The Sacred Tithe remains a Core Stewardship Principle which can never be overemphasized (Lev. 27:30). Originating with Abraham, who tithed a portion of his spoils to Melchizedek, (Gen. 14:20) tithing expressed Covenant based Gratitude and acknowledgement that God is the Source of all Wealth. The Tithe aligns us with God’s Economic Principles and creates a Connection to His Covenant Promise of Provision and Protection (Deut. 8:18). As revealed in our Key Scriptural Text, God mandates us to bring ALL the Tithe into God’s House, stating, “Bring ALL THE TITHES INTO THE STOREHOUSE… and see if I will not open for you the Windows of Heaven.” Notice here the phrase ALL THE TITHES.... The implication here is that some believers have formed a habit of not presenting all the Tithe for they don't even know there are different types of Tithe. Additionally, the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself endorsed the Tithe is sufficient proof of its Eternal Relevance (Matt. 23:23).
The Jews under the Mosaic Law paid Three Distinct Types of Tithe rather than just one. They are listed below as follows:
1. THE LORD'S TITHE (Levitical Tithe): (Num. 18:21) This was paid annually to support the Levites because they had no land inheritance while serving full-time in the Tabernacle/Temple.
2. THE FESTIVAL TITHE (Feast Tithe): (Deut. 14:22-26) This was also paid annually to fund the national festivals and for each family to celebrate joyfully while worshiping before the Lord in Jerusalem.
3. THE WELFARE TITHE (Charity Tithe): (Deut. 14:28-29) This was paid every third year i.e., years three and six of a seven year cycle for the Levites, the strangers, the fatherless and the widows. In other words, beneficiaries of this particular Tithe were the poor and vulnerable in each local town.
God guarantees us that by entering a Covenant through Faithful Tithing, we not only contribute to His Work but also position ourselves to receive Blessings and Protection hence the Tithe serves as a form of “Divine Insurance,” providing Security from worldly economic uncertainties (Hagg. 1:6-11). Tithing is also a Covenantal Act directly with God Who alone has the Power to bless us, rather than with any particular organization (Heb. 7:8). The Tithe reinforces our Trust and Dependence on God rather than on Earthly Wealth, established as a Sacred Offering meant for the Spiritual Storehouse where we receive God’s Word and Spiritual Growth (Mal. 3:10 MSG).