Tithing

TITHING

In the days of the OT, before the 1st Advent of Christ, tithes were paid to the oldest living patriarch (Melchizedek). When the Levitical priesthood was instituted, the tithes were given to them.

The tithes in the OT were NOT of money. It was the increase of the fruits of the land and livestock.

In the NT, the priesthood expired because Christ became our High Priest. We pay our tithes to Him. The tithes are NOT of money, or the increase of the land and livestock. There was no priesthood to give these things to.

The only thing that changed was the expiration of the priesthood and the oblations and rituals that went with the priesthood. Our tithes today are of our time and devotion to learning and proclaiming His Truths, and by loving our brethren.

The priests got physical tithes in the ancient days.

Yahweh gets our spiritual tithes today.

Today we must give from our abundance to those of our kinsman that are less fortunate or in need.

There is nothing 'wrong' with tithing money, if that is the way you wish to give. Yahweh would rather have your time and allegiance.

The “church” doctrine of tithing is NOT scriptural and as you will see in all the verses in this study, that money is never the context.

H4643 ​​ ma‛ăśêr  ​​ ​​​​ ma‛ăśar  ​​ ​​​​ ma‛aśrâh  ​​​​ mah-as-ayr', mah-as-ar', mah-as-raw'  ​​​​ noun

From H6240 ten; a tenth; especially a tithe: - tenth (part), tithe (-ing).

H6237 ​​ ‛âśar  ​​​​ aw-sar'  ​​​​ verb

A primitive root (identical with H6238 wealth riches); to accumulate; but used only as denominative from H6235 accumulation; to tithe, that is, take or give a tenth: -  ​​​​ 

After Abram successfully rescued Lot and his family and slaughtered the enemy.

Genesis 14:18 ​​ And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

This Melchizedek at this time was Nahor, the oldest living patriarch. Adam was the first of the order of Melchizedek, Noah was the eighth. Melchizedek means preacher of righteousness.

​​ 14:19 ​​ And he (Nahor) blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven (the sky) and earth (the land):

​​ 14:20 ​​ And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered your enemies into your hand. And he (Abram) gave him (Nahor) tithes (H4643-a tenth) of all (all the spoils of war).

The book of Jasher has:

16:11 And Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, the same was Shem, went out with his men to meet Abram and his people, with bread and wine, and they remained together in the valley of Melech.

12 And Adonizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave him a tenth from all that he had brought from the spoil of his enemies, for Adonizedek was a priest before God.

The book of Jasher is Israelite literature and backs up scripture. One thing to be aware of though, is that the KJV and other books like Jasher are based off of the Masoretic texts. These are revisions and manipulated texts which the Jews tampered with. One great discrepancy is the chronology of the patriarchs. The Jews version has the time of Adam to Abraham about 600 years shorter, and the same from Abraham to Christ. This is to try to prove that Christ did not come yet.

Shem would not have been alive at the time of Abraham. The oldest living patriarch would have been Nahor, Abraham's older brother. Nahor would have been the oldest and highest preacher of righteousness in the order (office) of Melchizedek.

The blue text is from an article by L. Ray Smith (although wonderful research and commentary, Ray is incorrect in his belief that the Jews are descended from Judah, one of Jacobs sons. The true identity of the Jews can be easily and clearly traced from Cain, and later from Esau who married into the family of Cain, hence Canaanite and Edomite Jews)

Abraham went to war on behalf of Sodom (SODOM, mind you), to rescue his nephew, Lot. He then gave 10% of these spoils of war to Melchizedek, and allowed Sodom to keep 90%, while he himself kept NOTHING!

Jacob's dream.

Jacob and his family were headed back to the land where Isaac dwelt. Esau was also around and Jacob knew Esau hated him. Yahweh came to Jacob in a dream and reassures him of the divine covenant with his fathers and with him. That Yahweh will always be with him and his seed, forever.

Genesis 28:16 ​​ And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely Yahweh is in this place; and I knew it not.

Back then the people associated their gods with the land. Yahweh is everywhere.

​​ 28:17 ​​ And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven (the sky).

​​ 28:18 ​​ And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

​​ 28:19 ​​ And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

Bethel means House of El. El is short for Elohiym. The family of God.

​​ 28:20 ​​ And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

​​ 28:21 ​​ So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall Yahweh be my God:

​​ 28:22 ​​ And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that You shalt give me I will surely give the tenth (H6237-of the accumulation) unto You.

This stone (pillar) is the very stone that was carried by the Israelites wherever they dwelt. The Stone of Destiny. It was later carried to Ireland, then Scotland and ultimately Britain. This stone was in the presence of the kings of Israel and rests under the coronation chair of the British throne. All the kings of Israel were anointed over this stone. Queen Elizabeth II is a descendant of David. QEII is not a Jew, she is a white woman. Although she married a Jew.

First Jacob truly recognizes God as God. He then begins to proposition God. He states that "IF" God will do this and "IF’ God will do the other things, "THEN" Jacob says, "shall Yahweh be my God." Jacob concludes his proposition to God, should God meet all of his requirements, by saying that of all the things that God will first give to Jacob, Jacob will give God back a tenth. Now don’t laugh. God honored Jacob’s proposition, and furthermore, God continued to honor this same principle of tithing all through Israel’s history. As Paul said, "Now what have you which you did not obtain?" (I Cor. 4:7) All that we possess comes from God.

And so, once more, we learn that Israel was not to tithe on what they did not first possess, unlike those today who teach that it is required to tithe on that which one does not already possess.

God is not partial and God is not a hypocrite. This example of Jacob proves that God doesn’t expect a tithe until He blessed the tithe payer first.

Let’s ask ourselves a reasonable question: Just how did Jacob actually give a tithe to God? Did he personally hand it to God? No, no one has ever even seen God. Did Jacob tithe to an angel? No, angels do not need and can’t use tithes. Did Jacob send his tithe to Heaven by Celestial Express? No. Did he take it to the local church? No, there was no local church. Did he take it to the Temple? No, there was no temple. Did he give it directly to one of the Levitic priests? No, there were no Levites as yet. Well how then did Jacob tithe to God? Was it even possible? Yes, there were actually two different ways that Jacob could tithe to God:

1. "And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your TITHES, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: And there ye shall eat before Yahweh your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, YE and YOUR HOUSEHOLDS, wherein Yahweh thy God hath blessed thee"(Deut. 12:6-7).

2. "And even though there were no Levites in Jacob’s day, nonetheless, there were "...the STRANGER, and the FATHERLESS, and the WIDOW, which are within thy gates, shall come, and SHALL EAT AND BE SATISFIED; that Yahweh thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest" (Deut. 14:29).

