You must be sure to set asideThis phrase emphasizes the importance of intentionality and obedience in following God's commands. The act of setting aside a portion of one's resources is a deliberate action that reflects a heart of worship and submission to God's authority. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a response to His faithfulness and provision.
a tenth of all the produce
The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth, is rooted in the ancient practice of dedicating a portion of one's income or produce to God. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, beginning with Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek inGenesis 14:20 and continuing with Jacob's vow inGenesis 28:22. The tithe is a recognition that all blessings come from God and a way to honor Him with the firstfruits of one's labor.
brought forth each year
The annual nature of this command highlights the regular and ongoing commitment required in the life of a believer. It reflects the agricultural cycle of ancient Israel, where the harvest was a time of celebration and gratitude for God's provision. This regular practice of tithing serves as a continual reminder of God's faithfulness and the believer's dependence on Him.
from your fields
This phrase situates the command within the agrarian context of ancient Israel, where the majority of the population was involved in farming. The fields were a primary source of sustenance and economic activity, making the tithe a significant act of trust in God's provision. It also underscores the connection between the land and the covenant, as the land was a gift from God to His people, and their stewardship of it was a reflection of their relationship with Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving these instructions as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
3.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
4.
TithingThe act of setting aside a tenth of one's produce or income as an offering to God, a practice commanded in the Mosaic Law.
5.
FieldsRepresents the agricultural context of ancient Israel, where the economy was largely based on farming and livestock.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandsTithing is an act of obedience, reflecting trust in God's provision and acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all resources.
Stewardship and GenerosityThe practice of tithing teaches believers about stewardship, encouraging them to manage their resources wisely and generously.
Faith and DependenceSetting aside a tenth requires faith, as it involves trusting God to meet one's needs with the remaining resources.
Community SupportTithing supports the community of faith, providing for the needs of the church and its ministries.
Spiritual DisciplineRegular tithing cultivates a habit of giving and helps believers prioritize their spiritual commitments over material concerns.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 14:22?
2.How does Deuteronomy 14:22 emphasize the importance of tithing in our lives?
3.What does "set aside a tenth" teach about stewardship and God's provision?
4.How can we apply the principle of tithing in today's financial practices?
5.How does Deuteronomy 14:22 connect with Malachi 3:10 on tithing and blessings?
6.What steps can we take to faithfully implement tithing as instructed in Deuteronomy?
7.What is the significance of tithing in Deuteronomy 14:22 for modern believers?
8.How does Deuteronomy 14:22 relate to the concept of stewardship in Christianity?
9.Why does Deuteronomy 14:22 emphasize agricultural produce for tithing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 14?
11.Deuteronomy 14:22–27 says tithes can be exchanged for money if travel is too far. Does this contradict other biblical teachings on tithing?
12.What are the Bible's teachings on generosity?
13.If Numbers 18:30–32 implies divine favor for faithful tithers, is there historical or archaeological evidence of widespread calamities resulting from neglected tithes?
14.What does the Bible teach about tithing?What Does Deuteronomy 14:22 Mean
You must be sure– The wording is an unmistakable directive, not a suggestion. Moses relays God’s expectation that His people obey intentionally and consistently, just as inDeuteronomy 5:32-33 where Israel is urged to “be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded.”
– Scripture often ties reverence to careful obedience: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22) and “Be doers of the word” (James 1:22). The tithe is one specific arena in which that obedience is measured.
to set aside– The phrase highlights deliberate separation; the tithe is pulled out before anything else is enjoyed.Leviticus 20:26 reminds Israel, “I have set you apart,” and this act mirrors that separation by treating a portion of income as holy.
–Exodus 23:19 commands “Bring the best of the firstfruits,” reinforcing that setting apart comes first, not after everything else is spent.
a tenth– The tithe (literally one-tenth) belongs to God (Leviticus 27:30). Abraham modeled this principle long before the Law when he gave Melchizedek “a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:20).
–Malachi 3:10 promises overflowing blessing when the whole tithe is brought, and Jesus acknowledges its ongoing validity while critiquing hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23). The fraction itself matters; it represents proportional, not token, giving.
of all the produce– Nothing is exempt.Proverbs 3:9 urges, “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Holding back any category would contradict the comprehensive nature of the command.
–2 Corinthians 9:6-7 later echoes this principle in the church age: sow generously, reap generously; God loves a cheerful giver.
brought forth each year– The tithe coincided with the agricultural cycle, making giving a regular rhythm. Annual festivals (Exodus 23:14-17) gathered those gifts to God’s chosen place.
– For believers after the cross, the pattern continues in weekly or periodic giving, as Paul instructs: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of your income” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
from your fields– The land was God’s gift (Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Returning a tithe acknowledged His ownership (Psalm 24:1) and their stewardship.
–Numbers 18:21 explains that the tithe supported the Levites and the worship life of Israel. By surrendering produce, farmers funded ministry and cared for those God appointed.
– Today, whatever our “fields” may be—paychecks, pensions, dividends—the principle still calls us to recognize every source as God-given and to invest in His work.
summaryDeuteronomy 14:22 commands intentional, proportional, comprehensive, rhythmical, and worship-oriented giving. Setting aside a full tenth of all income each year is an act of obedience, gratitude, and partnership with God’s purposes. Honoring Him first opens the door for His promised provision and keeps our hearts anchored where our treasure lies.
(22)
Thou shalt truly tithe.--The Talmud and Jewish interpreters in general are agreed in the view that the tithe mentioned in this passage, both here and in
Deuteronomy 14:28, and also the tithe described in
Deuteronomy 26:12-15, are all one thing--"the second tithe;" and entirely distinct from the ordinary tithe assigned to the Levites for their subsistence in
Numbers 18:21, and by them tithed again for the priests (
Numbers 18:26).
The tithe described in Numbers was called "the first tithe," and was not considered sacred. The second tithe, on the contrary, was always regarded as a holy thing.
Verses 22-29. - A tithing of each year's produce of the cultivated ground was to be made; and this tithe was to be brought to the place which the Lord should choose, as also the firstling of the herds and flocks; and there a sacrificial meal was to be partaken of, that Israel might learn to fear Jehovah their God always, reverencing him as their Ruler, and rejoicing in him as the Giver of all good.
Verse 22. -
Thy seed. "Seed" here refers to plants as well as what is raised from seed (cf.
Jeremiah 2:21;
Ezekiel 17:5, 6). The reference is to the second or festival tithe which was exclusively of vegetables.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You must be sure to set aside a tenthעַשֵּׂ֣ר(‘aś·śêr)Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 6237:To tithe, to take, give a, tenthof allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe produceתְּבוּאַ֣ת(tə·ḇū·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8393:Product, revenuebrought forthהַיֹּצֵ֥א(hay·yō·ṣê)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximeach yearשָׁנָ֥ה(šā·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141:A yearfrom your fields.הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה(haś·śā·ḏeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, land
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 14:22 You shall surely tithe all the increase (Deut. De Du) 
