I was compelled to write this blog post due to so many
misconceptions that I observed in recent times about the issue of tithing
including a video on social media that mis-interpreted the scriptures. Besides, the question of whether tithing is
meant for the New Testament believers or not is best answered by examining the
history, significance and biblical meaning of tithe?
With reference to the scriptures, the word “tithe” specifically refers to a tenth
part of the “firstfruits” of a
person’s harvest or increase that is given in faith to the priests under the Old
Testament in order to honour God with the hope of receiving divine blessings that
include the resurrection of life. As emphasized in my previous blog post, all
the acts
of tithing the first fruits under the Old Testament dispensation foreshadowed
Christ’s resurrection from the dead, as the first fruit of the new creation. As
the sinners’ representative, the priest that receives the tithes also
portrays Christ in the capacity of the heavenly Advocate that receives those
that bear witness to His resurrection into God’s paradise.
“And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of
whom it is witnessed that he lives.” (Hebrews 7:8)
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)
According to the scriptures, the firstfruit that comes out
during harvest typifies Christ, as the first person to rise from the dead. Therefore, the primary purpose of the tithes and
all the firstfruits ordinances under the Old Testament was to honour God in a
demonstration of faith in an ordinance that gave witness to the coming
resurrection of Christ, as the firstfruits from the dead.
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ” (1Corinthians 15: 20)
Thus, the demonstration of
faith through the Old Testament typology of the first fruits in form of tithing was primarily to bear witness in faith to the resurrection that would come through the grace
of God, as the basis of salvation and the hope of life after death.
The secondary reason for tithing will also be unraveled
from the scriptures, which was to encourage the Priests in the works of God and
to take care of the orphans, widows, and strangers and less privilege, which
was also done to invoke the blessings of God in obedience to His Word
(Deuteronomy 26: 1-15). Even though, the giving of a tenth part of the
firstfruits in form of tithes was instituted under the law but the principle
behind it predates the dispensation of the Law, which was seen in Genesis after
man lost access to God’s paradise because of sin and death that came into the
world.
“Honor
the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase; So
shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new
wine.” (Proverbs 3: 9)
Primary Purpose For Tithes Under the Old Testament
It was revealed in the book of Genesis that the first two
sons of Adam brought their offerings to honour God even before Seth the third
son of Adam was born. So, there were only three males on earth at that time namely
Adam and his first two sons Cain and Abel while the LORD Himself was the Priest
that administered their offerings. This implies that the offerings of Cain and
Abel in Genesis was not for the secondary purpose of encouraging the Priest in
the work of God but primarily for the primary purpose of honoring God through a
demonstration of faith in the resurrection, as the basis of the Gospel that
reveals the power of God unto salvation.
Right from the beginning of the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis, the first two sons of Adam were introduced with their chosen careers with a biblical account of how they responded to the message of the Gospel that was revealed to their conscience.
Right from the beginning of the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis, the first two sons of Adam were introduced with their chosen careers with a biblical account of how they responded to the message of the Gospel that was revealed to their conscience.
“And
Adam knew his wife, and she conceived, and bare Cain; and said I have gotten a
man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper
of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of ground. And in the process of time it came
to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the
LORD. And Abel, he also brought of
the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had
respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and his offering he had
not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.’ (Genesis 4:
1-5)
With reference to the scripture above, Abel’s work in animal
husbandry required him to honor God by bringing his offering from the
firstlings of his flock in an act of faith that bears witness to the coming resurrection of life.
“All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shall sanctify unto the LORD thy God:’ (Deuteronomy 15:19)
“All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shall sanctify unto the LORD thy God:’ (Deuteronomy 15:19)
In his obedience to divine instructions, Abel brought his
offering from the firstling
of his flocks and it was accepted as an offering that brought honor to God.
As a tiller of ground or crop farmer, Cain was also expected
to honor God with his first fruits to portray his faith in the coming
resurection that gives power over the dominion of sin and death but he refused
to bring his firstfruits. Instead, Cain just brought fruits from the
ground and not his firstfruits. Due to
this reason, Cain’s offering was rejected and he was angry but the LORD instructed
him to go back and do the right thing if he wanted the blessing that will give
him the dominion over the power of sin and death.
