III.

But now to the main point, as to what the tithe is. Read it again verses 20-22, already quoted. Upon how much of the property that he might receive did Jacob promise to pay tithes answer: “Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” And now notice particularly that Jacob did not say that he would first pay his expenses—provide himself with food and clothing, and then give a tithe of the remainder to the Lord. Not at all. Read verse 20, and you will see that Jacob did not expect to amass great wealth in Syria; all he asked for was bread to eat and raiment to put on; and this was the “all,” of which he promised to give a tenth to Lord. According to the word, if he had earned only a bare living, one-tenth of it was to be returned to the Lord. HDTG 16.1

From these two cases, then, we may learn that before we use any part of our income, even for the absolute necessaries of life, we must take out a tenth of the whole for the Lord. We have also direct testimony to this effect, in these words: “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.” Proverbs 3:9. Many persons who believe it is their duty to pay a tithe, fail to give the Lord all that is his due. We may rob God by withholding a part of the tithe as well as by withholding the whole. When, through the prophet Malachi, God accuses the people of robbing him in tithes and in offerings, he says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house.” Malachi 3:10. We cannot effect a compromise with God, and satisfy him with the performance of only a part of our duty. HDTG 17.1

While on this point, it will be in place to notice the matter of HDTG 17.2