Your tithes were already paid.

[Pliny]

Originally Posted by Russ Kelly

First, I distinguish between Abraham and Jacob's tithes and the HOLY tithe of the Law as the word is used by Moses, Nehemiah, Malachi and Jesus. They are not the same; the definition used by Abraham and Jacob would be rejected in a courtroom and it was not allowed in the Law unless it could pass through the fire.

Second, if carpenters, fishermen and tentmakers (non-food producers) were not allowed to tithe under the Old Covenant, what change was made that redefined the HOLY tithe after Calvary?

Third, under the Law the whole Levitical tithe did not go to the ministers, the priests; it went to their servants who did everything else; priests only received 1%. Since we do not give tithes to modern "Levites" --- greeters, ushers, deacons, church builders, church treasurers, etc --- why is that ignored? (Num 18:20-28; Neh 10:37-38).

Fourth, why are not all of the tithing laws followed today? Why are tithe-recipients allowed to own and inherit property and amass great fortunes? This is contrary to Numbers 18:20.

First
Tithe is a tithe. It simply means 10%. You say the definition used by Abraham and Jacob would be rejected in a courtroom, that is simply wrong. Tithing was well established in the earth long before Abraham. Hence, the lack of explanation found concerning it with Abraham. it just happens and it is recorded without explanation because everyone understood the reason why. It would be understood in a courtroom, as you say, because of the historical method of interpretation.

Second
Food production was the reasonable method of tithing in an agrarian society that existed a thousand years before there was anything that remotely resembled currency. Coinage did not exist until around 600 BC and required years before other nations copied the process. There was NO such thing as money or paychecks as we know them. It is simply an attempt to impose a twenty first century interpretation upon an ancient custom.

Third
Under the Law is irrelevant.

Fourth
All tithing requirements:
I don't have time to get into this right now.
Poor Tithe
As food for thought I will say that the Poor tithe has been replaced by charitable giving. In this way giving is not restricted to a small portion. James makes it clear we need to help a brother or sister if we can regardless of a percentage. Thus, NT Poor Tithe demands more than the OT Poor Tithe.

Rejoicing Tithe
This is strictly under the Levitical system. They are to be taken and used in the land of Israel. It is not relevant to the church.

General Tithe
Goes to support the ministry.
Paul said (paraphrased) he works for their spiritual good therefore he should receive of their carnal things. He references the OT and states that the ox is not muzzled. In another passage it is said that the church leaders are worthy of double pay (honor).

No one can say when tithing was established an no one can point to any passage that states tithing has ceased.

Both sides use principles they believe in.
It is clear to me that tithing was well established din the earth prior to Abraham and should be practiced today because it is not based upon the Levitical system.