And the
LORD said unto Cain, Why are thou wroth? And why is their countenance fallen?
If thou does well , shall thou not be accepted? And if thou does not well, sin
lies at the door: and unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shall rule over
him.” (Genesis 4: 5-7)
It was not just about the quantity but what really matters
is the quality required for the purpose, which was his firstfruits and not just
any fruits. Abel honored God in an act of obedience that portrayed his faith in
the resurrection when he brought his offering from the firstling of his flocks and increase, which invoked the
blessings of God upon Abel with the hope of the resurrection of life after
death.
“And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:” (Genesis 4:4)
“And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:” (Genesis 4:4)
As confirmed below,
it was the basis of this offering by faith that gave Abel the hope of a new life
after death.
“By
faith Abel offerred unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he
obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by
it he being dead yet speaks. “ (Hebrews 11:4)
From the examples above and a few more that will soon be
revealed, the primary purpose of tithing of the firstfuits was a response to
the message of the Gospel under the Old Testament through faith that gave
witness to the coming resurrection of Christ, which is also the basis of
salvation in the New Testament.
“That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
“That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Correspondingly,
all the types and shadows of tithing
the first fruits under the Old Testament foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection
from the dead and it was done on the day after the Sabbath, which is Sunday.
The Old Testament Sabbath was Saturday and the next day is Sunday, which coincides
with the same day Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of the
resurrection. On the day of celebration of the firstfruits, the priest was
expected to wave the sheaf of the first fruits on behalf of the people before
the Lord to signify how Christ the High Priest is the firstfruits that arose
from the dead on behalf of the people. It is worth recalling from my last blog that the
firstfruits ordinance was normally accompanied by a celebration of triumph and
consecration, that foreshadowed the
celebration of the resurrection victory of Christ as the firstfruits.
“
And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and
say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give unto you; and shall reap
the harvest thereof, then shall ye bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your
harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be
accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.’
(Leviticus 23: 9-11).
The
appearance of the firstfruits is an assurance that the rest of the harvest
would be safely gathered at the appointed season. Similarly, the resurrection
of Christ as the firstfruits is an assurance that all the dead will be
resurrected at the appointed season (Matthew 27: 50-53, 1 Corinthians 15:
14-58).
“But
now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that
slept. For since by man came death, by man came also resurrection of the
dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But
everyman in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are
Christ’s at his coming. Then comes the end…” (1Corinthians 15: 20-23)
“He
that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126: 6)
When
a grain in form of a seed is sown into the ground, it dies and is buried alone
but the stalk it brings out as a type of its resurrection does not bear one
grain but many, which is similar to the resurrection of Christ that was
foreshadowed in the Old Testament by the firstfruits ordinances.
“Verily,
I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground, it abides alone:
but if it dies, it brings forth much fruits.” (John 12: 24)
So
far, we have revealed how the primary aim of the firstfruits of a person’s
increase given in form of tithes under the Old Testament was a demonstration of
faith in the resurrection of Christ, as the basis of salvation and hope of
eternal life.
In
addition, it was earlier revealed that the LORD Himself performed the duty of
the Priest directly in Genesis when Cain and Abel brought the offerings of
their increase or harvest. Consequently,
the primary purpose of tithing and giving of the firstfruits that began in the
early chapters of Genesis was neither to encourage the priests in the
works of God nor to take care of the less privilege but primarily to bear
witness to the resurrection by faith, which gives a renewed hope of eternal
life.
