Numbers 18:21 says, “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.” As you may know, there were TWELVE TRIBES that made up the nation of Israel and once they entered Canaan (the Promised Land), the land was divided up between ELEVEN of those tribes. The tribe of Levi was given no land for an inheritance. We see this in verse 24, “For THE TITHES of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the LORD, I HAVE GIVEN TO THE LEVITES AS AN INHERITANCE; therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have NO INHERITANCE.’” The Levites in turn would give tithes to Aaron the high priest (see verse 28) for his service in the tabernacle. Their livelihood depended on these tithes which the other tribes were COMMANDED (under the Law of Moses) to give to the Levites.

In the New Testament we never read about tithes (the word “tithe” refers to giving “ten percent”) being given to those who serve the Lord. Yet the Apostle Paul said the following in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” But there is nothing said of giving “ten percent” of your money to support servants of Christ today. When a collection is taken in a local church (which meets many needs, including giving to the poor and support for full-time evangelists, Bible teachers, and others who labor for the Lord), we are told in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, AS God HATH PROSPERED HIM.” In other words, we give PROPORTIONATELY. Some may be able to give “much more than 10%” while others may give “less than 10%.” In the church of God, we are “not under the law” and thus we are told in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as HE PURPOSES IN HIS HEART, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a CHEERFUL GIVER.” Under the Mosaic Law, the Israelites “had to give 10%” without any real exercise of soul. Under GRACE today, we should be very exercised about how much to give. Under the Law, the Levites knew what to expect for support. Under grace, servants of the Lord “live by faith” and are not given a stipulated salary, making them much more dependent on the Lord to provide for their needs.

We never read about the Levites “thanking their fellow Israelites for their support.” They knew they were commanded to give that much and thus they expected it and perhaps they “took it for granted” at times. But the servants today should be very thankful for the gifts of fellow believers who are giving to support those who are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to sinners and those who are shepherding and teaching the saints (see Ephesians 4:11-12). I will close with the Apostle Paul’s “word of thanks” to the saints at Philippi for the gift they gave to him. “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:10-20).  (DO)  (727.3)