DISCIPLE

W. E. Vine TITHES   It may be asked, Was there not a Divine command for the Israelites? Was it not enjoined upon them to give tithes? And if so, is it not appropriate for the Christian to give tithes? In the first place, the Israelites paid much more than a tithe. In addition to the three tithes specifically mentioned, namely, that given to the Levite (Lev. 27:30, with Num. 18:21-24; Deut. 14:22-27), there was the further tithe at the end of every three years, which was also for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow (verses 28, 29). Some hold, indeed, that the tithes mentioned in the three passages referred to, were disconnected, and this is supported by the Talmud. To these tithes, however, there must be added other offerings; those of the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the firstfruits. Mal. 3:8, for instance, speaks of "tithes and offerings" (lit. heave offerings). It has been computed that an Israelite's total offerings would amount to about one-sixth of h...

Stop The Robbery!   by Samuel E. Robinson       Malachi is often referred to as one of the minor prophets, yet his prophecy is of major importance to us today. There is a remarkable similarity between the conditions of his day and our day and generation. Therefore, all of Malachi's short book of 52 verses warrants our careful consideration and meditation.     However, let's focus on just one of the charges in the Lord's solemn indictment of His people, Israel, recorded in Malachi 3:8: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” Israel's pharisaical response was incredulous. Yet it was an expression of their spiritual blindness and moral insensibility.     The temple had been rebuilt, the altar had been erected, the sacrifices were being offered, and they had been very particular in observing all the ceremonies and feasts. God, through His serva...