What does our relationship with money reveal about our relationship with God? Through Malachi, God warned Israel of their half-hearted obedience and unbelief. Israel’s lackluster faith was also demonstrated through their stinginess. In Malachi 3, God called Israel to repent because they had been robbing God (v. 8).

In the Mosaic Law, God commanded Israel to offer a tenth of their produce (Lev. 27:30). This went to support the Levites and priests along with the widow, orphan, and sojourner (Num. 18:24-28; Deut. 14:28-29). The Levites were not provided with land on the assumption that Israel would support their work. Yet, Israel failed to offer tithes. Their lack of generosity came down to a lack of faith. God said to Israel, “Test me in this” (v. 10). He would pour out the blessings of the covenant if they demonstrated faith through obedience.

Two questions for believers today are, “Are we still commanded to tithe?” and “If we tithe does that automatically promise us God’s material blessings?” Paul encourages believers to “give what you have decided in your heart” (2 Cor. 9:7). While it seems the New Testament does not require a ten percent tithe, it does encourage believers to give generously, joyfully, and sacrificially (Heb. 13:16). Giving ten percent is a good place to start, but those who have more should give more as well.

Many have used this passage to teach that if you tithe, God will automatically bestow material blessings. But God’s promise in this passage is based on the Mosaic covenant and directed to Israel (Deut. 28:1–14). While God may choose to bless His children financially, it is certainly not guaranteed. The life of Paul who was frequently imprisoned clearly contradicts this assumption. However, God does promise to pour out spiritual blessings (2 Cor. 9:6–15).

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