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Recently, I discussed the Old Covenant Law, noting that Christians aren’t required to follow its religious or civil rules. Most Christian leaders agree, yet they often push congregants to tithe. However, there is no obligation to do so. Yes, God desires giving — but for charity, not for church expenses under the pretense of an Old Covenant tithe.
The tithe, meaning “a onetenth part,” was part of the ancient pagan suzerain-vassal (king-servant) covenant system that God adopted to establish his salvation-focused relationship with people, starting with Abram.
However, as far as we know, God did not command a tithe until he renewed the covenant through Moses. Then God instructed the 11 tribes who received land to tithe to support the priests, their families and the temple. Eventually, they disobeyed, which led to starvation and disrepair, prompting a sharp rebuke (Malachi 3:615).
