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There are a number of things which William Branham taught with respect to tithing that are simply wrong.  These include:
There are a number of things which William Branham taught with respect to tithing that are simply wrong.  These include:


#The tithe in the Old Testament was ten percent;
#The New Testament requires tithing so Christians are required to tithe;
#The New Testament requires tithing so Christians are required to tithe; and
#The tithe in the Old Testament was ten percent;  and
#The tithe should go to the ministry as they are the equivalent of the Levitical priesthood.
#The tithe should go to the ministry as they are the equivalent of the Levitical priesthood.


=Are Christian under the law?=
 
=Does the New Testament require tithing?=
 
The apostles set down very little in the way of requirements with respect to the Gentiles in the church.  Specifically, Paul stated:
 
:''My judgment is that '''we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God''', but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 15:19–20.</ref>
 
The apostles agree with this:
 
:''Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas... with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come bto one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.  For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than '''these requirements''': that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” <ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 15:22–29.</ref>
 
A requirement to tithe cannot be found in the New Testament.
 
'''Paul does lay down rules with respect to giving and they are not tithing.'''  Here is his requirement:
 
:''Each one must '''give as he has decided in his heart''', not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 9:7.</ref>
 
=Are Christians under the law?=


When you take commandments from the Old Testament and try to apply them to the church today, you are in complete disobedience to Paul's instruction in Galatians 3:
When you take commandments from the Old Testament and try to apply them to the church today, you are in complete disobedience to Paul's instruction in Galatians 3:
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=Was the tithe ten percent?=
=Was the tithe ten percent?=


William Branham taught that the Old Testament tithe was ten percent. '''But that is simply not the truth.''' The Old Testament was over double that.  
William Branham taught that the Old Testament tithe was ten percent. '''But that is simply not the truth.''' The Old Testament was almost double that.  


==The first tithe==
==The first tithe==


Ten percent of the gross income of God’s people funded the Levites (Num. 18:20–32). The Levites were scattered all over the country and were not just in Jerusalem at the temple. The Levites also included everyone in the tribe of Levi that worked in the temple - the priest, the song leaders and musicians, even the doormen and the janitors. In Nu 13:21–32 it is laid down that the tithe must be paid to the Levites, not just to the priests.
The tithe was based '''ONLY on the income coming from the land''' and not on salaries or wages:
 
:''One-tenth of all the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, belongs to the LORD. If a man wishes to buy any of it back, he must pay the standard price plus an additional twenty per cent. One out of every ten domestic animals belongs to the LORD. When the animals are counted, every tenth one belongs to the LORD. The owner may not arrange the animals so that the poor animals are chosen, and he may not make any substitutions. If he does substitute one animal for another, then both animals will belong to the LORD and may not be bought back.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Le 27:30–33.</ref>
 
The tithe was not the giving of money.  It was likely only done on an annual basis.  A weekly or monthly giving of tithes of wages to the church is not what this passage is suggesting.


===The priests only got '''ten percent of the tithe'''===
===The priests only got '''ten percent of the tithe'''===
The tithe funded the Levites (Num. 18:20–32).  The Levites were scattered all over the country and were not just in Jerusalem at the temple.  The Levites also included everyone in the tribe of Levi that worked in the temple - the priest, the song leaders and musicians, even the doormen and the janitors. In Nu 13:21–32 it is laid down that the tithe must be paid to the Levites, not just to the priests.


According to Numbers 18:26-28, the Levites paid '''ten percent of the first tithe''' to the priests (who were also part of the tribe of Levi).  It should be noted that according to Heb 7:5, ‘they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood.… take tithes of the people.’  The explanation for this is that the priests, who received from the Levites a tithe of the tithe, thus symbolically received the whole tithe.<ref>Paul Levertoff, “Tithe,” ed. James Orr et al., The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 2987.</ref>
According to Numbers 18:26-28, the Levites paid '''ten percent of the first tithe''' to the priests (who were also part of the tribe of Levi).  It should be noted that according to Heb 7:5, ‘they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood.… take tithes of the people.’  The explanation for this is that the priests, who received from the Levites a tithe of the tithe, thus symbolically received the whole tithe.<ref>Paul Levertoff, “Tithe,” ed. James Orr et al., The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 2987.</ref>
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Was the Old Testament tithe calculated on all income or only certain types of income?
Was the Old Testament tithe calculated on all income or only certain types of income?