That’s how God acknowledged a tithe from Jacob: By partaking of a portion himself and his family in communion and thanksgiving to God, and by sharing his fortune with those who were unfortunate, poor, strangers, etc.

Vows and tithes

Leviticus 27:1 ​​ And Yahweh spake unto Moses, saying,

​​ 27:2 ​​ Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for Yahweh by your estimation.

Verses 2-33 concerns a dedication of men, women, beasts, land, etc., to Yahweh. The priest would estimate the value in temple shekels of what was dedicated. This was the price for redeeming the thing dedicated.

​​ 27:28 ​​ Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto Yahweh of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto Yahweh.

No selling or redeeming things devoted to Yahweh.

​​ 27:29 ​​ None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.

​​ 27:30 ​​ And all the tithe (H4643-tenth part) of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is Yahweh's: it is holy unto Yahweh.

​​ 27:31 ​​ And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes (H4643-tenth part), he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

​​ 27:32 ​​ And concerning the tithe (H4643-tenth part) of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth (part) shall be holy unto Yahweh.

It seems in verse 31, if a man buys back of his tithes, he must pay an additional 20%.

Apparently they were able to buy back their tithes. Either way the priests would receive a tithe, or the value of the tithe + 20%.

In verse 32, as the herd or flock are counted, every tenth one is Yahweh's.

We learn a great deal about tithing in this section of Scripture:

• The tithe comes from the "land," not the air or the sea. Fishermen were not required to tithe fish.

• It was the "seed" or agricultural products from the fields that was holy to God and tithable.

• Products from "trees" were to be tithed. This not only included the fruit, but oils, etc.

• Of "herds or flocks" it was the "tenth" that passed under the rod that was holy and dedicated to God.

Another interesting point is this. If a herdsman had but nine cattle, he didn’t tithe his cattle at all! Also notice that God did not even require the best of the cattle, just the tenth one to pass under the rod even if it was the runtiest of them all. Remember, we are talking about tithing and not sacrificing (animals for sacrifice always had to be without blemish.)

Aaron and the Levitical priesthood.

Numbers 18:19 ​​ All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto Yahweh, have I given you, and thy sons and thy daughters with you, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before Yahweh unto you and to thy seed with thee.

Leviticus 2:13 ​​ And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

2Chronicles 13:5 ​​ Ought ye not to know that Yahweh God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

Matthew 5:13 ​​ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Colossians 4:6 ​​ Let your speech be alway with grace (goodwill), seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Salt is a preserver. The law. By following Yahweh's laws and statutes, and speaking and acting with salt, those receiving the word (salt) will be preserved.

The Levites were responsible of seasoning the people with salt (the word).

​​ 18:20 ​​ And Yahweh spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt you have any part among them: I am your part and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

​​ 18:21 ​​ And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth (H4643-payment of the tithe) in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

​​ 18:22 ​​ Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.

The Levites were the mediators for the people to Yahweh.

​​ 18:23 ​​ But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

​​ 18:24 ​​ But the tithes (H4643-portion) of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto Yahweh, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. No land inheritance.

​​ 18:25 ​​ And Yahweh spake unto Moses, saying,

​​ 18:26 ​​ Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes (H4643-portion) which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for Yahweh, even a tenth part of the tithe (H4643-portion).

Nehemiah 10:38 ​​ And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

​​ 18:27 ​​ And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.

​​ 18:28 ​​ Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto Yahweh of all your tithes (H4643-portion), which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof Yahweh's heave offering to Aaron the priest.

After the Levites received the tithes from the people, the Levites then tithed 10% of the tithe they received from the people to Yahweh.

According to the above Scriptures, could just anyone claim to be a representative of God and therefore have Israel pay tithes to him? Let’s read it again, "But the TITHES of the children of Israel ... I have given to the Levites to inherit." Now in order to be a priest one not only had to be of the tribe of Levi, but he also had to be of the family of Aaron.

Since the priesthood expired upon the death of Christ, no man or “church” can claim tithes.

Christ is our High Priest and we must pay our tenth to Him. How do we do this?

Matthew 25:37 ​​ Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Prince, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

25:38 ​​ When saw we Thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

25:39 ​​ Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee?

25:40 ​​ And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.

We also pay with our time.

1Peter 2:5 ​​ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Because He would rather have allegiance than dollars and sacrifices.

1Samuel 15:22 ​​ And Samuel said, Hath Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Proverbs 21:3 ​​ To do justice (justly) and judgment (speak truth) is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.

Hosea 6:6 ​​ For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Mark 12:33 ​​ And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Yahweh gives the Israelites instructions for when they enter the Promised land while wandering in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 12:5 ​​ But unto the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, even unto His habitation shall you seek, and thither you shalt come:

Eventually, the Temple at Jerusalem.

​​ 12:6 ​​ And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes (H4643-payment of the tenth part), and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

​​ 12:7 ​​ And there you shall eat before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand unto, you and your households, wherein Yahweh your God hath blessed you.

​​ 12:10 ​​ But when you go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which Yahweh your God giveth you to inherit, and when He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you dwell in safety;

​​ 12:11 ​​ Then there shall be a place which Yahweh your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes (H4643-tenth part), and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto Yahweh:

​​ 12:17 ​​ You mayest not eat within your gates the tithe (H4643-tenth part) of your corn, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vowest, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand:

​​ 12:18 ​​ But you must eat them before Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your gates: and you shalt rejoice before Yahweh your God in all that you puttest your hands unto.

Yahweh had specific commands regarding the the payment of tithes. In the OT they were brought to the Temple.

Deuteronomy 14:22 ​​ You shalt truly tithe (H6237-give a tenth) all the increase of your seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

​​ 14:23 ​​ And you shalt eat before Yahweh your God, in the place which He shall choose to place His name there, the tithe (H4643-tenth) of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks; that you mayest learn to fear Yahweh your God always.

​​ 14:24 ​​ And if the way be too long for you (to the place where God placed His name to be worshipped, especially during the fall feast harvest of tabernacles, which would eventually be the Temple in Jerusalem), so that you are not able to carry it (the tithe of their farm produce); or if the place be too far from you, which Yahweh your God shall choose to set His name there, when Yahweh your God hath blessed thee:

​​ 14:25 ​​ Then shalt you turn it (the tithe of their farm produce) into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shalt go unto the place which Yahweh your God shall choose:

​​ 14:26 ​​ And you shalt bestow that money for whatsoever your soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desireth: and you shalt eat there before Yahweh your God, and you shalt rejoice, thou, and your household,

​​ 14:27 ​​ And the Levite that is within your gates; you shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part (portion) nor inheritance with you.

