Topical Bible: The Ox: Tithe of, Given to the Priests

◄ The Ox: Tithe of, Given to the Priests ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the ox held significant economic and symbolic value. As a beast of burden, the ox was essential for plowing fields and threshing grain, making it a vital component of agricultural productivity. Within the context of the Mosaic Law, the ox also played a role in the system of tithes and offerings, which were instituted to support the Levitical priesthood and maintain the worship practices of the Israelites.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's produce and livestock, is rooted in the Torah. The tithe was a divine ordinance intended to provide for the Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. As the tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, the tithe was their portion and inheritance from the Lord.

In Leviticus 27:30-32 , the law concerning tithes is clearly articulated: "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. If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD."

The Role of the Ox in Tithing

The ox, as part of the herd, was subject to this tithe. Every tenth animal was consecrated to the Lord and given to the priests. This practice underscored the principle that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and the tithe was a tangible acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty.

Numbers 18:21 further clarifies the purpose of the tithe: "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 oxen, along with other livestock and produce, were part of this provision, ensuring that the priests and Levites could focus on their sacred duties without the burden of agricultural labor.

Symbolic and Practical Implications

The tithe of oxen and other livestock had both symbolic and practical implications. Symbolically, it represented the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's lordship over creation and their dependence on His blessings. Practically, it provided sustenance for the priestly class, enabling them to perform their religious functions, which included offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and maintaining the sanctuary.

The ox, as a symbol of strength and service, also reflected the nature of the priestly ministry—dedicated to serving God and the community. The tithe system, including the offering of oxen, was a means by which the Israelites could express their gratitude and fulfill their covenantal obligations to the Lord.

Conclusion

The tithe of oxen, as part of the broader system of tithes and offerings, was integral to the religious and social fabric of ancient Israel. It ensured the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood and facilitated the continued worship and service of God. Through this practice, the Israelites were reminded of their dependence on divine provision and their responsibility to honor God with the firstfruits of their labor.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 31:6
And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelled in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Liberal Church
... of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth ... The payment of
the tithe was but a part of God's ... "Unto whomsoever much is given," the Saviour ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... is furrowed, a dewlap like that of an ox hangs from ... and the Levite, I live on the
tithe, [1342] and ... you are giving me a taste of wine." Priests given to wine ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... hath done this, and hath brought the tithe of all ... take a pledge himself, before judgment
be given concerning it ... is lost, excepting the case of an ox, for which ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... is written (Num.33:53,54): "I have given you" the ... not pass by, if thou seest thy
brother's ox or his ... 28,29): "The third day thou shalt separate another tithe . ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... Christ,"a kingdom which subsists not upon tithe, Church-rate ... there is a better reason
to be given,"Christ would ... the lion eat straw like the ox, the sucking ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

The History of Saul
... I have given him in knowledge that I shall judge ... servants, and he shall task and
dime [tithe] your corn ... slay and destroy man, woman, and child, ox, cow, camel ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... and butter and oil, dates and vegetables were given in abundance ... prince, Belshazzar,
is the payment of a tithe, forty-seven ... Ham.249, "If a man hire an ox and a ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... He poured a tithe of the spoil into the coffers of ... armed with a pike tipped with
bronze ox-copper, an ... His education differed but little from that given to the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth ... of the greater."Men who receive
tithe here below ... into the Divine Interpretation elsewhere given of another ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... for ye tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over ... While the opportunity is
given, repentance must be shown. ... one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm