In the socio-religious context of ancient Israel, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society. The Mosaic Law, given by God through Moses, provided specific instructions to ensure their care and protection. One of the key provisions for widows was their inclusion in the distribution of the triennial tithe.

The triennial tithe, also known as the "tithe of the third year," was a special tithe collected every three years. Unlike the annual tithe, which was primarily for the support of the Levites, the triennial tithe was designated for the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. This provision is outlined in Deuteronomy 14:28-29 : "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, 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."

This command underscores the importance of community responsibility and compassion. By including widows in the distribution of the triennial tithe, the law ensured that they would not be left destitute or neglected. The tithe served as a means of social welfare, providing sustenance and support to those who lacked the means to provide for themselves.

The inclusion of widows in the triennial tithe reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and care for the marginalized. In Deuteronomy 24:19-21 , further instructions are given to protect the rights of widows: "When you reap the harvest in your field and forget a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow."

These laws highlight the divine mandate to care for those who are often overlooked or oppressed. The triennial tithe, along with other provisions, ensured that widows were not only remembered but actively supported by the community. This reflects God's heart for justice and mercy, as He is described in Psalm 68:5 as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling."

The triennial tithe was a tangible expression of the covenant community's commitment to uphold God's standards of righteousness and compassion. By obeying these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their faithfulness to God and their love for their neighbors, fulfilling the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18).Deuteronomy 14:28,29
At the end of three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase the same year, and shall lay it up within your gates:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 26:12,13
When you have made an end of tithing all the tithes of your increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | GotQuestions.org

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