Farm products could be sold and turned into money when long travel was necessary. But at the destination where God placed His name, the money was spent on food for the Levite, stranger, fatherless, poor, etc. It was not presented to the Levites as a monetary gift.

​​ 14:28 ​​ At the end of three years you shalt bring forth all the tithe (H4643-tenth) of your increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within your gates:

​​ 14:29 ​​ And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with you,) and the stranger (of kin), and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you doest.

The tithes at the end of the third year were for the poor and needy. Yahweh's orders are set to teach those that have, to give.

The Church would prefer you not know the following:

• The tradesmen who made the baskets for harvesting, did not tithe.

• The cobblers, who made the shoes for the servants of the field, did not tithe.

• The carpenters, who made the wagons used for harvesting the fields, did not tithe.

• The potters, who made the jugs for carrying water to the servants in the fields, did not tithe.

• The women, who made the garments for the field-workers, did not tithe.

• And certainly, the servants who worked in the fields for wages, did not tithe.

Here are the simple facts regarding the Biblical teaching of tithing:

ONLY LANDOWNERS TITHED

ONLY PRODUCTS OF THE LAND WERE TITHED

ONLY LEVITES COULD RECEIVE THE TITHES

Deuteronomy 26:12 ​​ When you hast made an end of tithing (H6237-accumulating) all the tithes (H4643-tenth part) of your increase the third year, which is the year of tithing (H4643-payment of a tenth part), and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger (sojourning kin), the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled;

​​ 26:13 ​​ Then you shalt say before Yahweh your God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger (of kin), to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all your commandments which you hast commanded me: I have not transgressed your commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

Hallowed things are the food items set aside for tithing.

Chapter 8 is when Israel demands a king and Yahweh warns them what will happen.

This is the beginning of the transition from a Theocracy, Yahweh as our King, to a Monarchy, man as our king.

1Samuel 8:7 ​​ And Yahweh said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.

​​ 8:9 ​​ Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

​​ 8:15 ​​ And he will take the tenth (H6237-tenth part) of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

​​ 8:17 ​​ He will take the tenth (H6237-tenth part) of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

​​ 8:18 ​​ And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and Yahweh will not hear you in that day.

Yahweh gives us life and blessings when we give our tithes to Him.

Man gives us oppression and death when we give our tithes to him.

2Chronicles 24:2 ​​ And Joash did that which was right in the sight of Yahweh all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

​​ 24:3 ​​ And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

​​ 24:4 ​​ And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of Yahweh.

​​ 24:5 ​​ And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.

​​ 24:6 ​​ And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of Yahweh, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?

​​ 24:7 ​​ For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of Yahweh did they bestow upon Baalim.

​​ 24:8 ​​ And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of Yahweh.

​​ 24:9 ​​ And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to Yahweh the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.

​​ 24:10 ​​ And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.

Evidently the corrupt priesthood was slack in bringing the tithes to the temple as commanded by Yahweh. Joash, who was a good king, re-instituted the tithing practices.

Hezekiah's reforms.

Hezekiah returned to Yahweh and destroyed the pagan worship sites and appointed the Levites to their courses. They were blessed because they returned to The Way and they paid their tithes for it.

2Chronicles 31:5 ​​ And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe (H4643-payment of a tenth part) of all things brought they in abundantly.

​​ 31:6 ​​ And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe (H4643-payment of a tenth) of oxen and sheep, and the tithe (H4643-payment of a tenth) of holy things which were consecrated unto Yahweh their God, and laid them by heaps.

​​ 31:12 ​​ And brought in the offerings and the tithes (H4643-payments) and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler (superintendent over them), and Shimei his brother was the next.

It is interesting that at this time, the northern House of Israel and most of the southern House of Judah were already and/or still being carried off into captivity by the Assyrians. Because Hezekiah returned to Yahweh, Jerusalem was spared. The remnant of Judah would be the tenth part that passed under the rod of the Assyrians. They were set aside for Yahweh, meaning not taken in the invasion.

The remnant of the House of Judah in Jerusalem eventually returned to paganism and race-mixing, and the next couple kings did evil in the sight of Yahweh. Soon after, Yahweh sent the Babylonians to take the rest of the Israelites captive. After they were purged in captivity, a remnant (10%) of Judah returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the walls, city and temple. And returned to The Way.

Nehemiah 10:37 ​​ And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes (H4643-payment of the tenth part) of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes (H6237-accumulation) in all the cities of our tillage.

​​ 10:38 ​​ And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes (H6237-take the accumulation): and the Levites shall bring up the tithe (H4643-payment) of the tithes (H4643-tenth part) unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

Nehemiah 12:44 ​​ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes (H4643-payment of the tenth), to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

Nehemiah 13:1 ​​ On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

Deuteronomy 31:11 ​​ When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy God in the place which He shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

12 ​​ Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger (sojourning kinsman) that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

The Ammonites and Moabites were children of incest by Lot and his daughters. And also...

​​ 13:2 ​​ Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.  ​​​​ (Num 22:5)

Joshua 24:9 ​​ Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

​​ 13:3 ​​ Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

God's promises and covenants were made to the children of Israel, not the other races, not the Jews and not the “church”. Yahweh demands we remain separate from these peoples. Yahweh loved America when it was a white Christian nation. Now it is a multiracial, multicultural, multigod cesspool of pagan traditions and values that is not recognizable to Yahweh.

​​ 13:4 ​​ And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

​​ 13:5 ​​ And he (Eliashib) had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they (Eliashib and Tobias) laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes (H4643-payment of a tenth) of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

​​ 13:6 ​​ But in all this time was not I (Nehemiah) at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

​​ 13:7 ​​ And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

​​ 13:8 ​​ And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

​​ 13:9 ​​ Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

​​ 13:10 ​​ And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

It appears as though Eliashib did not do right by Tobiah.

Malachi 3:8 ​​ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Numbers 35:2 ​​ Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

​​ 13:11 ​​ Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

​​ 13:12 ​​ Then brought all Judah the tithe (H4643-payment) of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

​​ 13:13 ​​ And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.

Eliashib was stealing from the people, and that, is stealing from Yahweh.

The next part of Amos' prophecy chastises the idolaters:

Amos 4:4 ​​ Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes (H4643-payment of the tenth part) after three years:

The Septuagint has: '...every third day.'

Bethel was the seat of idolatry of one of the two golden calves set up by Jeroboam I, the other being Dan. Gilgal was a center for the prophets, and often criticized by Hosea.

Hosea 9:15 ​​ All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of Mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. ​​ 

​​ 4:5 ​​ And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith Yahweh GOD.