Again,
the similitude of the Lord that was seen in Genesis appeared as a royal High
Priest to Abraham in the Person of Melchisedec many years before the birth of
the nation of Israel that was later formed by Abraham’s descendants. As a type
of the eternal Son of God who is the firstborn of all creatures, this royal
Priesthood foreshadowed by Melchisedec has neither a beginning nor ending of
days. In addition, Melchisedec’s royal
Personality as the Priest of the Most High God was acknowledged to be greater
than Abraham. The author of Hebrews also explained how Abraham on behalf of his
descendants gave witness to the resurrection by giving a tithe of his increase
to Melchisedec, the priest of the Most High God, who was a type of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
“FOR
this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham
returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him; To whom also Abraham
gave a tenth part of all, first by interpretation King of righteousness, and
after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father ,
without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of
life: but made like unto the Son of God, abides a priest continually. Now
consider how great this man was, unto which even the patriarch Abraham gave the
tenth of the spoil…But he whose descent is not counted from them received
tithes from Abraham, and blessed him that had all the promises. And without
contradiction, the less is blessed of the better.” (Hebrews 7: 1-4, 6-7)
As
mortals, the Levirate priests under the law could not continue their duties of
intercession forever because of death but the royal priesthood after the order
of Melchisedec is based on the resurrection power of an endless life through
the victory of resurrection over the power of death. Therefore, the priesthood of Christ that is
patterned after the order of Melchisedec is superior to the Levirate priests .
“And
they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue by
reason of death: But this man, because he continues ever has an unchangeable
priesthood. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:
23-25)
By
divine arrangement, Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedec the high priest of God
on behalf of his entire generations including Levi that was appointed to
collect tithes under the Law. Accordingly, Abraham’s tithes invoked the blessings of God
through Melchisedec the High Priest of the Most High God. This royal priesthood
after the order of Melchisedec was the same priesthood order that later
re-emerged in the New Testament through the Christ that was revealed from the
tribe of Judah.
“And
as I may say, Levi also, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he
was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore
perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it, the people received
the law) what further need was there that another priest should arise after the
order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the
priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the
law…The LORD sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the
order of Melchisedec: By so much was Jesus
made a surety of a better testament.” (Hebrews 7: 9-12, 21-22)
Secondary Purpose For Tithes Under the Old Testament
The
primary purpose of tithes and firstfruits was to bear witness to the coming
resurrection of Christ as the hope of salvation while the secondary purpose of
tithes of the firstfuits under the Old Testament dispensation was to encourage
the priests and Levites in the work of the LORD.
“Moreover, he commanded the people that
dwell in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that
they might be encouraged in the work of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 31: 4)
This
secondary purpose of tithing included the tithes given to the Levites, orphans,
strangers, widows and less privilege. These tithes were in diverse forms that
occur within a 7-year sabbatical cycle. During the cycle, the tithes gathered were
usually presented at the altar in the Temple before the priest during the first
and second year, which required the tithes to be taken to the Temple in
Jerusalem for the feasts to be enjoyed. If the luggage was too heavy considering the
distance, a person was allowed to sell it and convert it into money and spend
the money at the feast. There was also a
third year tithe that was meant to be for the Levites, strangers, orphans, and
less privilege within a person’s immediate environment, which was specifically
called the third year of tithes or year of tithing. At the end of the next
three years of a similar process comes the seventh year, which is the
sabbatical year of rest. So every three years before the sabbatical year is the
third tithe that is called the year of tithing where the tithes are distributed
within a person’s gate for the Levites and the poor.
“When thou has made an end of tithing
all the tithe of thine increase the third year; which is the year of tithing,
and has given unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow,
that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled:
Then thou shall say before the LORD thy
God; I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have
given them unto the Levites, and unto the strangers, to the fatherless, and to
the widow, according to the commandment which thou has commanded me: I have not
transgressed thy commandment, neither have I forgotten them….Look down from thy
holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which
thou has given us, as thou swore unto our fathers, a land that flow with milk
and honey.” (Deuteronomy 26: 12-15)
As
confirmed above, the secondary reason for giving tithes was to encourage the
Levites and provide for the poor and its
fulfillment always invokes the blessings
of God that enable a person prosper just
as the primary purpose of tithes invokes the blessings of salvation that gives
eternal life.
“Honor
the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase; So
shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new
wine.” (Proverbs 3: 9)
The process of tithing was always done with
the expectation of a blessing. Let us
recall that God blessed Abel in Genesis for this act, likewise Abraham was
blessed for giving tithes to Melchisedec the Priest of the Most High God.
