Did Abraham "Tithe?"

     One of the scriptures that is used to promote the present day practice of tithing is Genesis 14:18-20 where Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek. People who teach that tithing is still required today like to use this scripture to try to prove their point because it seems to counter the Christians who have realized that New Testament believers are not under the Mosaic law of tithing. Truly, certain Israelites were commanded in the Mosaic Law to tithe the produce of the land for the support of the Levites who were given no land, but Abraham tithed before Moses even came on the scene, so, they say we are obligated to tithe just like Abraham did because Abraham tithed "before the Law."

     So, let us look at what actually happened with Abraham and Melchizedek. The story in Genesis 14 tells us that Abraham's nephew Lot and his family had been kidnapped by some kings after a battle in which Sodom, where Lot was living, was defeated. Abraham, being the good uncle that he was, went after them and rescued Lot and his family. He also took back all the things that these kings had stolen from Sodom. After the battle was over Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of the war to Melchizedek. Then, he gave the rest of the stuff back to the king of Sodom. 

     Now, for the purposes of our discussion here, there is a very important question we must ask ourselves. Did Abraham tithe in the same sense of the word "tithe" as we use it today? Obviously, he did not. He gave a tenth to Melchizedek (who this man really was is still in question) one time, and what he gave a tenth of was not even his own stuff! It was the spoils of war. Then, after he gave a tenth of it to Melchizedek, he gave the rest of it back to the king of Sodom. He did not keep ANY OF IT for himself! There is no evidence that Abraham ever gave anyone a tenth of anything ever again. Is this a proper pattern for New Testament giving? I don't think so. If you think it is, be sure the next time you win a battle that you give all the spoils of the war away.

     "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." II Cor. 9:7