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ARLINGTON, Texas: A water pipe broke behind the pitcher's mound at the Ballpark in Arlington three hours before game time, creating a sinkhole.
Batting practice for both the Rangers and Indians moved to the inside batting cages while workman replaced the pipe and filled the hole. Repairs were expected to be completed before the scheduled first pitch, but that was not assured.


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**Cadillac User Experience (CUE)** Discussion, Can't update contact list in Item Specific Cadillac Discussion; I've tried in vain to change CUE's understanding of my iPhone5 contact list content, but I can't. Before my updated ...
- 06-02-13 07:56 PM #1Cadillac Owners Member
- Automobile(s): 2013 XTS4 Platinum
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Monterey Bay Area
- Posts
- 23
Can't update contact list
I've tried in vain to change CUE's understanding of my iPhone5 contact list content, but I can't. Before my updated CUE, I paired my iPhone5 and all my contacts were available in the CUI listing. OK, new report. About a week ago my dealer updated the CUI release 23124322 to release number 23150273 (supposedly the latest release).
I used my addressbook on my MAC Pro and stripped out all "'" "(" ")" "-" from names, suspecting a data compatibility problem. So now, the Mac addressbook reflects all of these edits, as so does the icloud, and my iPhone5 (rel 6.1.4). CUI properly relects these changes as well.
I then added to the iPhone5 contact list 3 entries with the last names named "Octopus". I then went to my XTS and paired my iPhone5 again. It was then that I noticed that the three added "Octopus" entries were missing. No matter what I did in I've attempted every variation of using the first name field, last name field, both in one or the other, and still nothing!
The dealer, who spoke to an GM engineering type, told me to delete my iPhone5 (once paired with the XTS) from CUI. So the divorce took place. I remarried (paired) the "new" iPhone5 to the XTS. Contact list still omits the Octopus entries. So, at the advice of the dealership and GM engineer, I added to the iPhone5 a new entry. I waited 5 minutes. Nothing, no new entry!
So now the plan is for me to take my car back into the dealership with my iPhone5 and have their engineer talk to the GM engineer to debug the system. This is a bit unreal, for sure.
Does anyone using an iPhone5 have success in making additions? I have about 145 contacts. Any bright ideas?
The iPhone5 was deleted from the XTS, and yet these three entries still don't appear.
Re: Can't update contact list
Hot off the press! I met with my dealer service manager, and he showed me a publication from GM to dealer service people listing the specific iPhone models and other phones supported by CUE. Iphone5 was not on the list. The service manager talked to a GM developer type who tried to replicate my contact list problem using his iPhone5 and the same release #23150273 on a different car. So, possibly, the CUE download to the dealer or to my car is corrupted. Next Wed they will diagnose and fix the problem w/ my car, cell phone and developer in tow (hopefully)!
Re: Can't update contact list
I apologize that you are experiencing issues with your XTS receiving the contacts from your iPhone. I am glad that your dealership is trying hard to get the problem diagnosed. Please keep us updated on what happens on Wednesday!
Gregory W.
Cadillac Customer Care

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You must be logged in to Sign-Up for in-stock notifications. Click here to login
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This is a discussion on Armor piercing round within the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Does anyone know where I can get armor piercing ammo?...
Does anyone know where I can get armor piercing ammo?
Mixed Martial Arts Record= 2-0.......Kyokushin Karate Record=5-0
USMC.....helping enemies of America die for their countries since 1775
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead
"Booger Hook Off the Bang Switch" - unknown
First of all, you'd better have a weapon capable of handling such a round. Like Pete, I'd ask why in the hell you'd even ask?
Closing this one for one very specific reason....North Carolina General Statute 14-34.3:The term "Teflon-coated" bullets is (to 99.9 percent likelihood) meant to refer to AP ammo.E. Teflon-Coated Bullets
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 14-34.3, it is unlawful for any person
to import, manufacture, possess, store, transport, sell, offer to sell, purchase, offer to
purchase, deliver or give to another, or acquire any Teflon-coated bullet. This prohibition does not apply to the following:
1. officers and soldiers of the United States Armed Forces, when in the
discharge of their official duties;
2. officers and soldiers of the Militia, when being called into actual service;
3. officers of the state, or county, city or town, charged with the execution of
laws of the state, when acting in the discharge of their official duties;
4. importers, manufacturers, and dealers validly licensed under the laws of the
United States or the State of North Carolina who possess, for the purpose of
sale to authorized law enforcement agencies only; and
5. inventors, designers, ordinance consultants and researchers, chemists,
physicists, and other persons employed by or under contract with a
manufacturing company engaged in making or doing research designed to
enlarge knowledge of, or to facilitate the creation, development, or
manufacture of more effective police-type body armor.
USAF: Loving Our Obscene Amenities Since 1947


text:
Spring 2011 Term Reminders
January 5, 2011
Just a few friendly reminders:
- Registration for spring 2011 is in progress; please take the opportunity to roster for courses prior to December 17, 2010.
- If you require assistance please contact your academic advisor. Your advisor will provide assistance with course selection and give you authorization to roster for spring and/or summer 2011 courses.
- If you have stops on your account please see the appropriate office immediately.
- Information is available on our website that will provide assistance with the on-line registration site. This information is accessible by visiting the Registrar's Office page (PowerCampus Self Service).
- If additional assistance is required with on-line registration you may visit the Office of the Registrar, first floor of the Wade Wilson Administration Building or email; firstname.lastname@example.com.
- Each office is available and anxious to provide assistance and guidance with the entire Registration process.
- All Campus Offices will resume normal business hours effective January 3, 2011.
- "Resident" Upperclassmen who have cleared (through the Office of the Bursar) may move into their assigned residence hall on Saturday or Sunday, January 15th, or 16th, 2011.
- The University will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2011 in observance of Martin Luther King's Birthday.
- Spring and Spring 1 2011 Semesters begin January 18, 2011.
- NEW!!! Bursar Forms: Campus Store Voucher Request and Student Information Form
Please view the University's Academic Calendar on our website; www.cheyney.edu, for additional dates and events.
Have a safe and happy holiday; we look forward to welcoming you back in January.


text: Unique Opportunities RWJ Barnabas Health Pharmacy Residency Leadership Forum: This forum is designed for the PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents in the RWJBarnabas Health System to develop the essential skills of a clinical leader and collaborate to advance the profession and practice of pharmacy in alignment with the Pharmacy Enterprise Strategic Plan. This longitudinal experience consists of 4 off site sessions to be held at various locations. Teaching and Learning Certificate Program: Offered by the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University, this program will strengthen the resident's knowledge and skills in presenting lectures and precepting students. Precepting Students: NBIMC accepts APPE And IPPE students from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) School of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, University of New England College of Pharmacy to name a few.


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Nutritional Supplements
"Sup, Lamant?" "Did you say supplement? As in muscle building supplements? As in you're looking for a wide variety of muscle building supplements for sale? Because if that's the case, oh boy, do we have the sale for you!" "Actually, I was just saying hi to Lamant." "Oh, hey Lamant. Didn't see you there."
Ends on March 12 at 9AM CT


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BBB's Consumer Complaints for Hearing Help Express Inc., Consumer Complaints for Hearing Help Express Inc. in DeKalb, IL. The apparent delivery of reduced consumer complaints has progressed well enough to encourage nearly every major hearing aid manufacturer to introduce a This hearing aid manufacturer would become a leader in Europe rankings when it comes to both expert assessments and consumer reviews. This an overview of hearing aid
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Consumer Reports published an article covering hearing aids. The report did not evaluate hearing aids by is current and if they have had any formal complaints; Consumer The Florida Board of Hearing Aid Specialists ensures that Consumer Information. Final Order and Emergency Action All complaints must be legibly written or typed, and Find out what the Arizona experts have to say. Get an unbiased, FREE copy of the Consumer's Guide to Hearing Aids. THE WORLD'S ONLY THIRD-PARTY SOURCE OF HEARING AID
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Hearing Aids Complaints @ Pissed Consumer
Study finds purchase of hearing aids a last November and examined complaints filed against sellers, or "dispensers," of hearing aids Union, publisher of Consumer Reports Hearing Aid Consumer Reports . Who's got the best, and who got the worse service? My initial research revealed more complaints about Siemens quality, customer Consumer complaints and reviews about Virtue/ Audibel hearing aids. GE Money Bank. Consumer Electronics


text: An attempted robbery at the Rite Aid in Pittsfield marks the third time that store has been targeted in the past year.Pittsfield Police Chief Steven Emery said a man entered the store just before 11:00 Tuesday morning.We're told he handed the pharmacy clerk a note demanding drugs and stated he had a gun. When the pharmacist refused to give him any, he left.This same Rite Aid was robbed in May and in October of last year. In both of those cases, the robber got away with drugs.Chief Emery said it might be the store's location that's making it a target."It's right off the highway, it's easy to leave your vehicle right on the interstate and run right over there and there's a trailer park right behind it. That's where they usually seem to head," said Emery.Based on surveillance video, police are looking for a man in his thirties with a mustache. He was wearing camoflauge pants, a tan shirt and a bandana when he entered the store. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsfield Police at 487-4439.


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St. Vincent's Guesthouse Guesthouse
1507 Magazine St, New Orleans, USA
- HostelBookers
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Atmosphere 61%
Cleanliness 43%
Facilities 43%
Location 77%
Safety 58%
Staff 66%
Value 64%
- Air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Self-Catering Facilities
- Bicycle Parking
- Board Games
- Breakfast Not Included
- Cable TV
- Ceiling fan
- Free Internet Access
- Housekeeping
- Internet Access
- Luggage Storage
- Parking
- Swimming Pool
- Towels Included
Important Information
One night deposit is charged to guarantee the reservation. This is fully refundable so long as you cancel at least 72 hours prior to arrival. Our cancellation policy is 72 hours except for special events. Mardi Gras and Jazzfest are both special events and cancellation is one week prior to arrival.

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Map and Directions
• From the airport you can take the airport shuttle ($13 per person, one way), or a taxi ($28 flat rate for one or two people). • If you are driving, directions to St. Vincent's (1507 Magazine Street) from the I-10 interstate from either east or west are:• 1. Exit at Business 90 Westbank• 2. Take Carondelet/St. Charles Ave exit and go straight• 3. Turn right at Magazine Street• 4. St. Vincent's is on the right hand side of Magazine Street and the corner of Race Street.• Catch the Magazine Street bus from Canal Street and get off at Race Street, or catch the St. Charles Ave street car and get off at Felicity Street (near Walgreens) and walk the four blocks across to Magazine Street and St. Vincents.


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Every month we raffle off a new hydroponic product or Healthy Harvest Gift Card, valued between $100 and $200.
Join us on Thursday, June 9th between 11-5 when the makers of Supernatural nutrients will be here for our summer long Ask the Expert Days! 25% off all Supernatural products that day only!! We will be in full swing with a free BBQ, drinks, samples, raffles and more!! Bring your questions, an empty belly and your friends!!
**Sorry about the broken image. This is a very old post.**


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The Snake River near Melba at C Park.
I'm new to duck hunting and to the forum, so please let me know if I should take this post down. I tried not to give the full name, but I know certain topics can be touchy on these forums. Thanks in advance.
Moderators: donell67, Tenner, jjohnson_714
znewc14 wrote:Does anybody know the legal shooting distance required in Idaho? Nobody seems to know in the sheriff or in idfag
Squishy wrote:I can't find anything in the ID regs. I guess just use common sense. If you don't think it's safe, don't do it. Or when the old lady comes out screaming, you'll know you're too close!
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text:
**This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to Linda S., our winner out of 1558 entries!**
Just this week, we reviewed four products in the extensive happytails Canine Spa Line…and now one lucky DogTipper reader will have the chance to win a set of the four products we reviewed!
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text:
A growth spurt for Britain's builders means the wider economy expanded more quickly than first thought in the opening three months of 2014, the Office for National Statistics said today.
Data revisions showed construction output up 1.5% between January and March — more than twice as fast as initial estimates of 0.6%.
That will add 0.1 percentage point to the overall pace of first-quarter growth, taking it from 0.8% to 0.9%. Construction output rose 1.2% in April.
Chris Williamson at financial data firm Markit said: "The construction data follow news that the manufacturing sector was also booming in April, suggesting the economy is on course for another spell of strong growth, perhaps 0.8%, in the second quarter."
The building boom looks likely to continue after the Chancellor also unveiled changes to planning rules which could allow as many as 200,000 homes to be built on former industrial sites in urban areas.Reuse content


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MMA Forum - UFC Forums - UFC Results - MMA Videos (http://www.mmaforum.com/forumindex.php)
- The Debate Club (http://www.mmaforum.com/debate-club/)
- - Banks world takeover, 9/11 (http://www.mmaforum.com/debate-club/96853-banks-world-takeover-9-11-a.html)
Banks world takeover, 9/11
I've recently come across some new information regarding 9/11 that I've found startling. Theres no way in hell I believe 9/11 was anything other than a staged act, orchestrated by the worlds powers, US, UK, Israel. This isn't a recent thought that has popped into my head. Its something I've been personally interested in for a few years now. Everyday I'm looking to find out more about how this world is really run, how the monetary system really works, who really runs this world. And things of such nature.
I try to free myself from the absolute shite thats on tv. Allow my mind to explore rather than be dumbed down and told how to live my life by the major media stations. Like Fox!ACB, NBC, CBS. :fight02:
For people who are interested in World poltics and how are world is really run please read the following article. It wont take long and you honestly wont believe what you read.
I hope this article helps people to start seeing whats really going on. There are protests going on all around the world in all the major capitals, right now! People are waking up from this perpetual nightmare of economic slavery. We can change the world. Don't be scared about what you learn. Build on it.
I put this in the debate section because I can imagine not everyone will take this kinda talk lightly and will probably have something to say about. Well, I'm ready for any naysayers, hit me with any question or rational debate!
so true.
So ironical.
The issue with conspiracys is people seem to always embellish facts.
We know our government has staged attacks in the past, I believe we have a general in prison now for involvement in trying to stage terrorism.
I don't think we'll ever know the full story about 911. I think the bigger issue is having a abundance of proof. At its best 911 was a chain of incompetence that led to a lot of lives lost.
At its worst, a terrorist plot that was allowed to happen so the President could further political policys.
I do think the bankers like the Rockefellers hold a enormous amount of power and we need to deal with that issue but I don't think their power is absolute.
Take articles like this with a grain of salt, some government terrorism conspiracys have in the past been found to be true but alot are false. I don't believe all these people are consolidating or things would be even more corrupt. Americans don't understand what's happened, they are still under the illusion we live in a republic. We have three branches if government and all three have given way to corruption, the white house and the entire political system is plastered in fascism, there is no free market to speak of and lets not forget the courts are overrun with religious nuts as well as corruption.
This is an MMA forum. Blog it.
Ok, so now, I'm gonna provide a timeline of the Rothschild family dating back to early 1700s. Then I will provide ALL of the many sources all this information has been extracted from. Its all legit. Theres nothing at all thats been falsified or exaggerated.
Well you can say that but I did look at the historical facts and I'm not saying the families we are talking about don't misuse power but the people do misrepresent the facts.
The system needs to be improved, the fed is the downfall of our country
Till we shore up that everything will continue to deteriorate.
Timeline of the Rothschild family. Interesting to see they own oil fields, The Federal Reserve, The Bank of England, The World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, CBS, ABC, NBC, IBM, Gold and Silver mines, etc.
And that they funded both sides of pretty much every major war since the late 1700s. Fact.
A few excerpts...
Holy Bible - King James Version
Proofs of a Conspiracy Against All the Religions and Governments of Europe Carried on in the Secret Meetings of Freemasons, Illuminati and Reading Societies - John Robison - 1798
The Life of Napolean - Sir Walter Scott - 1827
Coningsby - Benjamin Disraeli - 1844
The Communist Manifesto - Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Martin Malia - 1848
Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry - Albert Pike - 1872
The Rothschilds, Financial Rulers Of Nations - John Reeves - 1887
The Jews and Modern Capitalism - Werner Sombart - 1911
Great Britain, The Jews, and Palestine - Samuel Landman - 1936
Pawns In The Game - William Guy Carr - 1937
Inside The Gestapo - Hansjurgen Koehler - 1940
Barriers Down - Kent Cooper - 1942
The Mind Of Adolf Hitler - Walter Langer - 1943
The Empire Of The City - E. C. Knuth - 1946
The Jewish State - Theodor Herzl - 1946
The Curious History of the Six-Pointed Star - G. Scholem - 1949
Secrets Of The Federal Reserve - Eustace Mullins - 1952
Tales Of The British Aristocracy - L. G. Pine - 1957
Red Fog Over America - William Guy Carr - 1958
A Jewish Defector Warns America (Spoken Word Recording) - Benjamin H. Freedman - 1961
The Rothschilds - Frederic Morton - 1962
The Illuminati and the Council on Foreign Relations (Spoken Word Recording) - Myron ***an - 1967
Ben-Gurion: The Armed Prophet - Michael Bar-Zohar - 1967
The Hidden Tyranny - Benjamin Freedman - 1971
None Dare Call It Conspiracy - Gary Allen - 1972
The Gulag Archipelago, Vol. 2, Parts 3 and 4 - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - First English translation published 1975.
Wall Street And The Rise Of Hitler - Anthony C. Sutton - 1976
The Rosenthal Document - Walter White, Jr. - 1978
Two Rothschilds And The Land Of Israel - Simon Schama - 1978
The Six Pointed Star - Dr O. J. Graham - 1984
The Last Days In America - Bob Fraley - 1984
Who Owns The TV Networks - Eustace Mullins - 1985
The Samson Option: Israel's Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy - Seymour M. Hersh - 1991
A History of the Jews in America - Howard M. Sachar - 1992
Deliberate Deceptions: Facing the Facts About the U.S. Israeli Relationship - Paul Findley - 1993
Descent Into Slavery - Des Griffin - 1994
Bloodlines Of The Illuminati - Fritz Springmeier - 1995
Jewish History, Jewish Religion - Israel Shahak - 1994
Satan Speaks - Anton Szandor LaVey - 1998
The Elite Serial Killers of Lincoln, JFK, RFK & MLK - Robert Gaylon Ross - 2001
Never Again? The Threat Of The New Anti-Semitism - Abraham H. Foxman - 2004
The Elite Don't Dare Let Us Tell The People - Robert Gaylon Ross - 2004
Codex Magica - Texe Marrs - 2005
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text:
Why daydreaming is good for kids
It's often seen as a waste of time, but a little mental escapism can be of great benefit to children, writes Fiona Baker.
This story first appeared in Body+Soul
In spite of adult admonitions to 'focus', 'pay attention' and 'get your head out of the clouds', many kids are determined to spend their time in the much more colourful world that lives inside their heads.
Daydreaming tots are all-too-often described as being 'off with the fairies', unfocused or as having attention disorders. While a balance between focus and daydreaming is important, research is showing that in and of itself daydreaming is not only normal, but necessary for brain development.
"Too often, parents and teachers are quick to label daydreaming as a symptom of an attention deficit disorder or the sign of a slacker in the making," says Amy Fries, author of Daydreams At Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers (Capital Books). "There's substantial research connecting daydreaming in children with creativity, healthy social adjustment and good performance at school."
Let little minds wander
Several studies suggest that daydreaming is healthy because it keeps the mind clicking over even when it strays away from things it is meant to be doing – such as listening to a teacher. It seems the brain doesn't switch off but taps into another neural network which reviews what it's seen and experienced or thinks about what might happen in the future.
Fries also cites research which shows daydreaming can help kids with their social skills and ability to empathise with others.
"Researchers have found that children who can spin an imaginative story around a game they're involved in are more likely to play happily and for extended periods than those who can't seem to engage in extended imaginary play," she says.
Other research has found that children who look out of the window instead of focusing on the teacher may actually be using this gaze aversion to concentrate harder on what they are being taught.
US psychologist Jerome Singer, of Yale University, says that kids' daydreaming network starts forging its neural connections at about two and kicks in during the early school years.
Taking a different view
The first step is to stop viewing the child as difficult, says US psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino, author of Dreamers, Discoverers & Dynamos (Ballantine Books). "Frame your child's daydreaming in positive ways," she says. "At the same time, keep your child accountable.
Maintain a consistent time and place for studying and help structure your child's study time with breaks and incentives.
"If you hit a rough patch, don't do your child's work for him, but be there by his side, doing your own work with him. You'll be modelling concentration while providing quiet encouragement and effective supervision."
Sydney clinical psychologist Vera Auerbach says constructive daydreaming is beneficial for children.
"It's important for kids to have the capacity to enter into their own internal world," she says. "It's a place where they can review and imagine."
See also:
- 5 tips for super-charging your child's creativity
- Encouraging creativity in boys
- Raising creative kids
When to step in
Trust your instincts and listen to the teachers, Auerbach says. "For some kids, excessive daydreaming can be a sign of other problems: that they are retreating into their own world or using it as a defence mechanism. It could be a sign that a child is not coping or is overwhelmed by their surroundings."
Fries also says daydreams should not be confused with hallucinations and delusions. "People, including children, know that they are daydreaming and can snap out of it at will or via a distraction from the external world. Those suffering from hallucinations or delusions believe what they are experiencing is real."
If you are worried about your child's daydreaming, talk to their teacher or a psychologist.
See also:
More related reading from Kidspot:
More from Body + Soul:
Do your kids enjoy day-dreaming? How do you encourage it?


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Some have recently inquired about the issue of tithing, and while there are numerous resources of greater length, this 24 page paper from conservative, Evangelical, NT scholars, Andreas Köstenberger and David Croteau, is the briefest yet most through treatment of the topic. I thought I would post it here for your consideration. Before digging into the exegetical details, I thought it would be helpful to briefly summarize his main conclusions in the following paragraph for quick reference.
Köstenberger and Croteau suggest the evidence from the period prior to the Mosaic Law shows that no system of tithing was in place. However, under the Mosaic law, even while differences exist among those who have calculated the percentages, it is clear that the Israelites gave more than ten percent. Also, the tithes were given to the Levites, so it is deeply problematic when pastors are said to replace priests in the New Testament church, not the least because this compromises the New Testament teaching on the priesthood of all believers. The local church is not the Temple to which temple taxes are paid, and Malachi 3:6–1291 has been used and misused by many preachers. Of the three passages that mention tithing in the New Testament, none can be appropriately used to argue for the continuation of tithing in the new covenant period.
Based upon Köstenberger and Croteau's work, I have come to see that the NT scripture calls us to be generous, but there is no command or obligation to tithe. Moreover, the object of our generosity throughout scripture is the poor and needy among the family of God and then to outsiders. If your pastor is well cared for financially, then there is no obligation to give to the local church when they are not using the offerings to care for the neediest among us.
So, without any further introduction, here is the exegetical work that supports these conclusions.
by ANDREAS J. KÖSTENBERGER AND DAVID A. CROTEAU: SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Is tithing, that is, giving ten percent of one's income, obligatory for Christians? This first in a series of two articles investigates this question by studying all references to tithing in Scripture. The discussion commences with Old Testament references to tithing prior to the giving of the Mosaic Law, the Mosaic Law, and the historical and prophetic books. This is followed by a study of the three major New Testament passages on tithing. The article concludes that none of the Old or New Testament passages can legitimately be used to argue for the continuation of tithing in the new covenant period.
Key words: tithing, tithe, Levitical tithe, festival tithe, poor tithe, welfare tithe, Mosaic Law, new covenant, law and gospel, Malachi 3:8, Matthew 23:23, Hebrews 7.
The ominous question, "Will a man rob God?" has been plastered on bulletins, offering envelopes, and sermon titles, and has been preached upon enough to make its interpretation seem fairly straightforward. It is true that it is a sin to rob God of what is his, and of course we must give our tithes and offerings. However, the issues involved are considerably more complex than many sermons on the subject may suggest. The question of whether or not believers today are to give at least ten percent of their income involves issues such as the continuity or discontinuity between the Testaments; the extent to which the Mosaic Law is still applicable to believers in the new covenant period; the relationship between the Old and New Testaments at large; and the nature of progressive revelation and salvation history.
While it is commonly agreed that the Old Testament food laws and the Old Testament practice of circumcision do not carry over into the New Testament era, there is less consensus on other Old Testament practices such as tithing. In an attempt to adjudicate the question of whether or not all New Testament believers are required to give ten percent or more of their income today, we will study all the relevant references to tithing in the Old and New Testament and assess the applicability of this practice to New Testament believers in light of some of the larger issues mentioned above. We will also discuss New Testament principles for giving that are in effect whether or not they involve giving ten percent of one's income.
For the purposes of this present paper, we define "tithe" as "the giving of ten percent of one's income." Hence the question we set out to address is not, "Should New Testament believers give?" or even, "Should New Testament believers give a fixed percentage of their income?" but, "Are all New Testament believers required to give ten percent (or more) of their income?"
For convenience's sake, we will divide the Old Testament's discussion on tithing into three sections: tithing prior to the Mosaic Law; its description in the Mosaic Law; and the few texts that mention tithing after the giving of the Mosaic Law. At the very outset, it should be noted that a comprehensive discussion of the tithe in the Mosaic Law would be incomplete without placing this practice in the context of Israelite worship of Yahweh. While tithing was a part of Israelite worship at large, we will limit our discussion to the passages that explicitly refer to tithing, recognizing the overall context in which tithing took place.
Tithing Prior to the Mosaic Law
Three sets of text have been adduced to garner support for the applicability of tithing in the new covenant era, surrounding the practices of Abel, Abraham, and Jacob. The questions that present themselves are as follows. First, do these texts demonstrate the "practice" of tithing before the giving of Law? Second, would the presence or practice of tithing prior to the giving of the Law necessitate that the practice continue? Finally, is there anything parallel to tithing that was practiced prior to the giving of the Law and that was incorporated into the Law which may serve as a point of comparison? Our contention in the present section is this: The texts that discuss tithing prior to the Mosaic Law do not portray tithing as a systematic, continual practice but as an occasional, even exceptional, form of giving.
Abel. Why did God accept Abel's sacrifice but not Cain's? That question has been answered in a number of different ways:4 (1) Abel sacrificed an animal rather than bringing a different kind of offering; (2) the quality of the sacrifice was inferior; (3) Cain's sacrifice was unacceptable owing to a deficiency in his character; (4) Cain was not the object of God's sovereign election; and (5) Abel's offering was a tithe. The New Testament adds the insight that Abel's offering was made "in faith," and Cain's was not (Heb 11:4). The basis for the understanding that Abel's sacrifice was a tithe is the rendering of Gen 4:7 found in the Septuagint, which suggests that Cain's sacrifice was not accepted because he did not "divide rightly."
Abraham. Abraham (Abram) built an altar for God in Gen 13:18. The context shows that Abraham did this in response to God because of the promise God gave to him in Gen 13:14–17. While tithing is not mentioned in this passage, the next time Abraham is shown to worship God, tithing is mentioned. Genesis 14:20 states that Abraham "gave Melchizedek a tenth." Does this offering refer to a pre-Law tithe? Genesis 14 says nothing about a system or pattern of tithing that had become part of Abraham's worship of God. The remainder of the narrative about Abraham does not discuss him tithing. A few factors are present which argue against this being a reference to systematic tithing.
First, the offering in Gen 14:20 was made to Melchizedek, the priest. If Abraham was tithing consistently, who received the other tithes? Did Melchizedek engage in an itinerant ministry and collect tithes on behalf of God? Second, the same verse states that Abraham gave a tenth of what "he recovered." Hebrews 7:4 refers to Abraham giving a tenth of the "spoils," not continuously giving a tenth of all of his possessions for the rest of his life. The present passage likewise does not indicate that Abraham continually gave a tenth of his increase. The modifying phrase "he recovered" also suggests that this was a one-time action rather than a continual pattern. Third, some have argued that Abraham was following the Mosaic Law prior to it being given, as it were.
However, according to Num 31:27–29, people were commanded to "set apart one out of every five hundred [of the spoils] as the LORD's share" and to give it to the priest as an offering to the LORD. Hence the amount for spoils won in victory stipulated in the Mosaic Law is different from what Abraham actually offered Melchizedek in Gen 14. For this reason the argument that Abraham in Gen 14 gave to Melchizedek a tithe in accordance with the Mosaic Law is invalid, since there a different amount for the giving of spoils is prescribed.
To sum up, then, Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek; but the Mosaic Law gives a different computation of what is required in victory. The argument that tithing was consistently practiced from at least Abel onward is therefore invalidated at this point. Abraham's offering is not consistent with the requirements of the Mosaic Law. This does not constitute a contradiction. It simply demonstrates that Abraham' s gift to Melchizedek should be distinguished from the Mosaic Law' s prescriptions for tithing.
Finally, an argument from silence exists and works in two ways. On the one hand, those who contend that tithing is not mandatory in this time period argue that since the text never states that Abraham tithed continuously, we should take this at face value and conclude that he did not in fact do so. Conversely, those who support the notion that all believers ought to give at least ten percent of their income today claim that the text does not say that Abraham did not continue to tithe for the rest of his life, so that we should assume that he did. It is interesting to note in this regard that arguments from silence were commonly used by Jewish rabbis. The rule of interpretation was that "nothing must be regarded as having existed before the time of its first biblical mention." Therefore, according to rabbinic interpretation, this would be the first time Abraham, or any biblical character, tithed. The least that we can say from this text, then, is that this is how it probably would have been understood in Judaism, including that of Jesus' time.
For these reasons the present passage provides no evidence that Abraham continuously tithed. Davis maintains that since no elaboration is given concerning Abraham's gift, tithing must have been a common practice. However, if in fact tithing was common among other nations around that time, no explanation would have been needed. Abraham was never commanded to give a tenth on a regular basis, and there is no evidence that Abraham ever tithed again. His giving of a tithe to Melchizedek should therefore be considered a "voluntary reciprocation for the priestly functions performed by Melchizedek and a thank offering given to God for the success of the military excursion." The context of Gen 14:20–24 seems to assume that Abram had the "right to keep the spoils for himself." "Indeed, if Abram's tithing is any kind of model for Christians, it provides support only for occasional tithes of unusual sources of income."
Jacob. The case of Jacob, likewise, will be shown not to support the claim that the tithe is of continued relevance. Rather than providing support for the existence of systematic tithing prior to the giving of the Law, the evidence in the present passage points in the opposite direction.
In Gen 28:22, Jacob promised to give God a tithe. In context, however, it appears that Jacob's vow shows his lack of trust in God's word.29 Jacob stopped for the night on his way to Haran (Gen 28:10). While sleeping he had a dream, in which God promised six things (Gen 28:13–15): (1) to give Jacob the land on which he had lain down to rest; (2) that his offspring would be great in number; (3) that his descendants would bless the families of the earth; (4) that God would stay with Jacob; (5) that God would keep Jacob safe in his journeys; and (6) that God would bring him back to the land on which he had lain down to rest. In closing, God reassures Jacob that these things will happen and that he will not leave him.
Jacob, however, responds in fear, erecting an altar and naming the place "Bethel." Jacob's vow is very revealing in that it is a conditional vow. "If" God does what he asks, "then" he will do the following. The "conditions" placed upon God in Gen 28:20–22 are as follows: (1) if God will stay with Jacob; (2) if God will keep him safe on his current journey; (3) if God will provide him with food and clothes; and (4) if he returns home. God had already promised to fulfill three of these four conditions, and the fulfillment of the fourth seems to be assumed. The "then" part31 of Jacob's vow included: (1) Yahweh will be his God; (2) the pillar will be God's house; and (3) he will give a tenth of all that God gives him.
While narratives in the Old Testament can serve as examples of faith for all believers (see Heb 11), this is not one of those examples. Interpreters need to read these narratives critically; not every text presents the patriarchs or kings positively. For example, it is commonly accepted that although David (and Solomon) had many wives, this was never approved by God. David's marriages to multiple wives are therefore not to be construed as a positive example. A description of a historical account does not necessarily indicate that these actions are prescribed or even commendable. Similarly, the present account involving Jacob should not be read as suggesting that Christians ought to emulate Jacob's behavior.33 Rather, it teaches believers to avoid spiritual immaturity or unbelief. Verse 22 could be construed as associating Jacob with a "bribe . . . to buy God's blessing." Jacob also seems to have been a specialist in the area of negotiation (see Gen 25:29–34; 29:18).36 In fact, he does not appear to be converted yet in the present passage.37 First, Jacob's reaction is not one of awe, but rather terror or fear.38 Second, Jacob shows ignorance of God's presence in Gen 28:16. Third, the present is the only example of a theophany among the patriarchs to which the response was fear. Fourth, the conditions Jacob placed upon God also speak against Jacob's conversion. Finally, Jacob's conversion appears to have taken place when he wrestled with God (Gen 32:24–30), not in his dream in Gen 28.
Did Jacob fulfill his vow? Nowhere in Genesis is Jacob ever recorded as giving this tithe to God. "No details are given as to why Jacob specified a tenth," nor "how the tithe would be given," nor "to whom the tithe would be given." These questions pose a puzzling problem for tithing advocates. While Jacob did return to Bethel (see Gen 35:1–15), it was only after God prompted him to do so. He made an altar and poured a drink offering and oil on it, but no mention is made of him tithing. The assertion that Jacob was acting in unbelief when making his vow to tithe and that there is no subsequent mention of his vow being fulfilled provides a weak foundation for the presence of the tithe prior to the giving of the Mosaic Law. It appears more likely that Jacob, with his vow to tithe, was either following in the footsteps of Abraham or borrowing a practice from the surrounding pagan nations. Jacob's "ifs" in the contract detract Jacob made his vow on the basis of what God had guaranteed to do. So he was taking God at His word and binding himself to reciprocate with his own dedication."
The evidence from the period prior to the Mosaic Law suggests that no system of tithing was in place. No command to tithe is recorded, and thus the evidence that any systematic tithing existed prior to the giving of the Law is scarce if not non-existing. What is more, all giving discussed prior to the Mosaic Law is voluntary. In fact, many passages throughout the Old Testament discuss voluntary giving. Involuntary giving existed as well, one example being a twenty percent tax in Egypt. Joseph, second only to Pharaoh, collected a twenty percent tax because of the coming drought. This tax was given to the Egyptian government. Voluntary giving "is directed toward the Lord in an attitude of love and sacrifice," and involuntary giving "is given to the national entity for the supply of the needs of the people."
However, since much of the argument is based upon silence, there remains the possibility that tithing did exist. This is not problematic. Another custom existed before the Law, was incorporated into the Law, but is not necessary in the new covenant: circumcision. There is virtually no controversy in modern-day Christianity over the necessity of circumcision; it is not a requirement for Christians. Circumcision is first recorded as a command of God for Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:10–14). The practice was later incorporated into the Law in Lev 12:3. Verhoef, commenting along these lines, contends that a "pre-Mosaic custom does not, as a matter of course, transcend the Old Testament dispensation, becoming an element of the universal and timeless moral code." Therefore, the existence of a practice prior to the giving of the Law as well as subsequent to it does not necessarily prove that it was meant to continue into the new covenant period. The assertion is inadequate that, because tithing existed prior to the giving of the Mosaic Law, it must continue to be practiced by God's people in later periods.
Tithing in the Mosaic Law
There are three major passages related to tithing in the Mosaic Law: Lev 27:30–33; Num 18:21; and Deut 14:22–29. Each passage needs to be examined to see whether God commanded the Israelites to render one, two, three, or four tithes. The primary key to identifying how many separate tithes existed within the Mosaic Law (i.e., if there was more than one tithe) is the description of their nature and purpose in the respective passage.
The Levitical Tithe. In the Mosaic Law, the Levites stood between Israel and God, offering daily sacrifices for sin. Numbers 18:21 and Lev 27:30–33 declare that the Levites will receive the tithe for their services as payment for bearing this burden and for not getting an inheritance of land. These verses should not be regarded as marking the introduction of this concept into Israelite culture, but as the codification of "a new expression of the ancient Near Eastern tithe infused with theological significance for the new political entity of Israel." The tithes took the form of animals, land, seed, and fruit. While land, seed, and fruit could be redeemed with money by adding twenty percent, animals could not. This offering was compulsory. These tithes were used for the livelihood of the Levites, who would then give one- tenth of their tithes to the priests. If this tithe is still binding today, are Christians supposed to give a tenth of everything? If someone has a garden, should they bring one out of every ten tomatoes or jalapeño peppers? If not, should they give the value plus twenty percent? If a Christian is a cattle rancher, should he bring every tenth animal to the church on Sunday when he tithes? These questions reveal the difficulty in bringing the tithe into the new covenant period. They should not be overlooked as absurd, but dealt with seriously. As Blomberg notes, "It is also important to remember the unique relationship between tithes and offerings and the temple cult. Without a similar centre for bloody sacrifices today, one cannot simply transfer all principles for giving to God's sanctuary in the Old Testament to church budgets in the New Testament age!"
The Festival Tithe. Deuteronomy 14:22–27 describes a second tithe. This tithe can be distinguished from the tithe in Num 18:21. In Num 18, the tithe was given to the Levites so they could live since they were ministering to Israel; in Deut 14:22–27 those who brought the tithe are described as partakers of it. Deuteronomy 14:22 and 26 say, "You shall eat in the presence of the LORD." Also, the Deuteronomic tithe remains "the property of the original owner." This section describes how the feasts of Israel were to occur. On the prescribed days, the Israelites would go to the place determined by the LORD (Jerusalem) and celebrate the feasts. They were to either bring their second tithe with them or sell it for money and buy whatever they wanted ("their heart's desire") to eat. The Israelites were exhorted to share with the Levites. MacArthur calls it "a national potluck." This tithe would not be able to provide for the Levites' livelihood.
The Poor Tithe (or Welfare Tithe). Deuteronomy 14:28–29 describes another tithe. This third tithe can be distinguished from the previous two by the facts that (1) it was offered every third year; and (2) it was intended for the Levite, foreigner, orphan, and widow. The previous tithes were to be given either every year or during feasts; this third tithe was to be offered every third year. The previous tithes were mostly for the Levites' sustenance; this third tithe was not for the Levites only. If the Poor Tithe replaced the Levitical Tithe every third year, then how were the Levites sustained that year? Also, if the Poor Tithe replaced the Festival Tithe every third year, did the Israelites just ignore the prescribed feasts in those years? Such a theory creates more problems than it solves.
