Topical Bible: Herbs: Destroyed by Tithable Among the Jews

◄ Herbs: Destroyed by Tithable Among the Jews ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israelite society, herbs held significant value both as food and for medicinal purposes. The practice of tithing, which involved dedicating a portion of one's produce to God, extended to various agricultural products, including herbs. This practice is rooted in the Mosaic Law, which required the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple.

The concept of tithing herbs is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, where Jesus addresses the Pharisees' meticulous observance of tithing even the smallest of herbs. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." This passage highlights the Pharisees' focus on the letter of the law while neglecting its spirit.

The herbs mentioned—mint, dill, and cumin—were common in the region and used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Mint was valued for its aromatic properties, dill for its flavor and digestive benefits, and cumin as a spice and preservative. The Pharisees' practice of tithing these herbs underscores their commitment to the law, yet Jesus criticizes them for missing the broader ethical and spiritual demands of the law.

The requirement to tithe herbs reflects the broader principle that all produce, regardless of its size or perceived importance, was subject to God's claim. Leviticus 27:30 states, "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This principle extended to all agricultural produce, including herbs, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Israelites' covenantal obligations.

The destruction of herbs, in the sense of their dedication through tithing, symbolizes the acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty over all aspects of life. By setting aside a portion of their herbs, the Israelites demonstrated their dependence on God and their commitment to His commandments. This practice served as a tangible reminder of their relationship with God and their responsibility to uphold His laws.

In summary, the tithing of herbs among the Jews illustrates the meticulous observance of the law and the broader theological principles of stewardship and devotion. While the Pharisees' practice of tithing herbs is critiqued by Jesus for its legalistic focus, it remains a testament to the comprehensive nature of the Israelites' covenantal obligations and their recognition of God's sovereignty over all creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 11:42
But woe to you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook