“The Lord said to Moses, ‘When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the Lord when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them. Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the Lord. Everyone who is numbered in the census, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the Lord’s offering. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when you give the Lord’s offering to make atonement for your lives. You shall take the atonement money from the people of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may bring the people of Israel to remembrance before the Lord, so as to make atonement for your lives.'” Exodus 30:11-16
I can hear a collective “Oh boy, here we go.” “They’re gonna ask for money,” I promise you this is not the case. We’re not asking for money at all but Jesus does. Maybe you are seeking clarity around the idea of tithing or offerings, if so, read on. Even if you are already giving to the Lord and His work a clearer understanding of New Testament giving may bring more confidence and commitment to your giving. I pray that our study will grow our faith.
In the heart of Exodus 30:11-16 lies a story of both the obligation and a profound spiritual connection—a compulsory offering taken as a census tax. As we navigate through this ancient practice, we unveil not only a historical account but a personal journey of ransom, atonement, and the ultimate price paid by Jesus Christ. This journey stretches across the pages of the Old Testament into the New, weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with us as believers today.
Exodus 30:11-16: A Personal Reflection on the Compulsory Offering
Picture the scene: Moses is instructed to take a census, and each individual, rich or poor, is to contribute a half-shekel as a compulsory offering. It’s a shared responsibility, a communal acknowledgment of sin, and a tangible commitment to atonement and the upkeep of the sacred Tabernacle.
Atonement and Ransom:
As we consider the half-shekel, it’s not just a historical artifact; it’s a mirror reflecting our need for atonement. The value of a half shekel is not explicitly defined in terms of a specific monetary unit or weight in the text. It’s important to note that the primary significance of the half-shekel in Exodus 30 was not its monetary value but rather its symbolic purpose as an offering for atonement and a means of counting the people. It was a uniform amount required from each individual, regardless of their wealth, emphasizing equality and communal participation in the support of the sanctuary. Like the Israelites, we recognize our imperfections and the ransom our souls need. The compulsory offering becomes an echo of our longing for redemption.
Contributing to the Sacred Space:
The funds collected from this offering were meant for the service of the Tabernacle—an emblem of communal worship. Just as they contributed to the sacred space, we, too, are called to support the church and collectively honor God through our giving.
The Historical Tithe of Abel, Abraham, and Jacob: Precursors to the Temple Tax
Before the establishment of the temple tax and the compulsory offering, we find instances of voluntary giving in the lives of the patriarchs—Abel, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their practices set a precedent for sacrificial giving, serving as an early reflection of the commitment to honor God with their possessions.
Genesis 4:3-5 (ESV): “In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering, he had no regard.”
Genesis 14:20 (ESV) – Abraham’s Tithe: “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Genesis 28:22 (ESV) – Jacob’s Vow: “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me, I will give a full tenth to you.”
Do you see it? A heart that loves and honors God gives. In all these cases and others in the Old Testament giving is part of worship. Even before the compulsory tax.
The Personal Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
In the Gospels, we find the fulfillment of these ancient practices in the person of Jesus Christ. He becomes the Lamb of God, the ultimate ransom, offering atonement for our sins and redeeming us once and for all. The personal connection is profound—our names are etched in the narrative of salvation.
Modern Equivalent and Its Relevance for Our Personal Faith
Generosity and Sacrificial Giving: The call to give generously becomes more personal. It’s not just a matter of ritual; it’s an overflow of a heart transformed by gratitude for the sacrificial love of Jesus—our cheerful and purposeful giving mirrors His boundless generosity.
New Testament Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Supporting Our Spiritual Home: Bringing gifts into the storehouse is no longer a distant concept; it’s a personal commitment to supporting our spiritual home—the church. We recognize our role in maintaining the sacred space where we gather to worship. The building itself is set apart for the purpose but not itself to be worshipped. We can gather on a creek bank or anywhere else for that matter, but the church building is a testimony to the world of our commitment to offering a place for sinners to come, for the sick to seek healing, for the disciple to seek knowledge, place of giving, and a place for praise.
New Testament Reference: 1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV)
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
Bring your wallet on Sunday! Dont get frustated when the plate is passed. This is done according to scripture
Spiritual Accountability: Like the census tax in Exodus, we acknowledge our spiritual accountability. Our journey is one of ongoing redemption and growth, recognizing our need for Jesus’ sacrifice and responding with gratitude and obedience.
New Testament Reference: Luke 6:38 (ESV)
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”,
While we dont give to the lord to get but from a grateful heart, it is promised that giving brings reward, and from God and men. You want a cup running over with blessing? Give! Now I didnt say that, the word of God does. We have plenty of motivation to give as his people.
Transition to Modern Giving and Wholehearted Commitment
As we reflect on the compulsory offering and the historical tithe of the patriarchs, we recognize that the landscape of giving has evolved. The tithe and compulsory tax have been replaced with a call for giving from the heart. This shift aligns with a deeper truth Jesus emphasized — a call for wholehearted commitment. He asks for more than a percentage; He asks for 100 percent of our lives. We cannot serve God and money. It is said, “Show me a man’s wallet and I will show you his faith.” In laying down our lives, we echo the price Jesus paid for us, offering our entire selves as living sacrifices.
Conclusion
Our giving, reflective of this personal journey, transforms into a response to the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus. It becomes an acknowledgment that He doesn’t just want a portion; He desires our entire lives. Our financial contributions, like the compulsory offering and the historical tithe, extend beyond ritualistic acts to become expressions of wholehearted commitment. As we give from the heart, we lay down our lives in response to the One who bought us with the ultimate price — His own life. May our giving, in all aspects of our lives, reflect our unwavering commitment to the Lord.