Leviticus 2:11 ​​ No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto Yahweh, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of Yahweh made by fire.

Leaven was forbidden in such offerings.

The Septuagint reading is quite different: Amos 4:5 ​​ And they read the law without (outside, publicly), and called for public professions: proclaim aloud that the children of Israel have loved these things, saith Yahweh. ​​ 

In the Masoretic Text (KJV), it seems the children of Israel publicly proclaimed the acts of their own idolatry, without shame.

The Septuagint version seems to be saying that the law would be read publicly and that the sin of the children of Israel would be openly confessed.

The punishment for disobedience will be the Assyrian invasion.

​​ 4:12 ​​ Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

Israel would meet (call) their God by experiencing His judgment, which He pronounces here through the prophet.

The Septuagint version has “prepare to call on thy God.”

Malachi 1:7 ​​ Ye offer polluted bread upon Mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted Thee? In that ye say, The table of Yahweh is contemptible (disregarded, slighted).

And so the children of Israel ate the "bread from heaven" in the wilderness. There was sufficient quantity, but it lacked quality. It did not possess the quality of True LIFE—they all DIED in the desert except for Caleb and Joshua in that generation. The spiritual fulfillment of this type of physical bread in the desert is that Jesus Christ is "The True Bread of LIFE." Likewise, the quantity of bread being offering by the priests on the altar of God was not the problem, but rather the quality of those offerings.

The spiritual bread (the spiritual food for the people) being offering in the Church today is not lacking in quantity, but rather quality. There is "bread," yes, but it is "polluted bread." The opposite of "polluted" is "pure." God’s religion is PURE. The denominations we have today are polluted.

God used a physical, outward, visible, type of sick, lame, and blind sacrifices, which He then calls polluted bread to show Israel and their priests what He was really angry with, namely, their "polluted" hearts, minds, and spirits! Malachi’s prophecy is about the sin WITHIN, not sacrifices WITHOUT!

THE MYSTERY OF MALACHI REVEALED

It is the book of Malachi that today’s clergy uses as their main authority for promulgating the doctrine of "Christian tithing." Christian tithing means that everyone must give 10% of their gross income (which is in the form of MONEY, 99%+ of the time), or they will be "cursed with a curse." It will be well worth your time to read the real meaning of Malachi’s prophecy.

Mostly one will hear only three verses of Malachi quoted by those attempting to wrest a doctrine of Christian tithing from this prophecy.

Here are the "cursing" verses:

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation" (Malachi 3:8-9).

Here is the "blessing" verse:

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat [bread] in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, says Yahweh of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10).

Their interpretation of these proof texts are as follows: Rob God of His ten percent of your salary and be CURSED, or pay God ten percent of your salary and be BLESSED.

Before we go any further, just who is cursing whom in this Malachi prophecy? Does God, indeed, say, "You are CURSED with a curse" (Mal. 3:9)? This definitely sounds as if it is GOD Who is doing the cursing, doesn’t it? But say, did you notice that the word "are" in your Bible is in italics? That means that the word was supplied by the translators and was not in the original manuscripts. Remove it, and the verse says: "You cursed…" rather than"You are cursed…"

Is it God, or Israel, who is doing the cursing in this verse?

The Sopherim (Jewish Scribes) understood this verse to say that it was Israel "cursing God" rather than "God cursing Israel." I have a few translations that make this correction:

"With the curse YOU are cursing [me], and me YOU are robbing—the nation in its entirety."

And:

"With a curse you curse Me, and Me you are defrauding—the nation, all of it" (Mal. 3:9,Concordant Version of The Old Testament).

Brenton's Septuagint has: Malachi 3:9 ​​ And ye do surely look off from Me, and ye insult Me.

We must always keep in mind that when the Bible says "tithes" it means products from the land—as grains and cattle. But when the Priests of Christendom say "tithes," it always means money. Because the clergy prefers to be paid in money, it therefore, became necessary to change the Biblical use of the word "tithes" to now include money. And if "money" can now be shown to be a tithable commodity, guess what? Abracadabra, hocus-pocus, open sesame—every believer, of every occupation in the whole world (not just the farmers as in the Law of Moses), now is required to pay ten percent of his income to the Church. They increased their base of productivity a hundred fold.

What then is the 21st Century application of this Malachi Prophecy? Are we now to tithe money? Let’s read Malachi 3:10 very carefully:

• WHAT were they robbing God of? "tithes AND offerings." Tithes of what? Products from the land—grains and cattle.
  

• WHERE were they to bring the tithes? To the "storehouse" [Hebrew: ‘garner’-- a granary for grain].
  

• WHY did God want these tithes of the land brought to the "storehouse" (the granary)? "That there may be meat [bread] in Mine house [God’s house, Not the granary]."

If there is no spiritual application of these statements and we rather take them literally, there appears to be a contradiction here. Why should the people bring the tithes to the "storehouse" (a granary for storing grain) when what God wanted was "bread in His house," (the tabernacle/Temple, and not the "storehouse")? The only food in God’s house—the tabernacle, was a dozen loaves of bread. And that bread was for the Priests only, not for the tribe of Levi. Since there were only twelve loaves of bread in the Tabernacle/Temple of God, are we to believe that the whole nation of Israel did not bring enough grain to the storehouse to make even twelve loaves of bread?

The 12 loaves would represent the twelve tribes of Jacob.

God does not contradict Himself, there needs to be something other than a need for enough grain from the whole nation of Israel to make twelve loaves of bread! Just what does God mean, "that there may be meat [bread] in Mine house?" Is God really reprimanding Christians of the 21st Century through Malachi’s prophecy to bring our checkbooks to church, "that there may be money in Mine house?" Yet this is the teaching of the Church regarding Malachi’s message. What is the Truth?

Does God ask Israel to bring all the tithes and offerings into the storehouse, or treasury, or granary, so that there will be "tithes and offerings in Mine house?" No. God says so, "that there may be meat in Mine house?" We know that they did not bring the tithes and offerings into the holy place of the tabernacle. Only bread was kept in the holy place. The "bread" in the holy place was a type of something future, just as everything that happened to Israel and all of their offerings and ceremonies were a type of something future (I Cor. 10:11). He must indeed be spiritually blind who cannot see that the "bread" in the holy place foreshadows "The True Bread of Life—Jesus Christ."

When we Israelites seek and follow Christ, we are preserved and have life.

If God wanted more money in His house, why did Jesus do what He did in the House of God?

"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the MONEY changers… and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves"(Matt. 21:12-13).

