Tithing: Additions to the Law of Moses

There are several references outside of the written Law (Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy) which include additions or clarifications to that which was already established. These all do, however, refer back specifically to the written Law.

A King Over Israel (1 Samuel 8:6-22) By rejecting God as their sovereign leader, the Israelites would be required to pay additional costs; monetary, their sons and daughters, animals, servants and land would all be required by their king. They would serve the king, instead of God. And they would cry out to God to deliver them from their leader, and God would not hear them.

Hezekiah and the Restoration (2 Chronicles 30:23-31:21) The people were encouraged to keep the feast going; the King made a large donation (of goods he had received as taxes from the people, as previously warned by God), and the priests and Levites made an even larger donation. The people rejoiced, partied, then broke down the idols (they had been worshiping), then went home. The priestly duties, which had ceased, were restored.

The Law of Moses is summarized in verses 20-21. Because Hezekiah did what was right, God prospered him. This was the best they could hope for; a surface relationship with a God who provided for their physical needs, peace, etc. as long as they did what He told them to do. The Israelites had to fulfill their part BEFORE God would fulfill His part, But God never intended that the Law define His relationship with His people; its purpose was to reveal that there was nothing we could do to BRING OURSELVES into relationship with Him. It was something ONLY HE, AND HE ALONE, COULD DO. With the Resurrection, Jesus concluded both parts of the covenant: He did our part and the Father's, once and for all, permanently.