The above investigation of references to tithes in the Pentateuch has yielded the following results. First, it appears that the annual tithe of the Israelites surpassed ten percent of their income, actually totaling more than twenty percent. The Levitical Tithe was ten percent of the Israelites' income. The Festival Tithe was another ten percent of a person's income (or of the remaining ninety percent after the Levitical Tithe had been paid), with both of these tithes totaling twenty (or nineteen) percent of a person's income. Finally, the Poor Tithe averaged 3 1/3 percent every year. This adds up to a total of approximately 23 1/3 (or 22 1/3) percent of people's overall income. Differences exist among those who have calculated the percentages. Regardless of the total, it should be clear that the Israelites gave more than ten percent.
Second, historically speaking, Judaism around the time of Christ understood the Old Testament as prescribing multiple tithes. For example, the apocryphal book Tobit 1:6–8 indicates that the main character, Tobit, paid three separate tithes. Josephus wrote concerning tithing that "[i]n addition to the two tithes which I have already directed you are to pay each year, the one for the Levites and the other for the festivals, you should devote a third every third year to the distribution of such things as are lacking to widowed women and orphan children" (Ant. 4.8.22). Josephus's clear explanation is that in years three and six of the seven-year cycle, three tithes were to be paid by the Jews. The Mishnah, for its part, describes three tithes: First Tithe, Second Tithe, and the Poor Tithe. The Poor Tithe, as described in Deut 14:28–30, replaced the Second Tithe in the third and sixth year of the seven-year cycle. Thus the Mishnah differs from both Tobit and Josephus. However, all three sources hold to multiple tithes. Though some may dispute whether or not Judaism around the time of Christ was correct in its understanding of the Old Testament commandments regarding tithing, it should be noted that this understanding is never challenged in the New Testament. If the New Testament writers carried over tithing into the new covenant era, then their understanding most likely would have been that of two or three tithes. We have not been able to locate any document that suggests that first- century Judaism held to a single tithe.
Third, the tithes were given to the Levites. Since there are no Levites in the church today, the argument is sometimes made that pastors have taken the place of Levites and that they should therefore be the primary beneficiaries of the tithe. Yet "no one else [besides the Levites] had the slightest authority to receive that tithe." More importantly, the priests, a group within the Levites, served as mediators between God and people, yet the New Testament teaches that there is only one mediator "between God and people, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5). For this reason it is deeply problematic when pastors are said to replace priests in the New Testament church, not the least because this compromises the New Testament teaching on the priesthood of all believers (cf. Rom 12:1; Heb 10:22; 1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 5:20; 20:6).72
Fourth, the Poor Tithe was given to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. This tithe may have been a substitute for the Festival Tithe, or, more likely, was another tithe paid every three years. Both the Old and New Testaments show a deep concern for those who minister, foreigners, orphans, widows, and the poor in general.
Tithing in the Old Testament Historical and Prophetic Books
After the Pentateuch, tithing is mentioned in seven passages: 2 Chron 31:5–6, 12; Neh 10:38–39; 12:44–47; 13:5, 12; Amos 4:4; and Mal 3:8.73 Each passage will now be examined in canonical order.
2 Chronicles 31:5–6. The passage in 2 Chronicles does not add significantly to the discussion on tithing. Similar to the situation in Nehemiah, Hezekiah (see v. 2) commanded that tithing begin again. The response of the people was abundant giving, as they obeyed the Law. Tithing of both harvested (v. 5) and animal (v. 6) items are mentioned. Verse 6 also mentions that the tithes of the "holy" are "sacred" things. According to Payne, this refers to "these token portions of the offerings that became the property of the priests who presented them."
Amos 4. In Amos 4:1–3, the prophet exposes the "insensitive, coarse, indulgent life of the wealthy women of Samaria and Jerusalem." These women, whose husbands were already oppressing the poor, encouraged their husbands to oppress them even more. But God makes an oath that judgment will come upon them. Amos 4:4 describes, however, that these oppressors still attended worship! Amos sarcastically calls them to worship at Bethel.
One view of this verse is that Amos was exaggerating: while sacrifices were to be brought once a year, he says to bring them every day; while tithes were to be brought once every three years (if this is a reference to Deut 14:28), he stipulates every three days. However, Smith thinks the reference is to the typical procedure of a pilgrimage to a shrine. The first day would include animal sacrifices, and on the third day the tithes would be presented. McComiskey, acknowledging the practice of the cult center at the time, nonetheless believes that Amos was using hyperbole: "It is as though he was telling them that even if they sacrificed every morning and tithed every three days so that they had something to boast about, in the end they were only engaging in acts of rebellion against God."
In any case, these tithes were being offered at an altar in Bethel, the very place where Jacob made his vow. After the split of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, Jeroboam set up altars in Bethel and Dan to provide places of worship for Israel other than Jerusalem (1 Kgs 12:26–33). What is more, he appointed priests that were not in the lineage of Levi (1 Kgs 12:31). For this reason the description of tithing in Bethel has minimal impact on the understanding of tithes in the Mosaic Law because these tithes were of a different kind. This is a further illustration of the proliferation of distinct tithing laws throughout the ancient Near East.
The message of the prophet Amos regarding tithes in some ways anticipates Jesus' message in Matt 23:23 and Luke 18:9–14 that his contemporaries ought not to neglect the weightier matters of the Law, or their tithing will essentially be in vain. As Rooker puts it, people were placing "an imbalanced value on the giving of the tithe"79 while disregarding other responsibilities.
Nehemiah 10:37–39; 13:5, 12. Nehemiah 10:32–39 is a commitment for Israel to the support of the Temple and those serving there.80 In this passage, Nehemiah imposes a tax, to be paid yearly, of a third part of a shekel.81 This was a tax, first, used for various items in the Temple (see Neh 10:33). It was completely separate from the tithe. This tax had become necessary because the subsidy from Persia was inadequate and the Davidic dynasty could no longer help.82
Second, people were also required to bring firewood for the perpetual fire in the Temple. Third, Nehemiah commanded them to bring their firstfruits. The firstfruits went to those caring for the Temple and were the first crops to come up out of the ground;83 no crop could be eaten until the firstfruits had been offered.
In Neh 10:37, the Levites are described as going out to the towns and collecting the tithes (as opposed to having the tithes brought to them). A priest was to accompany the Levites during their collection, and the Levites, when they brought the tithe back to the Temple, were to give a "tithe of the tithes" (v. 38) to support the "priests that minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers" (v. 39).
Nehemiah 13:5–12 describes the situation in which Nehemiah found the Temple and Levites upon his return from Persia. The Levites had not been receiving their portion and had returned to their fields to survive, thus neglecting the house of God. Nehemiah appointed faithful men to oversee the collection to make sure it was done properly (Neh 13:13). Interestingly, no tithe of the livestock is mentioned.
This passage raises some interesting questions for those who say that tithing continues. Does the tax Nehemiah imposed in Neh 10:33 continue (obviously not 1/3 of a shekel, but in some equivalent amount)? Is there any parallel to supplying firewood for the Temple? How does the firstfruits command apply? Finally, and most intriguingly, should pastors (who have replaced the Levites/priests) go out to collect the tithes to make sure they are being paid? The problem during Nehemiah's time was that the people were not bringing in the tithes, so his solution was to go and collect the tithes. Today's church, too, has those who are delinquent in paying their tithes.89 If tithing continues into the present administration, and a church has a problem with members not tithing, should the pastors go and collect the tithes as Nehemiah prescribed for his time?
Nehemiah provides some valuable information for the Malachi text. The background for Malachi is the period between Nehemiah's visits to Jerusalem. As mentioned above, when Nehemiah left Palestine for a time, the people ceased to tithe, and the temple staff had to leave the temple to support itself. When Nehemiah returned, he made sure tithing began again (Neh 13:12).