THE CHRISTIAN “CHURCH” INTERPRETATION OF BRINGING IN THE TITHE

The “CHURCH” ​​ interpretation of Malachi 3:10 is this: "Bring ye all the tithe MONEY and extra offerings of money to the church bank, that there may be money in the Church." Granted, they might not enunciate it that crudely, but that is what they teach. Ask virtually any pastor of any church, "How do I, starting today, actually obey this prophecy of Malachi to stop "robbing God of His tithes and offerings?" and he will tell you to write out a check in the name of his church, for 10% of your salary (plus an offering), and that check will then be deposited into the church bank account.

Then ask these same pastors what kind of blessings you will receive for obeying this procedure, and they will probably tell you stories where people received huge amounts of material goods and even huge amounts of more money. This is their interpretation of God "opening the windows of heaven and pouring out a blessing." And there are ministers by the tens of thousands at this very moment preparing more stories and more yarns on how blessed one will become in every imaginable physical, earthly, and material things for giving them (they would say, giving God) your money.

Is this really how God wants us of the 21st Century to apply Malachi’s prophecy to our lives? I speak as a fool.

This prophecy has absolutely nothing to do with tithing money to the Church.

Does God suggest somewhere in this prophecy that there isn’t enough "money in His house?" Is Jesus Christ coming back to this earth to judge these "priests" because the "people" failed to bring enough money to the storehouse so that there would be money in God’s house? Is it a lack of money that concerns God in this prophecy? No, it is both the people and the priests who have corrupted themselves according to this prophecy. But like always, God holds the priests to a much higher standard and therefore they receive the greater condemnation. There are two groups of judgments in this prophecy:

[1] "Behold I will send My Messenger… But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall PURIFY the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto Yahweh an offering in righteousness" (Mal. 3:1-3).

[2] "And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, says Yahweh of hosts" (Mal. 3:5).

It is amazing how the clergy make most people think that the only thing of value in the book of Malachi are these three verses on "robbing God" and "receiving a blessing."

To help us understand how the priests of Malachi’s prophecy may have been living so as to bring upon them the condemnation of God’s judgments:

"And the priest’s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the PRIEST’S servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh hook of three teeth in the hand;

And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the flesh hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the PRIEST; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desires; then he would answer him, Nay, but thou shall give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.

Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before Yahweh: for MEN ABHORRED the offering of Yahweh." (I Sam. 2:13:17).

Malachi 3:7 ​​ Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith Yahweh of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Acts 7:51 ​​ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Zechariah 1:3 ​​ Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith Yahweh of hosts; Turn ye unto Me, saith Yahweh of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith Yahweh of hosts.

​​ 3:8 ​​ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed You? In tithes (H4643-payment) and offerings.

​​ 3:9 ​​ Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation.

​​ 3:10 ​​ Bring ye all the tithes (H4643-payment of the tenth) into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith Yahweh of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

In tithing, we get a return on our investment. That return is Yahweh and His abundant blessings.

BRINGING GOD YOUR SPIRITUAL TITHES
WILL REAP A SPIRITUAL BLESSING

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat [bread—pure and fine bread—not polluted bread of a carnal mind filled with evil deeds and doctrines], and prove Me now herewith, says Yahweh of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of HEAVEN [‘For the bread of God is He which come down from heaven… For I came down from heaven… I am the bread which came down from heaven… John 6:33, 38, 41] and pour you out a blessing [Jesus Christ, The Bread of Life is this blessing], that there shall not be room [‘Now unto Him that is able to do EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK’ Eph. 3:20] to receive it" (Mal. 3:10).

God is saying to us: "Give Me your pure bread offerings of a "broken heart, contrite spirit, and attitude of obedience," and I will give you, "The TRUE BREAD OF LIFE from HEAVEN."

The sacrifices spoken of in Malachi were not suitable for God’s house. They offered

"POLLUTED BREAD" and we saw some of the many sins that constituted this polluted bread. Here are the only sacrifices that are fit for God’s storehouse:

"The sacrifices of God are A BROKEN SPIRIT: a broken a CONTRITE HEART…" (Psalm 51:17).

And in Psalm 34:18 David reverses the order:

"Yahweh is nigh unto them that are of a BROKEN HEART; and saves such as be of a CONTRITE SPIRIT."

It is all about attitude: REPENT, HUMBLE YOURSELF, and OBEY! Then follows the Blessing:

People always want to do physical things to prove their spirituality. But God doesn’t want your physical things. God wants a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a willingness to OBEY

Now the New Testament.

G586 ​​ apodekatoō  ​​​​ ap-od-ek-at-o'-o  ​​​​ verb

From G575 of separation and G1183 exact or receive; to tithe (as debtor or creditor): - (give, pay, take) tithe.

G1181 ​​ dekatē  ​​​​ dek-at'-ay  ​​​​ adjective

Feminine of G1182 tenth, ten; a tenth, that is, as a percentage or (technically) tithe: - tenth (part)(of anything), tithe.

G1183 ​​ dekatoō  ​​​​ dek-at-o'-o  ​​​​ verb

From G1181 a tenth, a percentage; to tithe, that is, to give or take a tenth: - pay (receive) tithes.

Matthew 23:23 ​​ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe (G586-give) of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 11:42 ​​ But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe (give) mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

1Samuel 15:22 ​​ And Samuel said, Hath Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

And just what kind of a blessing did Jesus pronounce on these Pharisees for their "tithe of the mint and herbs"? No blessing, just a startling "WOE"!

Matthew 25:29 ​​ For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Hath what? On the surface it seems money. Money makes money.

The message is occupy and build the kingdom until I return. Use the Word and produce results. Don't sit around in your own 'pew' “just believing”.

John 15:2 ​​ Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Our time, dedication and devotion to proclaim The Way and build the kingdom is the type of tithing He wants us to give. Our active allegiance (faith).

Luke 3:11 ​​ He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

This is the type of tithing we must do today. The foundation of tithing was laid in the OT, and was a schoolmaster for a NEW 'type' of tithing from the death of Christ unto His return. Help plant, grow, build, establish and proclaim the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:9 ​​ And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

​​ 18:10 ​​ Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

​​ 18:11 ​​ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

​​ 18:12 ​​ I fast twice in the week, I give tithes (G586-give) of all that I possess.

​​ 18:13 ​​ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

​​ 18:14 ​​ I tell you, this man (the publican) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee): for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Job 22:29 ​​ When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and He shall save the humble person.

And just what kind of a blessing did Jesus pronounced on this Pharisee for his "tithe"?

No blessing, no justification, just a promise that people like him will be "abased" (Ver. 14).

The Pharisee boasted that he was not a sinner, and proclaimed his own righteousness through his fulfillment of tithes and his fasting, which are in that manner no better than rituals – things which men perform merely to display their own justification, as if they could save themselves through that display.

