Where do we get the idea of the tithe?

This question is impossible to answer. When we read about the tithe in ancient texts it is already an ancient spiritual discipline. In other words the ancient texts draw from an even more ancient oral tradition that lies beyond the purview of history. A brief survey of religious traditions suggests the worldwide scope of the tithe.

Someone speaking from an Indian tradition (Sikhism) has said, "Tithing is a multitude of things: An institution older than thought, a covenant in every religion, a lesson taught in every spiritual discipline. It is given to us in terms of a "law," a "mandate," a "command," and yet we are at liberty to choose to obey or not, and we are equally at liberty to reap the vast rewards of tithing as well - or not."

In Sikhism, the tradition of Dasvandh (das = tenth, vandh = giving) is mandated in the Sikh scriptures. Bhai Gurdas counts the tithe among the seven virtues of a Sikh.

In Islam the act of charity, Zakaah, is a part of the "Five Pillars of Islam." The Qu'ran teaches that wealth will never be decreased by charity. "Whatever you spend [as Zakaah] He replaces it, and He is the best of Providers." Qu'ran, Chapter 34: 39.

Although Buddhism is not a systematized tradition, it also participates in the spiritual intention expressed in the tithe. "If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving and sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of selfishness overcome their minds." Itivuttaka Sutra.

In the Christian tradition (as well as Judaism), Abraham is already acquainted with this spiritual discipline when he makes his tithe in Genesis 14. The Old Testament continues the tradition of the tithe through the teaching of Moses.

The Book of Leviticus mandates the tithe (Lev. 27:30-33) at least in part to support the ministry of the Levites (Num. 18:21-24). At least one of the prophets associated the failure to pay the tithe with "robbing God" (Mal. 3:6-12).

The Old Testament teaches faithful people will practice acts of charity over and above the tithe, especially in the care of widows and orphans. This vision of the world sets the tithe in a context that includes generosity in the service of social justice. In so far as God is the creator of all things, God has provided abundantly for the whole of creation.

The ministry of Jesus assumes both the tradition of the tithe as well as the Biblical commitment to social justice. He called people to participate in the spiritual intention of the tithe and not its outward form only. He goes so far as to encourage some to "give everything" and follow him.