Should We Tithe? A Biblical Analysis of Tithing

Again, it would seem the article falls short of thorough Biblical analysis due to what I see as a lack of interaction with Abraham. I would like to have seen more since it is a great question. The Hebrew text may need to be more fully interacted with as well.

All that I was trying to say is that we should not be so dismissive of Abraham’s tithe since the author of Hebrews saw something of great value in it. He argues that Abraham’s tithe demonstrates the superiority of Melchizedek above Abraham who did not have the Mosaic Covenant, but Abraham’s first response to this King of Salem is to tithe. Which begs the question, “why did Abraham tithe”? And, if Abraham’s tithe was shown being demonstrative of someone superior to himself, why would we not desire to follow Abraham’s example?

Admitively, I have not read the article by Blumer on patters and mandates. Yet, one can see that patterns throughought Scripture are to be followed. The biggest one is Sabbath rest that was a pattern set by God and the whole reason He commanded Israel to observe it. His pattern of creation created the seven day, week calendar. The pattern of creating man and woman would seem to dictate rules on how the two generders are to relate with one another. The pattern of Jesus being a servant leader, demonstrates how we are to interact with one another as disciples, etc.

Granted, I realize that there may be a hazordous side to this and not reading the article I may be in over my head on this but it would seem that most “rules” come out of patterns given. However, this does raise the question, “ought every rule need to be followed?”

[Susan R] There was an article or two awhile back by Aaron Blumer about using Biblical patterns to create mandates. There are examples of tithes and offerings to the Lord and the Lord’s work for various reasons, but I think we should be careful about making a ‘rule’ where there is only a pattern.

http://sharperiron.org/article/shall-we-cast-lots-identifying-biblical-…