Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 October 2009
This study presents a new interpretation of tithe references in Scripture. It departs from the conventional view that the tithe is merely a tax levied on the people. Rather it sees the tithe as a partnership or compact with God in which tangible goods are exchanged for intangible ones. Taking the Pentateuch in its entirety as our contextreveals the tithe to bepart of a pattern of reciprocities in which goods are exchanged for divine acceptance, protection, and blessing.
1. Biblical ordinances dealing with the tithe include Priestly (Lev. 27:30–33, Num. 18:21–32) and Deuteronomic sources (Deut. 12:6–7, 11–12, 17–18; 14:22–29; 26:12–15).
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27. Ibid, p. 37.
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29. Ibid, p. 9.
30. Ibid, pp. 12, 15–16.
31. Ibid, p. 58.
32. Ibid
33. Ibid, p. 22.
34. Ibid, p. 45.
35. Ibid, p. 81.
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