Read 1 Chronicles 24
Highlights:
Duties assigned to priests; musicians and singers; divisions of the porters (gatekeepers); treasurers and other officials
Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD (1 Chr. 26:27).
A good portion of a soldier's income in ancient times came from the spoils they might take in battle. There may or may not have been any sort of salary for being in the army at that time. Men would fight for a number of reasons. They might have fought for national pride or patriotism. Some may have been forced to fight. They might have been drafted or sequestered to the military of their own nation or a nation that conquered them. Some were even slaves and were fighting for their freedom.
It is obvious then that the spoils of battle were very important to the soldier's income. Those spoils were often limited as commanding officers might take certain items for themselves. The average soldier might only be able to take from what was left over.
Therefore, this donation of the spoils taken in battle to provide for the upkeep of the Lord's house was a sacrificial gift. These items could have easily been kept for personal gain. However, they were dedicated for the use of the Lord.
This could be looked at in a way, as a tithe and offering to the Lord. There is a difference between the two. Many know this, others may not. The tithe is the giving back of a percentage of what God has given us. The scripture reveals that percentage to be a tenth. It is a must to tithe if we desire our life to be in right standing with God. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly (2 Chr. 31:5). And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at Him(Mark 12:17). The offering is what we might give above the required tithe.
The Commandment to tithe is a truth from the Word of God found both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is a necessity if we want to live a life obedient to God. You may have heard someone say "I can't afford to tithe the way things are today". As believers in Christ, we can't afford not to tithe, especially in these days. The example is set for us in the Bible from even its most notable individuals.
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace (Heb. 7:2).
Thought for Today:
If worship doesn’t come from a heart of love, it becomes hypocrisy.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple treasures (1 Chr. 26:20-28).Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Phil. 4:19).
Word Studies:
24:2 executed, served in; 24:5 divided by lot, lots were cast to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings, schedules; 25:5 lift up the horn, sound the trumpet.
Prayer Suggestion: Beseech the Lord in intercessory prayer for others when you have questions (Ex. 32:11).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41
