This is not just any other book about tithing. The author provides a critical analysis of both the meaning and usage of the tithe under Old Testament Israel. There appears to be a lot of misinformation, misinterpretation and misapplication of the tothe or the tithing Laws that is going on unabated. He takes the tithing debate to another level by exegetically analysing all the proof texts on Christian Tithing from the Old Testament and the widely accepted interpretation of those textsby many reputable preachers. He dared to ask questions that many have failed to ask and goes on to draw the line between interpretation and scripture! Interpretation cannot be accepted religiously and unquestionably as scripture.
Excerpt:
Why I wrote this book ..
The primary purpose of this book is to unravel the perceived 'deep and hidden mystery' concerning the enigmatic Tithe. There appears to be a lot of polarization regarding the usage of the tithe under the New Testament Church. Two very important scriptures come to mind. “My people perish for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6 and “you err because you don’t understand the scriptures or the power of God" Matt 22:29. Thus, where there is want of knowledge, even the sincerest of believers, will go astray!
I have done extensive and intensive research on the subject and came to this very conclusion: The reason why there appears to be a lot of confusion on the subject of tithing is simply that the body of Christ lacks a proper understanding of the Old Testament tithe and its purpose. Where a thing is misunderstood and it's purpose equally misconstrued, chaos and abuse are inevitable, as echoed by the words of our Lord Jesus “you err because you don’t understand the scriptures…" As shall be revealed in this book, It's either the people in the congregation don't understand what a tithe is or the person standing on the pulpit preaching and writing books on the subject, is equally as ignorant.
So, before we can even begin to hold debates on whether to tithe or not to tithe. It is imperative that we first understand the tithe and how the tithing system functioned or operated under the Old Testament Israel Society. One needs to at least get the basic biblical facts about tithing right! Once we possess this understanding, it is only until then can we accurately determine whether or not Christians must tithe. After carrying out a careful study of all the biblical texts on tithing and meditating upon them, reading books written by different authors on tithing/giving, and historical books on Church history. It became obvious that there is a whole lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of the Holy Scriptures that is going on unabated.
“The general perception of tithing during the Law is too simplistic
and inaccurate. That misunderstanding contributes to the wrong
As shall be revealed in this book, texts such as Genesis 14:20, Leviticus 27:30-32, Malachi 3:10 are all misinterpreted. A lot of information is strewn around in trying to explain why God required a tithe of grain, fruit, and livestock. This ranges from assertions that Israel was an agro-based society hence the people were farmers so their only source of income was the Land (farming); they didn’t earn wages; they didn’t use money in Ancient times; the tithe is God's way of financing his work; to mention but just a few! Using all the resources that we have at our disposal now that we living in the information era, all these claims must be thoroughly investigated in line with the scriptures.
The Bible says, “Now the Bereans were more excellent than the Thessalonians, for daily, they thoroughly examined the scriptures in their homes, to see if what Paul said was true" Acts 17:11. It is the last part of that verse that knocked my socks off. These Berean-Jews were commended for not dismissing what Paul was teaching as falsehoods but they actually went home and diligently examined the scriptures to assert the validity of Paul's teachings. The reason for the search was to ascertain the veracity of Paul's message. Just try doing that today! One would be promised brimstone and fire, unimaginable curses, leprosy that once plagued Miriam, etc. for just questioning what the MAN OF GOD says or teaches!
Unlike the Thessalonian-Jews, the Berean-Jews chose spirituality over emotions/beliefs. People tend to be emotional when it comes to dealing with spiritual matters. However, being emotional and being spiritual are two different things. The Jews had their specific beliefs towards worship or serving God. Yet Paul’s message seemed to contradict those beliefs. The Berean-Jews decided to search the scriptures to ascertain whether or not Paul was teaching the truth. They could have dismissed him outright and clung to their beliefs, but they didn’t. The Bereans were not rebuked but were commended for this!
They chose to study the scriptures because it was the only basis upon which they could ascertain the authenticity of Paul's message and not their beliefs. Doctrine isn’t verified by one’s beliefs but by the scriptures! What we can take away from all this is that, it is not your belief alone that can help you determine the authenticity of any doctrine. Therefore, it’s your sole prerogative to study the scriptures so that you may assess the correctness of everything that you have been taught or believe about Christianity. No one can take away that right from you. If Paul could commend the Bereans for verifying his message, let no minister of the Gospel vilify you for doing the same regarding their message.
This book was written to provoke you into seeking the truth with regards to the definition and usage of the tithe under Ancient Israelite society. As we interrogate every text and explanation that has been handed down for centuries now. One would then be equipped with the knowledge that is required to unravel the mystery behind the tithe. Once one possesses this understanding everything falls into place.