Another example is given below with the challenge to request for a blessing.
“Bring ye all the tithes into the store
house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the
LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out a
blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke
the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground;
neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the
LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed; for you shall be a
delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3: 10-12)
It
was the duty of the priest to pronouce the blessings upon the people whenever
the tithes were given to them to encourage them in the work of the LORD.
“And the first of all the firstfruits of all
things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest’s: ye shall also give unto the
priest the first of your dough, that
he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.” (Ezekiel 44:29-30)
Now, let us recall that the primary reason for
tithes is the message of the Gospel that was taught by the priests and Levites
to those that gave witness to the coming resurrection of Christ while the
secondary purpose of the tithes allowed the priests and Levites that taught the
principles of the gospel to feed and be encouraged in the works of God. It is based on this same Old Testament principle that the New Testament preachers of
the Gospel are empowered to live by the gospel.
“Do you know that they which minister
about holy things live of the holy things of the temple? And they which wait at
the altar are partakers with the altar?
Even so has the Lord ordained that they
which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9: 13-14)
The
blessing that is invoked when the secondary purpose of tithes is fulfilled
under the law is a blessing of prosperity, which is similar to the blessing
invoked in the New Testament when a servant of God that preaches the gospel is
encouraged in the things of God.
“…I am full, having received of Epaphroditus
the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 18-19)
So,
the patterns of giving under the Old Testament are seen again in the New
Testament except the fact that tithes were commanded by law under the Old
Testament but giving in the New Testament is a voluntary act that should be
done in appreciation of the grace of God.
The tithes given during the Levirate priesthood of the Old Testament was
a Law that was mandatory in line with types and shadows of things to come. This is why the only references to tithes in
the New Testament were found in the book of Hebrews in relation to the shadows
of the Old Testament that were later fulfilled by Jesus Christ, the High Priest
of God, whose Priesthood is patterned after the order of Melchisedec. However,
there is no where in the New Testament that commands believers to give a tenth
part of their increase but the measure of what is given under the New Testament
is voluntary just as Abraham voluntarily gave a tithe to Melchisedec to honor
God.
“But I say, he who sows sparingly shall
reap also sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every
man according as he purposes in his heart, let him give: not grudingly, as of
necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Corinthians 9: 6-7)
For
their duties, all the Levites were compensated under the Old Testament from the
tithes that they received from all the Israelites. As a type of double honor, the
priests being the chief of the Levites also received tithes from the people and
from the Levites portion for their work in doctrine. This also corresponds to the New Testament
principle that says that an elder that rules well should be given double honor
especially those that labour in doctrine.
“Let the elder that rule well be
counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine. For the scripture says, Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out
the corn, And , The labourer is worthy of his reward.” (1Timothy 5: 17-18)
The Double Honor of the Firstborn
It
is important to emphasise the fact that all the types and shadows of tithes and
firstfruits ordinances under the Old Testament refer to the firstborn because it portrays Christ, who
is the firstborn of all creatures. Likewise, all the priesthood under the law
had to conform to this firstborn patterns including the Levirate priesthood
that was instituted under the dispensation of the Law.
The title of the firstborn as the eldest son under the Old
Testament symbolises pre-eminence in any gathering, and the firstborn son by
his birthright under the law was entitled to a double portion of the
inheritance. Every firstborn that opens
the womb also has a role that typifies Christ, who is the firstborn of all
creatures.
“Who is
the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature…And he is the
head of the body, the Church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.” (Colossians 1: 15.
18)
Even in a polygamous setting where the mother of the
firstborn son was not the favorite wife, the firstborn son would still be given
his right of pre-eminence by law in form of a double portion of the inheritance
by virtue of his birthright.
“But he
shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a
double portion of all that he has: for he is the beginning of his strength: the
right of the firstborn is his.” (Deuteronomy 21:17)
For
instance, the tribe of Joseph among the twelve tribes of Israel was given a
double portion of inheritance by virtue of the birthright of the firstborn that
was given to Joseph. This birthright of
the firstborn son was supposed to be for the tribe of Reuben but he lost his
birthright when he slept with one of his father’s wife. As a result, the
birthright of the firstborn among the twelve tribes of Israel was given to
Joseph, which entitled him to a double portion of the inheritance.
