Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the tithe of sheep, along with other livestock and produce, was an essential aspect of the Israelites' covenantal relationship with God. The practice of tithing is rooted in the Mosaic Law, where God commanded the Israelites to set aside a portion of their increase as an offering to Him. This tithe was primarily intended to support the Levitical priesthood, who were responsible for the spiritual leadership and religious duties of the nation.The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for service to God and His sanctuary. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were sustained through the tithes and offerings of the people. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do—the work of the Tent of Meeting." The tithe of sheep, as part of the broader agricultural and livestock tithe, was a practical expression of the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. Leviticus 27:32 provides specific instructions regarding the tithe of livestock: "Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD." This passage underscores the principle that the tithe was to be a regular and systematic offering, reflecting the Israelites' trust in God's continued provision. The tithe served multiple purposes. It was an act of worship, a means of supporting the Levitical priesthood, and a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God. Deuteronomy 14:27-29 further elaborates on the use of the tithe, emphasizing care for the Levites, as well as the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow: "And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. Then the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands." The tithe of sheep, therefore, was not merely a ritualistic obligation but a vital component of the community's spiritual and social fabric. It ensured that those dedicated to God's service were provided for, while also fostering a spirit of generosity and care for the vulnerable within the society. Through the faithful giving of tithes, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God's commandments and their role as His chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 31:4-6Moreover he commanded the people that dwelled in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Tithes Should be Paid to the Clergy? part 1 Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes under a Necessity of Precept? What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ... The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... The Land and the People. Concerning the Ministry. Babylonia and Assyria Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Iranian Conquest Resources What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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