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a tithe for others
Deuteronomy 14:27-29
Deuteronomy 14:27 Do not neglect the Levite within your city gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.
Deuteronomy 14:28 “At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and store it within your city gates.
Deuteronomy 14:29 Then the Levite, who has no portion or inheritance among you, the guest, the fatherless, and the widow within your city gates may come, eat, and be satisfied. And Yahveh your God will empower you in all the work of your hands that you do.
a tithe for others
The third-year tithe was to be dedicated to the less fortunate ones in the community. The Levites had no land apportioned to them, so they participated in the third-year tithe. The foreign guest also had the opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness, and perhaps be drawn to put their trust in him. The orphans and widows as well were able to live better due to the generosity of those who followed this instruction.
The third-year tithe was a double blessing. It was an empowerment to the less fortunate ones who benefited from it. But it also helped the participants to feel connected to their wider community, and to make a difference among a larger family.
When I send my tithe in to my local church, by placing a check in the offering plate, or clicking on a donation link, I am doing something not unlike the third-year tithe. A part of my income will be going to empower my local community.
Lord, thank you for the double blessing we receive when we give.