“Thus saith the LORD; This shall be the
border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of
Israel; Joseph shall have two portions.” (Ezekiel 47: 13)
“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn
of Israel, (for he was the firstborn but, for as much as he defiled his
father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel.
For Judah prevailed above his brethren, out of whom came the chief ruler; but
the birthright was Joseph’s;) (1Chronicles 5: 1-2)
The
examples above confirm the significance and importance of firstborn birthright
and double honor under the Old Testament because it symbolizes the pre-eminence
that entitles a person to a double portion of the inheritance. As revealed above, the birthright of the
firstborn among the twelve tribes of Israel belongs to the tribe of Joseph; whose
descendants were given a double portion of the inheritance.
After
the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of covenant and minister
unto Him, the firstborn from the families of all the twelve tribes were also
substituted and redeemed by the male population of the tribe of Levi under the
dispensation of the law. In other words, the position of the firstborn son of
every family in all the twelve tribes of Israel was represented by a male from
the tribe of Levi that had the priesthood under the dispensation of the law.
“For all the firstborn of the children
of Israel are mine, both an and beast; on the day that I smote every firstborn
in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself. And I have taken the
Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel.” (Numbers 8:
17-18)
On
the day the Lord substituted the Levites for the firstborn in every family of
the twelve tribes of Israel, the Levites male population were counted. For the
number of the firstborn of the children of Israel that were more than the
Levites, a redemption fee was paid. Those to be redeemed that were more than
the Levite male population were 22, 273 men and five shekel a piece was paid
per poll for these firstborn males of Israel . Moses took this redemption fee
that were over and above the firstborn
males of Israel that were redeemed by the Levites, and gave them to his elder
brother Aaron and his sons, being the
first high priest that emerged from the tribe of Levi.
“And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying,
And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel,
instead of all the firstborn that opens the matrix among the children of
Israel; therefore the Levites shall be mine; Because all the firstborn are
mine; for on the day that I smote Egypt, I hallowed unto me all the firstborn
in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be; I am the LORD.’ (Number 3:
11-13)
As
the priesthood lineage under the old dispensation of the Law and Prophets, the
Levites were found in all parts of Israel because they no longer had an inheritance
among the Israelites because the LORD Himself was their portion of inheritance
in Israel. By virtue of their divine assignment, which includes taking charge
of the temple duties, the tribe of Levi was entitled to a tithe or one tenth of
everything in Israel that is given to honor God. This tithe or one tenth
figuratively portrays a double portion of the firstfruits from the twelve
tribes of Israel that is given to honor God belongs to the Levites. This is
their heritage from the LORD after they became the firstborn among every family
of the twelve tribes of Israel. Afterwards, the Levites no longer had an
inheritance among the Israelite because the portion that was given to God
became their inheritance (Numbers 18: 20-21).
“The priests the Levite, and all the
tribe of Levi , shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat
the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and His inheritance. Therefore shall
they have no inheritance among your brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as
He has said unto them….The firstfruit also of
thy corn, of thy wine, and of
thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shall thou give him.”
(Deuteronmy 18:1-2, 4)
After
the LORD became their inheritance, the Levites were assigned to take charge of
temple duties and to teach the Israelites the oracles of God concerning the
future plans of salvation that would be fulfilled through the coming Messiah.
“…
behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of
Israel: to you they are given as a gift of the LORD to do the service of the
tabernacle of the congregation…And behold, I have given the children of Levi
all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service of the tabernacle
of the congregation…But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer
as a heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit:
therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have
no inheritance.” (Numbers 18: 6, 21, 24)
In
view of the scriptural contexts above, it is clearly evident that the tribe of
Levi was merged as part of all the other tribes of Israel to spiritually
represent the firstborn in every family of the twelve tribes. Due to
this reason, there were cities specifically allocated to the Levites in the
territories of all the tweve tribes of Israel after they were merged with every
tribe because they no longer had a separate inheritance in Israel.
