A tithe every third year was apparently to be set aside for the Levites and the needy. Upon satisfaction of this tithe an Israelite was to make this declaration before the Lord. Presumably, it would have been difficult to make this declaration if one had not fulfilled the requirements of this tithe, especially if any who knew you were to hear you make this declaration. Further, the declaration reminded the one making this offering that the blessing of the Lord – the realization of His promises – is tied to obedience to His Law.

When God’s people are faithful in obeying Him they may feel free to call upon Him to fulfill His promises. So, again, this would be an important matter to be reminded of from time to time, and the third-year tithe provided just such an opportunity.

T. M. Moore

The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.