I understand that some may read this and say, "I knew it!!! I KNEW that the bible didn't instruct me to give 10% to the church." I'm not trying to bash anyone's personal convictions on this subject, but as John 8:32 says, "...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

I can understand how a limited understanding of Levitical laws and practices can lend someone to do what is called "proof-texting." Again, I'm not coming down on anyone's personal interpretation, for I even know that I may look back 10 years from now at some of my bible study notes and realize that my perception was based on partial truths.

In the O.T. times there was a culture of the tithe to not just the Levites, but to others in need. But this did not mean that 10% was spread among them all. A close study of levitical laws and history of the Jewish culture will show that the O.T. Jew's understanding of giving was MORE than 10%. There was an idea that there was a responsibility to giving the first fruits to the Levites, but then you were to again also give of your increase to the work of helping those in need.

So what does this mean? It means that this passage is actually empowering you to be even MORE generous. Of course this would totally deflate those who were looking for an excuse just to give only what they HAVE to to wherever they FEEL they WANT to. The "good Jew" tithed up to 30% of his income. This would make the American Christian who is up to debt in their ears cringe to think of giving that much income to things that don't relate to their own desires and "needs".

But we must also remember that the N.T. model of giving, as described by Jesus, is a model that show we must give from our need, just like the poor woman and the temple. I know I don't completely understand the concept of giving and the tithe, but that's my two cents. Feel free to share your ideas with me @

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Deuteronomy 26:12-16