So what if the economy was based mainly on agriculture. The farm workers didn't tithe, only the land owners tithed.
The tithing law itself proves they had both money and a marketing system for buying and selling their crops and animals (Deuteronomy 14:24-26).
THE PURCHASE OF LAND WITH MONEY BY ABRAHAM - Genesis 23:15-16
THE PURCHASE OF LAND WITH MONEY BY JACOB - Genesis 33:19
JOSEPH WAS SOLD TO THE ISHMEELITES FOR MONEY - Genesis 37:28
A MONEY OFFERING TO BE USED FOR THE SERVICE OF THE TABERNACLE - Exodus 30:14-16,
By the way, being Spirit led, I find myself giving far more than a mere tenth of my income. Tithers seem to think the 90% is theirs to do with what they please. Not so. We are to be good stewards of 100% of what God gives to us. If you are Spirit led instead of blindly follow a false tithing doctrine, you may find that God wants you to give 20%, 30%, 50% or even more of your income.
Gary,
I fully agree with this statement, as this is where I am at.
I start by setting aside 10% of whatever total income I have been blessed with by God.
Then from that point, I can be led specifically by The Holy Spirit as what and who to give to other giving and needs.
I can't tell you how many times I have given by The Spirit to specific people and specific amounts that were exactly what the person needed.
This type of giving has changed peoples lives and builds their faith in God.
I have a ministry account that is for storing our money that is set aside to God for this purpose.
In addition, we raise livestock and process them for food distribution.
This is more efficient that giving money for groceries.
JLB