not following a requirement to give a portion of his earnings or properties to the Lord. He was simply ensuring that those who fought a hard battle and won received their just rewards.
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