Malachi 3. Malachi 3:6–1291 has been used and misused by many preachers. As one commentator aptly notes, "The major purpose of the prophet's message was to rekindle the fires of faith in the hearts and minds of a discouraged people." The fact that the Jews were withholding the tithes was an indication of a greater disobedience of the nation. The main purpose of this section is a call to repentance, which Malachi then applies to the specific problem of tithing. In spite of people's sins, God loved them and patiently waited for them to return. As Smith comments, "Yahweh waits to be gracious unto his people; but the exercise of his grace is conditioned upon a proper attitude of mind and heart on the part of the would-be recipients."
The passage begins with the Lord stating that he does not change. Apparently some had become weary of waiting and thought that God had changed his mind and become unfaithful; Yahweh categorically denies this. In fact, Yahweh is not the only one who does not change. The sons of Jacob, likewise, fail to change by failing to repent of their sins.
The text begins with a shift in its addressees; the prophet is now addressing Israel, not just the priests. Also, the question arises to which tithe Malachi is referring. Is he making reference to one specific tithe, or is he referring to all the tithes in the Pentateuch? Most likely, Malachi has in mind the law in Num 18:21, not Deut 14:22–29. In Deut 14:22–27, the tithe was to be brought to Jerusalem, and the people were to celebrate with the priests. The people were partakers in the feast, and the tithe still belonged to the people. In Mal 3, the tithe is to be brought into the "storehouse."
When faced with the charge that they had been "robbing God," the people would naturally ask, "How have we robbed God?" This may indicate that the priests were not fulfilling their task of instructing the people in the Law (Mal 2:6, 8) and the people were "destroyed from lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6)." The answer is the famous dyad: in tithes and offerings. The presence of the article before both nouns suggests that the reference is to the tithes and offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The concern here is with "the compulsory contributions for the support of the temple staff." The Levitical Tithe was already discussed above; for our present purposes it will suffice to reiterate that this tithe was meant for the Levites and priests.
But what is the referent of "offerings?" One fact that may explain why this passage is frequently misapplied is that not many interpretations of this text deal with the question of how the term "offerings" is to be defined. Verhoef comments that the offering "was not taken from the cereal offering, or from the sin offerings, these being most sacred, but from the peace offerings and other sacred gifts, in the form of the breast of the wave offering, the thigh of the ram of ordination (Exod. 29:27, 28; etc.), cakes of leavened bread, etc. (Lev. 7:14). It was one of the chief sources of the priests' livelihood." Like tithes, these were compulsory contributions required by the Mosaic Law for the temple staff.
The prophet tells the sons of Jacob to bring the "whole" tithe into the storehouse. While this could refer to the idea that some people were tithing and others were not, it most likely means that the people were giving, but holding back the full amount required.
The offer to "test" God and the reward offered to the obedient Israelites if they gave their tithes and offerings also needs to be explored. It is unusual (though not unheard of) in the Old Testament for someone to test God. Smith's warning should be heard: "There is great danger in testing God when our hearts are not right (Mal 3:15)," or when we test God of our own initiative. But Malachi does not state this testing in universal terms, but limits it to the current situation by the phrase "test me now in this" in the middle of Mal 3:10. The expression "in this" most likely refers to the current situation.
The promised reward is threefold: (1) the windows of heaven will be opened; (2) God will prevent the devourer; and (3) the vines will not cast their fruit. The first promise is a promise of rain; the second will keep locusts from destroying people's crops; the third is a promise of abundant crops. Alden observes that since "he was dealing with an agrarian society, the 'blessings' had to do with crops and the like." Smith's corrective should be noted as well: "It may be that this passage in Malachi should be understood as a one-time, special act on God's part to renew the fires of faith in an age of skepticism and indifference. If so, then this is not an open-ended promise to bless in a material way anyone and everyone who tithes his possessions."
We may conclude by briefly summarizing our most salient findings from our exegesis of Mal 3 with a view toward the continuation of the tithing requirement. In Malachi, the withholding of tithes was a sign of a larger pattern of disobedience. The tithe mentioned by the prophet is the Levitical Tithe (Lev 27:30; Num 18:21). The offerings to which reference is made as well were a primary source of livelihood for the priests and were required, rather than voluntary, offerings. The invitation to test God is limited to the context of Mal 3 and should not be universalized. For this reason the promised reward, likewise, does not carry over to people who may tithe today.
Positively, Malachi is a strong reminder that motivation for giving should come from, among other things, a high regard for God's honor. Negatively, the conclusion seems warranted that the present passage, at the very least, does not conclusively settle the question of whether or not tithing should continue into the new covenant period. Brandenburg's verdict is judicious: "The question of whether the command to tithe is applicable also for the new covenant era cannot be decided here."
While 2 Chron 31 did not add significantly to our discussion and Amos 4 was found to anticipate the thrust of Jesus' words in Matt 23 and Luke 18, Neh 10:32–29 raised some issues that are indicative of the problems that occur when the Mosaic Law is brought into the new covenant era without adequate consideration being given to the question of how the Law was used and what its purpose was. The discussion of Mal 3 surfaced similar problems and, at the least, demonstrated that the passage cannot legitimately be used to argue for the continuation of tithing into the new covenant. Passages that discuss tithing in the New Testament must now be examined to see if the command to tithe continues into the new covenant period.
There are three passages in the New Testament that make a direct reference to tithing: Matt 23:23;116 Luke 18:9–14; and Heb 7:1–10. We will attempt to demonstrate below that (1) none of these passages have tithing as their primary subject;117 and (2) none of the passages command tithing for the new covenant believer.
Tithing in the Gospels
Matthew 23:23 (par. Luke 11:42). It should be noted at the very outset that Jesus never
condemned tithing nor commanded that the Pharisees, scribes, or his disciples begin or cease tithing. However, several insights can be gleaned from the present verse. First, while Jesus considered tithing to be a less central aspect of the Law, he did not view tithing as separate from it. The fact that tithing was a less central aspect of the Law does not nullify the fact that it was part of the Law. Hence it would be unwarranted to conclude on this basis alone that the tithing requirement is not important in the new covenant era and that Christians may safely ignore it. The last part of the verse indicates that the scribes and Pharisees were supposed to tithe. It was proper for them to do so, since tithing "should have been done." This verse is the only one in the New Testament that could promote tithing.120 Jesus does not prohibit tithing; he condemns the wrong attitude and motive of those who were tithing.
Nevertheless, second, the practice of tithing for the church cannot be deduced from this verse, since the command was given to the scribes and Pharisees who were still under the old covenant. In Matt 23:2–12, Jesus is addressing "the crowds and his disciples" (cf. Matt 23:1). His addressees change at verse 13 to the scribes and Pharisees, on whom he pronounces seven woes. Matthew 23:23 is specifically addressed to those two groups.
According to France, in both Matt 23:3 and 23 the statement expressing approval of the scribes' teaching serves as one side of the contrast, yet the emphasis in both cases lies on the other side. In Matt 23:3, Jesus is in effect saying, "You may follow their teaching if you like, but don't imitate their behavior." In Matt 23:23, the import of Jesus' words is, "Go on observing their tithing rules if you wish, but don't let this distract you from the weightier matters of the Law." Blomberg properly concludes that, "Whether [tithing] continues to be required in the era of the new covenant must be determined on the basis of other passages." The focus of this passage is on the disproportionate emphasis the scribes and Pharisees placed upon tithing these spices while neglecting the more central matters of the Law, not upon the issue of continuity vs. discontinuity. Jesus "is not here questioning how the 'former' will relate to the reign he now inaugurates (12:28) or the church he will build (16:19), any more than in vv. 16–22 he discusses what role the temple altar plays under the new covenant."