This also goes for those who, by their own declaration, claim they are “saved”. Salvation means preservation, which means that it is 'ongoing', if you 'practice' His example. Scripture does not teach “once saved, always saved”.

What does being an utter hypocrite and passing over "Judgment and the Love of God" have to do with "tithing?" That’s the whole point. These gross sins have virtually nothing to do with tithing!

Tithing to Jesus was so absolutely insignificant to the gross sins of failing to properly Judge the widows and orphans and fatherless and poor, and to not show any Love of God toward them. Tithing was the smallest most inconsequential thing Christ could think of to show the utter hypocrisy of this Pharisees. They were very meticulous about tithing (a law of virtually no spiritual consequence whatsoever,) and yet… and YET they would do the tithe thing and neglect judgment, love and mercy.

Now please don’t all write me at once telling me that I have missed the whole point of these two sets of Scripture by not realizing that it was their very gross sins that will bring "woes’ and "abasements" on them, and not that they are being condemned for what they did do correctly, namely "tithe." That is quite true. However, it appears that most have missed the very reason why Jesus gives two examples of two Phariees, who were gross sinners deserving the worst possible chastisements, and then says that they were both tithe-payers.

Christ’s attention to the fact that they were both meticulous tithe-payers proved the hypocrisy of these two Pharisees. They would pay strict attention to very minor details of a law, and yet totally abandon the very reason and purpose for the whole existence of the law—LOVE, MERCY, JUDGMENT

It’s all about the SPIRIT--not water, foreskins, and money!

God doesn’t need or want ten percent of anything we have. God wants one hundred percent. Christ died for ALL OF YOU, and He wants ALL OF YOU, not just a percentage! God doesn’t want your money; He wants YOU!

You are already bought and paid for in full by Christ Jesus -- don’t try to add your two cents. We are now to live on a standard far above what we ever knew before Christ called us to become new creatures in the spirit. This can only be done through the power of God’s spirit. Our flesh is profiting NOTHING.

"Yet you are not in flesh, but IN SPIRIT, if so be that God’s spirit is making its home in you"(Rom. 8:9).

One living in the spirit is not all concerned about physical things of the letter and of the flesh. The apostle Paul wasn’t called to "baptize," "circumcise," or "collect tithes." The kingdom of God is not food and drink. Paul’s whole ministry was proof of that--see my (L. Ray Smith) paper, "Paul’s Splinter in the Flesh."

If people feel they need to give something to God, something physical, something they can see and feel good about, then try this:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove that which is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:1-2).

1Corinthians 16:1 ​​ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches (assemblies) of Galatia, even so do ye. ​​ 

​​ 16:2 ​​ Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings (collections, contributions) when I come.

The first day of the week is after the Sabbath.

“Churches” today use this verse for the Sunday collection.

Paul never took money. He was cared for. He was not telling them to give him money, but to put aside a contribution for the poor in Jerusalem.

​​ 16:3 ​​ And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality (contributions) unto Jerusalem.

​​ 16:4 ​​ And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Paul even went so far as to let the congregation approve of who, of their assembly, will bring the contributions to Jerusalem.

The apostles, Christ, and Paul never tithed and did not teach tithing.

2Corinthians 1:21 ​​ Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

21 Now He who is establishing us with you in the Anointed, and anoints us, is Yahweh.

'Christ' is 'christos' in Greek. It means, anointed. It does not always refer to Christ, but often the group, the anointed seed of Israel.

​​ 1:22 ​​ Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest (a deposit, down payment) of the Spirit in our hearts.

After the death of Christ, the priesthood oblations and rituals expired. The law (10 commandments) were not “done away with”, but the mediators (priesthood) to Yahweh came to an end. The New Covenant is an extension of the Old and He wrote the law on our hearts. It is now up to us to come through Yahshua Christ, now our High Priest, to make spiritual sacrifices, and not to men. Christ does not want money.

We gave men (the priesthood) our tithes of the increase of the land and animals. Now we give to Christ our tithes of obedience, time and devotion, along with providing for our poorer brethren. Our duty and tithe is to help build the kingdom and proclaim Yahweh.

2Corinthians 2:14 ​​ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

14 But thanks to Yahweh, who is always leading us among the Anointed in triumph, and the essence of the knowledge of Him is being made manifest through us in every place.

​​ 2:15 ​​ For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

15 Seeing that we of the Anointed are a sweet fragrance to Yahweh, among these being preserved and among those being destroyed;

​​ 2:16 ​​ To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient (befitting) ​​ for these things?

​​ 2:17 ​​ For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

17 For we are not as the many, selling the word of Yahweh in trade, but as from sincerity, rather as from Yahweh. Before Yahweh we speak in respect of the Anointed.

Paul is speaking of the evangelists of that day who charged or collected money for speaking in God's name (Yahweh), just like today with Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, John Hagee and many others. Peddlers.

PED'DLE, v.i. To be busy about trifles.

1. To travel about the country and retail goods. He peddles for a living.

PED'DLE, v.t. To sell or retail, usually by traveling about the country.

TRI'FLE, n. A thing of very little value or importance; a word applicable to any thing and every thing of this character.

TRI'FLE, v.i. To act or talk without seriousness, gravity, weight or dignity; to act or talk with levity.

1. To indulge in light amusements.

To trifle with, to mock; to play the fool with; to treat without respect or seriousness.

To trifle with, to spend in vanity; to waste.

To trifle away, to no good purpose; as, to trifle with time, or to trifle away time; to trifle with advantages.

TRI'FLE, v.t. To make of no importance.

1Corinthians 2:12 ​​ Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Matthew 10:6 ​​ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

10:7 ​​ And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

10:8 ​​ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

10:9 ​​ Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

10:10 ​​ Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

These false preaching peddlers today, selling the word of God, gaining personal wealth, and leading the flock astray with their false doctrine lead the people into a ditch.

2Corinthians 5:5 ​​ Now He that hath wrought (has been cultivating) us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest (down payment) of the Spirit.

He cultivates us and when we abide in obedience, we have increase. Our increase of His 'earnest' is paid back to Him when we have and perform allegiance (faith).

2Corinthians 8:10 ​​ And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

If the Corinthians were really willing to give of their abundance, as they started to do before, they would have been saving up for a year, since this is the second visit to Corinth.

​​ 8:11 ​​ Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Fulfill what you started.

​​ 8:12 ​​ For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Paul was preaching about giving of the increase of their wealth to help and support the poor and needy. Brotherly love. This is tithing.

2Corinthians 9:6 ​​ But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully (by blessings) shall reap also bountifully (by blessings).

