“And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.”
Context: Leviticus is a book in the Old Testament that contains various laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 27 focuses on vows and the redemption of dedicated things to the Lord.
The concept of the tithe: The word “tithe” means a tenth part. In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to give a tenth of their herd or flock as a holy offering to the Lord. This principle of tithing was an integral part of the Mosaic Law, which served as a way to provide for the priests, Levites, and the maintenance of the tabernacle (later the temple).
Passes under the rod: The phrase “whatever passes under the rod” refers to the act of counting the animals. It was a way to ensure that every tenth animal was set apart for the Lord. The shepherd would count the animals as they passed through a narrow gate or under a rod, and every tenth one would be designated as holy.
Holiness and consecration: The tenth animal that passed under the rod was considered holy, meaning it was set apart for a specific purpose and belonged to the Lord. The Israelites were instructed to offer this tenth animal as a sacrifice or to use it in the service of the tabernacle.
Principles and application: While the specific command of tithing livestock may not apply directly to modern-day believers, there are principles we can draw from this verse. Tithing was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge that everything they had belonged to God. It demonstrated trust in His provision and served as a means to support the religious system of that time.
Today, believers are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully for the work of the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). While tithing is not mandatory in the New Testament, giving is seen as an act of worship and stewardship. Christians are called to give a portion of their income to support the ministry, help the poor, and meet the needs of the church.
It is important to approach giving with a willing heart and a spirit of generosity, recognizing that all we have ultimately comes from God. Our giving should be motivated by love and a desire to further God’s kingdom, rather than legalistic obligation.
