Results 1 - 4 of 4
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Tithing before Mosaic Law | Gen 14:20 | Makarios | 217746 | ||
Greetings Azure! You asked two good questions. I. The first question: 1/ Was giving 10 percent a common practice in the ancient time? According to at least two of my sources, the answer is Yes. "..Even in some pagan religions, it was traditional to give a tenth of one's earnings to the gods. Abram followed accepted tradition.." (1) [Hebrews] "7:4 In antiquity, it was common for people to give a tithe to a god or his representative. .." (2) II. The second question: 2/ Under what condition was it exercised before the Mosaic Law? At least one source describes the Abram tithe in such a way that could differentiate it from that which occurred under the Mosaic Law: MacArthur Study Bible (pg. 35) says concerning Genesis 14:20, "..This 10-percent offering was purely voluntary, and may only have been a tenth of the best, not a tenth of the total" ... "This tenth is not like the required tenths given to Israel in the Mosaic law.." Abraham's tithe was an expression of gratitude to the King of Salem, and a tenth was a 'king's share' (1 Sam. 8:15,17). I hope this helps! Blessings to you, Makarios (1) pg. 28, Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 2004 Tyndale House Publishers (2) pg. 1907, The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1997 Word Publishing |
||||||
2 | Tithing before Mosaic Law | Gen 14:20 | azurelaw | 217748 | ||
Dear Brother Makarios, Thank you very much for your answer. They are indeed helpful. Now, one more question on tithing before the Mosaic Law. What I have interpreted from the 2 accounts (Abraham and Jacob), it is obvious that Abraham's tithe was to show his gratitude as you have pointed out, however, for Jacob's, it gives me the sense of obtaining wealth first and tithe later if that comes true (a more of selfish and prosperity concern than purely showing gratitude and thanks as what Abraham did). It could be Jacob's personality for taking advantage of others or bargaining, but was the idea of bargaining/desiring more or better prospertiy the main motive or inducement for tithing by then? Pagan Chinese make sacrifice or tithe usually have the mind of bribing the gods. Shalom Azure |
||||||
3 | Tithing before Mosaic Law | Gen 14:20 | Searcher56 | 217749 | ||
God's day to you, Azure, I believe you may be correct ... Jacob even used the word "if" in verse 20. His vow was condidtional. Jacob, the schemer, was schemed by his uncle in the next chapters. After his return (33:18), he didn't return to Bethel, until God told him (35:1) ... did Jacob fulfill his vow? Searcher |
||||||
4 | Tithing before Mosaic Law | Gen 14:20 | azurelaw | 217754 | ||
Thanks for your input, Searcher. Did Jacob fulfiill his vow? ....Hmm... I don't recall if he did. I will need to check it out :-) Thanks again. Shalom Azure |
||||||