Proverbs 11:24 ​​ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

​​ 9:7 ​​ Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ​​ (Deut 15:7)

​​ 9:8 ​​ And God is able to make all grace (favor) abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Is “just believing” considered work?

Paul is teaching that if you give to others sincerely, Yahweh will give to you.

​​ 9:9 ​​ (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.

​​ 9:10 ​​ Now He that ministereth (supplying) ​​ seed to the sower both minister (supply) bread for your food, and multiply (supply) your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Psalms 112:9 ​​ He hath dispersed, He hath given to the poor; His righteousness endureth for ever; His horn shall be exalted with honour.

Isaiah 55:10 ​​ For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Hosea 10:12 ​​ Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek Yahweh, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.

Righteousness is following the law. If you love your brethren, which is the context here, you are following all the laws. By loving our brethren, we are doing exactly everything Yahweh wants us to.

​​ 9:11 ​​ Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

11 In every way being enriched in all sincerity, which through us accomplishes gratitude to Yahweh.

​​ 9:12 ​​ For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want (deficiencies) of the saints (Israelites), but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

​​ 9:13 ​​ Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

The “churches” use this verse for supporting their doctrine of collection.

Quite different in the Greek:

13 Through the proof of this service honoring Yahweh, upon the submission of your agreement to the good message of the Anointed (the group), and sincerity of the partnership for them and for all,

​​ 9:14 ​​ And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace (favor) of God in you.

​​ 9:15 ​​ Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable (indescribable) gift.

The Greek:

Ephesians 1:12 For which we are to be in praise of His honor, who before had expectation in the Christ,

13 ​​ in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth – the good message of deliverance – in which also having believed, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of the promise,

14 ​​ which is a deposit of our inheritance, in regard to redemption of the possession, in praise of His honor.

The purchased possession is the seed of Abraham. Not anybody and everybody. The promises were made to the seed of Abraham.

The “churches” say 'everyone' is redeemed. But the scriptures say only Israelites.

Isaiah 43:1 ​​ But now thus saith Yahweh that created thee, O Jacobl, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.

Hebrews 7:1 ​​ For this Melchisedec (at the time, Nahor), king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

​​ 7:2 ​​ To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part (G1181-percentage) of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

​​ 7:3 ​​ Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like (being compared) unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Melchizedec is an office without a father, without descent, etc.

Paul is using Melchisedec as a model of Christ. David was this too. This is the role we should seek.

​​ 7:4 ​​ Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth (G1181-percent) of the spoils.

​​ 7:5 ​​ And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes (G586-take) of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

​​ 7:6 ​​ But he (Nahor/Melchisedec) whose descent is not counted from them (the Levites) received tithes of (G1183-payment from) Abraham, and blessed him (Abraham) that had the promises.

​​ 7:7 ​​ And without all contradiction the less (inferior) is blessed of (by) the better (superior).

​​ 7:8 ​​ And here men that die receive tithes (G1181-a percentage); but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

​​ 7:9 ​​ And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes (G1181-a percentage), payed tithes (G1183-given a tenth) in Abraham.

NLT: 7:9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites--the ones who collect the tithe--paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him (Melchizedek).

​​ 7:10 ​​ For he (Levi) was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him (Abraham).

​​ 7:11 ​​ If therefore perfection (fulfillment) were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Aaron, who was Moses brother, was a Levite. Aaron and his sons were the priesthood from the Exodus on. They held the duties of the priesthood and made atonement for the people. John the Baptist was the last of the priesthood. Christ is now our High Priest.

Instead of man-then-priest-then Yahweh. We now have man-then-Christ-then-Yahweh.

John 14:6 ​​ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

The gift is the blessings of the covenant made with Abraham that through obedience we receive. The end result is deliverance.

As stewards of the household of Yahweh, we all have our own gifts of service. Those of us that have knowledge and understanding of our history, heritage and God must minister the same to our kinsman.

1Peter 4:10 ​​ As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace (favor) of God. ​​ 

Romans 12:6 ​​ Having then gifts differing according to the grace (favor) that is given to us, whether (interpretation of) prophecy, let us prophesy (interpret) according to the proportion of faith;

12:7 ​​ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

7 ​​ or service in the ministry; or he that is teaching, in education;

12:8 ​​ Or he that exhorteth (encourages), on exhortation (encouragement): he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

12:9 ​​ Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

12:10 ​​ Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

12:11 ​​ Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Prince;

12:12 ​​ Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant (persistence) in prayer;

12:13 ​​ Distributing to the necessity of ​​ (the) saints; given to hospitality.

The law of tithing in the OT was a schoolmaster and foreshadow of brotherly love and the law written on our hearts and our duty as stewards of the household of Yahweh.

Almost none of us have farms anymore and we work for wages (Jewish fiat currency). If we can't give the fruits of the land, and Yahweh doesn't want our $, what then shall we give? How about more of our time, provide for the needy, spread the knowledge and understanding of our heritage to our people.

Peter describes the church in the latter days:

2Peter 2:1 ​​ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable (destructive, fatal, disastrous) heresies, even denying the Prince that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

​​ 2:2 ​​ And many shall follow their pernicious (lascivious, licentious, wanton) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

​​ 2:3 ​​ And through covetousness (greed, lust) shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:

Other renderings:

"Motivated by greed, they will exploit you with their counterfeit arguments" (Berkely Version).

"…in their lust they will exploit you with cunning arguments" (Moffatt Translation).

"In their greed for MONEY they will trade on your credulity with sheer fabrications"`(The New English Bible).

ALL PHYSICAL TYPES FORESHADOW SPIRITUAL REALITIES

Everything that happened in the Old Testament was a TYPE of future, spiritual things.

"Now ALL these things happened unto THEM for examples: and they were written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (I Cor. 10:11).

The Increase of what?

Seed, corn, wine, oil, dough, honey, firstlings of the flock or herd, fruit of the tree, seed of the land, all the field brings forth, offerings, spoils of war, and all.

The Pharisees gave of mint, anise, cummin, rue, and all manner of herbs.

Mint-sweet smelling, garden mint

Anise-dill 1a) a used plant used as a spice and for medicine

Cummin- a cultivated plant in Palestine with seeds that have a bitter warm taste and an aromatic flavour

Rue-a shrubby plant about 2 feet (60 cm) high, of medicinal value

All manner of herbs-any pot herb, vegetables.

Note: Money is not listed. Neither is gold or such.

Although part of the spoils of war would have included gold and gems and metals.

Perhaps the offerings from the people were coinage and such.

But not once is money inferred.