Luke 18:9–14. In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a tax collector and a Pharisee. Blomberg correctly views this as a two-point parable. Jesus' main point is not tithing or stewardship, but humility: "He who exalts himself will be humbled, and … he who humbles himself will be exalted." In this parable, Jesus again does not prohibit tithing. However, the one justified, the tax collector, is never said to have tithed. It would be inappropriate and tenuous to attempt to draw any more conclusions concerning tithing from this parable. Jesus never tells people to stop tithing; he does say that tithing is part of the Law and that it should be practiced with the proper attitude.
Tithing in the Rest of the New Testament
Hebrews 7. As Duval and Hays contend, "Much of the message of the Bible is embedded in larger units of texts. Discovering this message requires us to make observations at the discourse level." When a text is understood in its literary context, ambiguity can be alleviated and primary and secondary meanings be better differentiated.
Literary Context. Hebrews 7:1–10 is an independent unit that has a small but significant role in the argument of Hebrews. An inclusio occurs that connects verse 1 and verses 9–10.131 Guthrie refers to the shift at verse 1 as a high-level shift and that at verse 10 as a median-level shift. The exhortation in Heb 5:11–6:20 changes to theological exposition in Heb 7:1, which is pointing back to the discussion that began in Heb 5:1–10 regarding the high priesthood. The shift at Heb 7:10 is a median-level shift, since the theological exposition continues utilizing the foundation that was laid in Heb 7:1–10 to prove the superiority of Jesus' high priesthood.
The argument of Hebrews can be seen as following one basic line of argument: Jesus' sacrifice is superior, so do not turn back to your former ways. In order to prove the superiority of Jesus' sacrifice, the author demonstrates that, even though Jesus is superior to the angels, he was temporarily made lower, so that his high priesthood could be made superior to that of the Levites. Following this, the author shows that Jesus' high priesthood is superior to Aaron's on the basis of election (Heb 5:1–10). This is followed by a demonstration of the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over that of the Levites. Finally, on the basis of Ps 110:4, Jesus' priesthood is declared to be of the same kind as that of Melchizedek, which has just been shown to be greater than the Levitical priesthood. This is supported by a series of supporting arguments. The section under review, Heb 7:1–10, then, is attempting to demonstrate that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood.
Exposition. Hebrews 7 begins a section (Heb 7:1–10:25) that argues that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and that his ministry is greater than that of the Levitical order. The author begins by stating that Melchizedek remains a priest forever. He proceeds to provide five sets of description of Melchizedek: (1) king of Salem; (2) priest of God; (3) the one who met Abraham and to whom Abraham gave a tithe; (4) king of righteousness; and (5) king of Salem, that is, king of peace. This is followed by a reference to Melchizedek's lack of genealogy, in which he resembles the Son of God. In these first three verses, there is only one major theme: Melchizedek remains a priest forever. All other thoughts are secondary. The conjunction de, in verse 4 indicates the next phase of the argument, not a shift in time. Verses 4–8 constitute the significant theological section since it contains the "proofs" that will carry the author's argument.
While the main purpose of Heb 7:1–3 is to demonstrate the greatness of Melchizedek, verse four states that Melchizedek is great (phlivkos). Hebrews 7:4–10 provides three specific reasons (or proofs) that Melchizedek's priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood. First, Melchizedek is shown to be greater than Abraham on account of Abraham's voluntary offering to him. The fact that Melchizedek received a tithe from Abraham is the central argument for Melchizedek's superiority. Levi and Aaron were both ancestors of Abraham. When the author of Hebrews says that "even Levi … paid tithes," the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood is proved. Therefore Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Levitical one.
Second, Melchizedek is shown to be greater, because he was the one who blessed Abraham, not vice versa. The greater one was the one who blessed the lesser one, while the lesser one was the recipient of the blessing.141 Since the Levites are the descendants of Abraham, Melchizedek's priesthood is shown to be greater once again.
Third, Levitical priests typically served after reaching a certain age (be it 20, 25, or 30) and eventually stopped ministering. In due course, they died. While Abraham's descendants paid tithes to priests who would die, Abraham paid his tithe to a priest who lives on. This, then, is the third demonstration of Melchizedek's superior priesthood.
Since Melchizedek was able to perform the functions of a priest without being in the Levitical lineage, Jesus likewise cannot be disqualified from the priesthood. Koester concludes rightly that "Levitical authority is based on the Mosaic Law (7:5b)—which the author will later argue has been abrogated (7:11–19)."
The present pericope, then, was written to prove one theological truth: Melchizedek was greater than Abraham and thus the priests. How does this fit into the flow of argument? In the immediate context, the author applies Ps 110:4 ("You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek") in Heb 7:17 to Jesus. Therefore, since Jesus is in the order of Melchizedek (Heb 7:17), and since Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:1– 10), Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood. After the author summarizes and transitions to the next section in Heb 8:1–2, he has an easy case to make: Jesus, a superior high priest, rendered a superior sacrifice (Heb 8:3–10:25).
Should Tithing Continue? Proponents of tithing essentially concur with the above analysis regarding the primary meaning of Heb 7:1–10. However, they continue the analysis as follows. If Melchizedek is greater than the Levites and a type of Christ, then of whom is Abraham a picture? The answer supplied is, "Christians." However, this interpretation has several problems. First, if Abraham were a picture of Christians, his tithe was voluntary. It was offered as "a thanksgiving for victory." This is not the picture of tithing during the Mosaic covenant, and neither is it the picture painted by many tithe supporters today.
Second, utilizing this passage to support tithing presses the analogy or typology farther than the scriptural author went. Ellingworth has correctly observed that "Abraham's action is unrelated to the later Mosaic legislation on tithes … and this is not Hebrews' concern." This leads to the main objection: the author of Hebrews was not attempting to argue for a continuation of the practice of tithing in this passage. An analysis of the structure and flow of argument of the book of Hebrews has demonstrated this.
If anyone were to prove the continuation of tithing based upon the New Testament, he must produce a passage that has as its primary purpose that goal in mind. If such a passage is produced, then Heb 7 could possibly be utilized as a secondary, supporting statement. The important point to remember is this: the author of Hebrews was arguing for Melchizedek's superiority over the Levitical priesthood. The reference to tithing is an illustrative, secondary statement. The mere description of tithing having taken place at any time does not necessitate its continuation. Description does not equate prescription.
Morris summarizes the present section well: "The author wants his readers to be in no doubt about the superiority of Christ to any other priests and sees the mysterious figure of Melchizedek as powerfully illustrating this superiority."
Summary and Conclusion
The data from the pre-Mosaic Law period lead us to conclude that no system of tithing was present and no command to tithe was recorded. All giving discussed prior to the Mosaic Law was voluntary. The discussion of the Mosaic Law revealed that that the annual giving of the Israelites considerably surpassed ten percent. It also showed that the only proper recipients of the tithe were the Levites and that the Levites have not been replaced by pastors, but the Levitical priesthood has been fulfilled by Christians. In the Historical and Prophetic books we saw the sad record of Israel's disobedience. The specific contexts of these passages make them inappropriate to use in support of the continuation of tithing.
Of the three passages that mention tithing in the New Testament, none can be appropriately used to argue for the continuation of tithing in the new covenant period. None of these passages has tithing as its main subject or ultimate point of reference. Matthew 23:23 focuses on the more important aspects of the Law that the scribes and Pharisees neglected; tithing is mentioned only incidentally, and Jesus' words are directed to the scribes and Pharisees who were part of the old covenant system. The parable in Luke 18:9–14 instructs Jesus' audience about humility, not tithing. Finally, Heb 7:1–10, which is part of a larger argument, was written to demonstrate the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood.
If, then, the references to tithing in Matt 23 and Luke 18 are incidental, and if in Heb 7 tithing is mentioned only to provide one of the three proofs of the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood, does this mean that the New Testament is silent on the issue of giving? As will be seen, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact remains, however, that despite the dubious exegetical grounds on which such an argument rests the continuation of tithing is often argued not on exegetical but on larger systematic theological grounds. The second part of this article


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