Tithing According to Abraham's Example

It was an ancient custom of many nations in the Middle East to give a tenth, (tithe means tenth), of one's income as an offering to a god or to a king. The first mention of tithing in the Bible occurs in Genesis chapter 14 where Abram (later known as Abraham) gave a tithe to Melchizedek of the spoils of war.

A war had broke out between 4 kings and five others. Abram's brother, Lot was caught in the crossfire and was taken captive by one of the armies. A survivor of the battle made his way to Abram and told the news of Lot's capture. Abram quickly oraganized his own war party of 318 men and pursued the army into Dan. Abram and his small army caught up with them, attacked by night and slaughtered the enemy, freeing Lot, his women, the goods and everyone else who had been taken captive.

Upon Abram's return, several king's met him, probably to collect their tithe. Two king's are mentioned specifically, the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, king of Salem. Melchizedek, also a priest, blesses Abram and he in return gives the tithe to Melchizedek. The king of Sodom asks Abram for the people and suggests Abram keep the goods. Abram responds saying, "I'm not keeping anything, lest you could say, 'I've made Abram rich', the only thing we're keeping is the food we've eaten and the portion my 3 captains have rightfully earned."

So Abram himself kept nothing. He tithed of the spoils to Melchizedek, according to the custom of the day and gave the rest away. In the entire life of Abraham, this is the only recorded instance of him giving a tithe. His tithe wasn't from his income or even his own possessions.

There is no New Testament command to tithe based on Abram's example than there are to be circumcised, to offer animal sacrifices, to have concubines or to practice polygamy. In the more than 70 New Testament references to Abraham, the only practice of his that we are admonished to follow is his faith.

There is no way a pastor today can use this incident to justify teaching that a NT believer owes the church 10% of his earned income.

Many years ago, a wise teacher told me if you teach tithing for any other reason than to enroll believers in God's plan of prosperity, you're teaching with the wrong motive. Barna Research Group studies indicate the rank and file in the churches see through the teaching about the tithe. Their study show only 8% of American Christians tithe their income to a local church or religious institution.

Pastors today teach tithing to fund their church, their visions, their programs and their pesonal income. There's nothing wrong with you supporting these activities, but you owe God no tithe because Christ fulfilled the Law and you are no longer under it. If you don't tithe, you are not cursed, because Christ became a curse for you. And you owe no tithe based on Abraham's example either.