The tithe, or tenth part

(Gen. 14:20) — a kind of offering, known to the Hebrews long before the time of Moses. This offering, constituting a gift to God, consisted of a tenth part of the produce of the land, of flocks, and the like, and went to the benefit of the Levites, who had no landed inheritances and therefore needed means for their subsistence. The tithe, in this case, constituted something in the nature of rent, paid to them in place of land. One tenth part of their own tithe the Levites, in turn, contributed toward the support of the high priest (Num. 18:21–32).

The remaining nine parts were again divided into tithes, and from the second tithe a feast was prepared in the court of the sanctuary, or in some sanctuary near it. However, if a Jew found it inconvenient to bring his tithe in kind, he was permitted to sell it and bring the money, with the addition of one sixth of the amount realized; with this money he purchased everything needed for the feast, and only then went to the sanctuary (Deut. 14:22–27). At this feast they entertained their families, friends, and the Levites.

On the basis of the words of Deuteronomy (14:28, 29) it may be thought that every third year a third tithe was required of the Hebrews, to be eaten in company with the poor and the Levites, the aged and the infirm, although some Western interpreters, such as Maimonides, Michaelis, and others, deny the existence of this. Livestock was brought as tithe in the following manner: the animals were released from their pens under a rod held in someone’s hand, which touched every tenth animal in succession, after which it became the property of the Levites, regardless of whether it was good or bad, and it was not permitted to exchange it (Lev. 27:32, 33). It is not clear whether a tithe was required from produce and herbs. It is only known that the Pharisees gave tithe of mint, anise, and cummin (Matt. 23:23).