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Korach
25 June
2011
Numbers
16:1-18:32
1 Samuel
11:14-12:22
Rom.
13:1-7
Numbers,
Chapter 16: Rebellion in the wilderness
Moses
summons Dathan and Abiram
GOD
responds
Doubt
was planted in minds of the people
Moses
interceded with GOD in defense of the nation
He urged
the people to distance themselves from Korach because GOD will have His
way
GOD
creates a phenomenon-an earthquake
Chapter.17: Protest and confirmation
The
people were not ready to admit the miracles they had seen
Moses
was confirmed as the leader and Aaron as high priest
Moses
intervenes again
A new
proof of the selection of Aaron, the rod that budded
The
fears remain because the rest were not sure of their stance now that
Aaron’s family was given exclusive status
Chapter
18:
Aaron’s
duties reiterated
Gifts to
the Kohanim as a reward for their service and as a sign of public
affirmation
Tithes
to the Levites as a reward for devotion to sacred service.
This
week as I read the Parashah, I prayed as to what to write for this Dvar.
As I meditated, tithing was the word! What is the meaning of tithing
for our times? Today, there is no Temple/Sanctuary to bring the tithes
described in chapter 18 of Numbers, as well as other places in scripture
as well. Tithing, or the giving of a tenth, is found in the scriptures.
Tithing dates back to the time of Abram when Abram (later Abraham) gave
a tenth to Melchizedek (Gen. 14).
Tithing
in the Law of Moses was somewhat tedious and demanding. Everyone was to
give a tenth of his crops and a tenth of his flocks (Lev. 27; Deut.
14:22-29). A tenth was to be paid to the Levites (priests, Num. 18:
21-32) as we read in this week’s portion.
All
things considered, a person who followed the law of tithing appears to
have been required to give anywhere from 20 to 38 percent of his income.
The laws regulating giving in the Torah were very exacting (Lev. 27;
Deut. 14).
When one
comes to the Brit Hadashah many write that there is an absence of
teaching regarding tithing. Yet as we read in Luke 11:42; 18:12; Yeshua
speaks about tithing being given by the Pharisees and publicans, which
was part of tithes given by all who followed the law of tithing.
Today we
have no Temple. The principle of tithing and offering as given in the
Torah, goes to the local body. Shaul writes that one is to give into
the treasury of the local congregation to bless the “Saints” (1Cor.
16:1- 2). Giving is to be based on having given oneself to the Lord and
is to be in proportion to love (2Cor. 8: 5, 8). There must be a willing
mind and cheerful and liberal attitude (2Cor. 8: 12; 9: 7; 6). Giving
is also to be to the truly needy (Eph. 4: 28). Giving must support
those who teach the word (1Tim.5:17-18; Phil.4:15; as well as in
2Co.11:9 where it tells of how the Macedonians supported Shaul).
As I see
it then, the Brit Hadashah does not stipulate the amount to be given,
but provides principles to guide us all in giving. The Brit Hadashah
also contains the ultimate example of giving. Yeshua divested himself
of heaven's glory and gave the ultimate gift of life (2Cor. 8: 9;
Rom.5:6).
In
urging giving, we read, "Thanks be unto GOD for His unspeakable gift"
(2Cor. 9:15). The Brit Hadashah tells us to give according to the
teaching of the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1: 25).
Shavua
Tov and May HaShem bless you in your giving.
Rabbi Z
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