“…Everyone shall give of his cities to
the Levites, according to his inheritance which he inherits.” (Numbers 35: 8)
Let
us recall from my last blog that Mary the mother of Jesus was a relative of the
Aaronic families of the Levites that lived in the hill country of Judah while
her husband Joseph was from Bethlehem, the royal city that produced the lineage
of kings in Judah.
Under
the Old Testament, Levites represented the firstborn in every family of the
twelve tribes of Israel while the Aaronic family spiritually represented the
firstborn among the Levites themselves because the first Levirate high priest
came from Aaron such that they were considered as the chief among the Levites.
The Levirate Priesthood was only given to the sons of Aaron among the Levites. In other words, only the descendants of Aaron
among the Levites can handle the most holy duties of the temple such as burning
incense on the altar.
“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that
they may minister unto him.
And they shall keep his charge, and the
charge of the whole congregation. …And thou shall give the Levites unto Aaron
and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
And thou shall appoint Aaron and his
sons, and they shall wait on their priest’s office; and the stranger that comes
near shall be put to death.” (Number 3: 5-10)
For instance, the sons of Korah that once
attempted to burn incense in the tabernacle suffered a devastating plague
despite being Levites. This punishment was a memorial lesson and reminder to
the Israelites that only the descendants of Aaron among the Levites can perform
priestly duties such as burning incense in the temple.
“…To
be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of
the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the Lord; that he be not
as Korah, and as his company.” (Numbers 16: 40)
Generally,
the Levites were divided into different courses with respect to their family
units for the work of the temple, which included the Levite descendants of the
families of Moses and Aaron. So, it was customary for some Levites
according to their course to work as porters while another course of Levites
were assigned to sing praises with instruments to the Lord in the temple etc.
Only the descendants of the families of Aaron alone were separated as the chief
of the Levites for the purpose of the most holy things of the temple such as
burning of incense and to minister in Lord’s presence (1Chronicles 23: 13). For their duties, the Levites were
compensated from the tithes that they received from all the Israelites while
the priests being the chief of the Levites also received tithes from all the
Levites, as a type of double honor for their work in doctrine. This corresponds to the New Testament
principle that says that an elder that rules well should be given double honor
especially those that labour in doctrine.
“Let the elder that rule well be
counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine. For the scripture says, Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out
the corn, And , The labourer is worthy of his reward.” (1Timothy 5: 17-18)
Finally,
it is worth recalling the fact that God loves a cheerful giver and giving under
the New Testament must not be done by compulsion but willingly.
“Every man according as he purposes in
his heart, let him give: not grudingly, as of necessity: for God loves a
cheerful giver; And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you
always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work. As
it is written, He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor, his
righteousness remains forever:” (2Corinthians 9:7-9)
Most
importantly, it is also worth mentioning the fact that the aim of giving under
the New Testament is for the purpose of equality such that the measure expected
depends on what a person has, and he is not expected to give what he does not
have. He is only expected to ease the
burden of others from his abundance while others at another occasion might also
be expected to ease his own burden from their abundance, that there may be
equality.
“For if there be first a willing mind,
it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has
not.
For I mean not that other men be eased,
and ye be burdened; But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance
may be a supply for their want, that their abundance may be a supply for your
want: that there may be equality.” (2Corinthians 8: 12-14)
The
ideal pattern of equality was seen in the early Church when they had all things
in common. This is the pattern that would be restored beginning with Christ’s
millenial reign on earth.
“And with great power gave the apostles
witness of the resurrection of the LORD Jesus; and great grace was upon them
all. Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were
possesors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things
that were sold, And laid them down at the apostle’s feet; and distribution was
made unto every man according as he has need.” (Acts 4: 33-35).
The
aim of giving under the New Testament with reference to all the scriptural
contexts above is for equality so that no one lacks (James 1: 27).
Only they would that we should remember
the poor; the same thing which I was forward to do.” (Galatians 2: 10)
