We often think of it as a formal obligation, a percentage we owe. But its roots, according to some fascinating ancient texts, are surprisingly personal, filled with gratitude and recognition of a higher power.
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a remarkable text of Jewish lore, tells us that Abraham himself was the first to tithe. Rabbi Joshua recounts how Abraham, fresh from a victorious battle, didn't just keep all the spoils. He carefully selected a tenth – a tithe – from the wealth of the defeated kings, and also from the possessions of his nephew Lot. And to whom did he give this significant offering? To Shem, the son of Noah. "And he gave him a tenth of all," as it says in Genesis 14:20.
Imagine the scene. Shem, a figure from a previous era, a link to the generation that survived the flood, comes out to meet Abraham. He sees the magnitude of what Abraham has accomplished, the sheer volume of wealth he’s brought back. He’s awestruck. He doesn't simply congratulate Abraham; he bursts into praise, glorifying God, the Most High. He exclaims, "And blessed be God the Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand!" (Genesis 14:20).
Abraham, in turn, responds with profound humility. He doesn’t take credit for his victory. Instead, he prays before the Holy One, blessed be He, acknowledging that his triumph wasn't due to his own strength or skill. "Sovereign of all worlds!" he proclaims. "Not by the power of my hand, nor by the power of my right hand have I done all these things, but by the power of Thy right hand with which Thou dost shield me in this world and in the world to come." He recognizes God as his protector, his source of strength in both this life and the next. He quotes Psalm 3:3, saying "But thou, O Lord, art a shield about me" in this world, and "my glory, and the lifter up of mine head" in the world to come.
It's a powerful moment of recognition. Abraham understands that his success is not solely his own doing. He’s been blessed, guided, and protected. And the angels, hearing this heartfelt prayer, respond in kind. They affirm Abraham's devotion, proclaiming, "Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the shield of Abraham."
So, what does this ancient story tell us about the nature of tithing? It’s more than just a financial transaction. It's an act of gratitude, a recognition of the source of our blessings. It's about acknowledging that we are not alone in our endeavors, that we are supported by a force greater than ourselves. Perhaps the act of giving, then, is less about fulfilling an obligation, and more about expressing a heartfelt "thank you" to the divine. It certainly gives us something to think about.