Nehemiah 10 | The 3-Fold Value of Giving First Fruits

Nehemiah 10

and that they might bring the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all the fruit of every tree to the house of the Lord annually,

36 and bring to the house of our God the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks as it is written in the law, for the priests who are ministering in the house of our God.

37 We will also bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the new wine and the oil to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithe of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are they who receive the tithes in all the rural towns.

38 The priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes, and the Levites shall bring up the tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.

When nationwide revival came to the people of Israel, they realized that one of the things they had failed to do was to bring God’s tithe (the first 10% of all they had) into the house of God.

It is a principle throughout the Word of God and among God's people throughout history. When God's people walk with Him, they are commanded by God and compelled in their hearts to honor the Lord from all that they have by bringing the best and the first to His storehouse for His purposes!

THE 3-FOLD PURPOSE

There are at least three reasons why tithing is so valuable to us and to the kingdom. First, it fuels the continued work of God. This, in itself, would be worthy of our giving. But the second reason is even more important: it helps us remember where everything we have came from. It is a blessed reminder every week to us of His provision (for it all comes from Him) and a simple and deliberate way to advance His work. And, He PROMISES to take care of us if we will honor Him first from our money and possessions. (see Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9).

But the final reason is even more vital. The tithe honors God. It is a visible, tangible means of worship. A way we can love God and honor Him!

A PRACTICE FOR TODAY

Some think this is just an Old Testament practice. But Jesus assumes that his people will bring a tenth (which is what the word "tithe" literally means) to God's storehouse. When commenting to the Pharisees about their abuses in tithing He says, "this you should have done," i.e., "I'm assuming your tithing, but you must do it in the right spirit" (Matthew 23:23).

Like our ancestors in Nehemiah’s day, a by-product of real revival would be the restoration of our first fruits giving unto Him.

Father, thank You for the reminder of the tithe. Thank You for giving us “every good and perfect gift.” It all come from You and we’re grateful for the reminder that tithe gives us and the opportunity to honor You ever week with our giving. Help us to be grateful, Lord, and to give with abundant joy!