The Book of Jubilees, considered by some to be pseudepigraphal – meaning it's attributed to a biblical figure but not actually written by them – offers a unique perspective on biblical history and law. It’s a retelling, really, of Genesis and Exodus, but with a lot of extra details and perspectives.
In Jubilees 13, we find a fascinating passage about ABRAM (that’s Abraham to most of us). The text tells us that Abram gave a tenth of his first fruits to the Lord. But it doesn't stop there. The text goes on to say something pretty powerful: "the Lord ordained it as an ordinance for ever that they should give it to the priests who served before Him, that they should possess it for ever.” It wasn't just a one-time thing. This wasn't just Abram deciding to be generous one Tuesday. The Book of Jubilees presents this act as the beginning of a permanent commandment, a mitzvah (that's a commandment in Hebrew) that would extend to all future generations.
And the text is emphatic. "And to this law there is no limit of days," it declares. It's a rule that stretches across time, "for He hath ordained it for the generations for ever that they should give to the Lord the tenth of everything, of the seed and of the wine and of the oil and of the cattle and of the sheep." Everything! From the smallest seed to the largest animal, a tenth belongs to the Divine.
What's really striking is the purpose behind this offering. It wasn't just about obligation or duty. According to Jubilees, God gave this portion "unto His priests to eat and to drink with joy before Him." It’s not just about giving; it’s about sharing joy and abundance. About creating a system where those dedicated to serving the Divine are provided for, and, importantly, where the act of giving is linked to a sense of celebration and connection.
So, what does this all mean for us today? While we may not all be giving literal tenths of our seed and cattle (though some of us might have some interesting gardens!), the underlying principle resonates. It encourages us to consider our relationship with what we have, to acknowledge that our blessings come from somewhere, and to find ways to support those who dedicate their lives to service and spirituality.
Perhaps the Book of Jubilees invites us to ask: How can we bring that spirit of joyful giving into our own lives? How can we create a sense of abundance and connection, not just through the act of giving, but through the joy it brings?