Tithing Time

10% of every minute = 6 seconds

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ hour = 6 minutes

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ 24 hour day = 144 minutes (2h24m) ​​ 

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ 16 hours awake = 96 minutes (1h36m)

Is it possible that those who give Yahweh 144 minutes a day are those of the 144,000?

How much time do you give to Yahweh?

1 hour every Sunday = 52 hours per year.

How much time do you give TV?

How much time do you work out?

How much time do you do anything else?

We give Yahweh entirely too little time. 10% of 8760 hours (per year) = 876 hours.

52 hours per year in church is 0.59360730593607% of 8760 hours in a year.

That means the average “christian” gives God ​​ .59% of their time per year.

That is just over ½ a percent.

*No wonder our people know little of the truth, and a lot of false doctrine.

Parables that expand on the type of tithing Yahweh wants.

Besides offerings and spoils of war, everything else is from something planted, raised, ​​ cultivated or grown.

This parallels the purpose and duty we have as the children of Yahweh.

It is our job to preach the kingdom of righteousness (God, Heaven).

As 'sowers of the word' we teach the history, heritage, traditions, laws and model of The Way.

The Way (Christianity) is what the family of the race of Adam must follow in order to have life.

When we have true knowledge and understanding we know The Way.

When Christ spoke to mixed multitudes, He spoke in parables. He explains why when He is alone with His disciples.

Matthew 13:3 ​​ And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

​​ 13:4 ​​ And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

​​ 13:5 ​​ Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

​​ 13:6 ​​ And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

​​ 13:7 ​​ And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

​​ 13:8 ​​ But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

​​ 13:9 ​​ Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

​​ 13:10 ​​ And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

​​ 13:11 ​​ He answered and said unto them (the disciples), Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

The 'them' were not His sheep. The message is intended for the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

After the divorce, the children of Israel were scattered across the Greco-Roman world and also migrating north and west into Europe. They lost and/or forgot their heritage. The gospel is the message to these same Israelites that forgot who they were.

​​ 13:12 ​​ For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Proverbs 9:9 ​​ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

​​ 13:13 ​​ Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

​​ 13:14 ​​ And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Isaiah 6:9 ​​ And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

​​ 13:15 ​​ For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

​​ 13:16 ​​ But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

​​ 13:17 ​​ For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Hebrews 11:13 ​​ These all died in faith (truth, moral conviction), not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

​​ 13:18 ​​ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

​​ 13:19 ​​ When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Those who do not grasp the truth of the Word are most susceptible to false doctrines and calumnious lies.

​​ 13:20 ​​ But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon (at once) with joy receiveth it;

Isaiah 58:2 ​​ Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

Ezekiel 33:31 ​​ And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

32 ​​ And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. Today's churches.

​​ 13:21 ​​ Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended (entrapped).

Root in the Word comes only through study of the Word itself, along with practice (doing).

​​ 13:22 ​​ He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world (age), and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Materialistic, prefers the cares of this age, or society.

​​ 13:23 ​​ But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Our duty is to preach the kingdom of righteousness.

When we cultivate the word in our brethren we grow the kingdom. We have an increase in righteousness. By our deeds we are contributing our payment of knowledge and understanding to the unlearned. When they respond, the word bears fruit.

Luke 19:11 ​​ And as they heard these things, He added and spake a parable, because He was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. ​​ 

The people of Judaea, and even the apostles, were persuaded that the Kingdom of Yahweh would materialize immediately with the manifestation of the Messiah.

​​ 19:12 ​​ He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

​​ 19:13 ​​ And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (Engage yourselves in business while I go.)

​​ 19:14 ​​ But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

​​ 19:15 ​​ And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

'...that he would know what they did while engaged in business.'

​​ 19:16 ​​ Then came the first, saying, Master, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

​​ 19:17 ​​ And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

​​ 19:18 ​​ And the second came, saying, Master, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

​​ 19:19 ​​ And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

​​ 19:20 ​​ And another came, saying, Master, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

​​ 19:21 ​​ For I feared thee, because thou art an austere (harsh) man: thou takest that which thou have not laid up, and reapest that which thou didst not sow.

​​ 19:22 ​​ And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking that which I had not laid up, and reaping that which I did not sow: ​​ 

​​ 19:23 ​​ Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I would exact it with interest?

From the servants own mouth he was judged: the servant admitted knowing what his master would expect, but still neglected any attempt to meet that expectation. Therefore the servant was judged for his negligence.

​​ 19:24 ​​ And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

​​ 19:25 ​​ (And they said unto him, Master, he hath ten pounds.)

​​ 19:26 ​​ For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

​​ 19:27 ​​ But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Again, our duty is to preach the kingdom of Yahweh to our kinsman, build the kingdom. Yahweh gave us these scriptures, the prophets and the apostles which represent the pounds given to each servant. He left us His word and expects us to plant it, cultivate it, grow it and care for it. We plant His word in our brethren.

Notice this telling bit of history from the Encyclopedia Britannica, "Tithes in Christendom—The earliest authentic example of anything like a law of the State enforcing payment appears to occur in the capitularies [ecclesiasticals] of Charlemagne at the end of the 8th or beginning of the 9th century. Tithes were by that enactment to be applied to the maintenance of the bishop, clergy, the poor, and the fabric of the church. In the course of time the principle of payment of tithes was extended FAR BEYOND its original intention. Thus they became transferable to laymen and saleable like ordinary property, in spite of the injunctions of the third Lateran Council; and they became payable OUT OF SOURCES OF INCOME [not just farming and herding, but other trades and occupations and salaries paid in the form of money] NOT ORIGINALLY TITHABLE." (1963, volume 22, page 253, ‘TITHES’).

The Catholic Church knows its own history. Here is how tithing got back into the Church after being absent for nearly five centuries:

"As the Church expanded and various institutions arose, it became necessary to make laws which would insure the proper and permanent support of the clergy. The payment of tithes was adopted from the Old Law... The earliest positive legislation on the subject seems to be contained in the letter of the bishops assembled at Tours in 567 and the [canons] of the Council of Macon in 585."—The Catholic Encyclopedia.

They "extended" their base of tithe collecting to eventually include all forms of income. All Christian scholars know that although money was in wide use in ancient Israel, it was never a titheable commodity. But modern Christian pastors of God’s sheep don’t want tithes of goats or oil or corn—they want money—cold hard cash. God has a word to the "shepherds of the sheep," and it is the very same message that He had for the Levites in the book of Malachi. And it is this:

"My people have been lost sheep [Why? How did they get that way?] their SHEPHERDS have caused them to go astray" (Jer. 50:6).

Was Israel consciously aware of the fact that they were being led astray by their spiritual leaders? Not most, and neither is the world of Christendom today aware that they are being lead astray by their spiritual leaders.