==Tithe paid only on the fruit of the land==
==The no-tithe year==
 
Every seventh or sabbatical year the land lay fallow, and was then tithe-free (Deut 15:1).


According to Lev 27:30–33, '''a tithe had to be given of the seed of the land''', i.e. of the crops, of the fruit of the tree, e.g. oil and wine, and of the herd or the flock (see Deut 14:22, 23; 2 Chron 31:5, 6). As the herds and flocks passed out to pasture they were counted (see Jer 33:13), and every 10th animal that came out was reckoned holy to the Lord. The owner was not allowed to search among them to find whether they were bad or good, nor could he change any of them; if he did, both the one chosen and the one for which it was changed were holy. Tithes of the herds and flocks could not be redeemed for money, but tithes of the seed of the land and of fruit could be, but a 5th part of the value of the tithe had to be added.<ref>Paul Levertoff, “Tithe,” ed. James Orr et al., The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 2987.</ref>
==The total tithing requirement==


There is '''no indication in the Old Testament that any tithing was required on wages or profits'''.
Year 1 - First tithe + party tithe = 20%
Year 2 - First tithe + party tithe = 20%
Year 3 - First tithe + poor tithe = 20%
Year 4 - First tithe + party tithe = 20%
Year 5 - First tithe + party tithe = 20%
Year 6 - First tithe + poor tithe = 20%
Year 7 - no tithing required = 0%


==The no-tithe year==
Over a 7 year period, this amounted to '''17%''' of a farmer's income (but non-farmers were not required to pay the tithe)


Every seventh or sabbatical year the land lay fallow, and was then tithe-free (Deut 15:1).
=The requirement to tithe is part of the Abrahamic Covenant=


=Does the New Testament require tithing?=
Many message ministers (as well as denominational pastors) use the argument that, because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, we are obligated under the Abrahamic covenant to pay tithes to the church.


The apostles set down very little in the way of requirements with respect to the Gentiles in the church.  Specifically, Paul stated:
==Abraham did not practice tithing==


:''My judgment is that '''we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God''', but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 15:19–20.</ref>
There are some interesting observations that become clear when we examine the scriptural record relating to Abraham and tithing:


The apostles agree with this:
#Abraham was '''not under obligation''' to pay tithes, he paid them freely.  There is no evidence in scripture that Abraham was required to pay a tithe.
#Abraham only '''paid tithes once in his life''', not every year.
#Abraham '''didn't tithe on his income''' but just on his plunder from war.
#Abraham also was '''required to be circumcised''' as part of the covenant, does that mean that circumcision is also required today?


:''Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas... with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come bto one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.  For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than '''these requirements''': that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” <ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 15:22–29.</ref>
:''Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, t“Cursed is everyone who is hanged uon a tree” — so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ga 3:13–14.</ref>


A requirement to tithe cannot be found in the New Testament.
==Jacob also paid tithes==


Paul does lay down rules with respect to giving and they are not tithing.  Here is his requirement:
The Bible records the following with respect to Jacob:


:''Each one must '''give as he has decided in his heart''', not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 9:7.</ref>
:''Then Jacob made a vow to the LORD: “If you will be with me and protect me on the journey I am making and give me food and clothing, 21and if I return safely to my father’s home, then you will be my God. This memorial stone which I have set up will be the place where you are worshipped, and I will give you a tenth of everything you give me.”<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Ge 28:20–22.</ref>


==But didn't Abraham pay tithes before the law was given?==
The Bible never states that God commanded Jacob to give Him a tithe.  Along with Abraham's example, it appears that the giving of this tithe was voluntary on Jacob's part.  There is no evidence in the text to suggest that tithing was the general practice of Jacob's life.  If he did in fact begin to tithe after God fulfilled His promises to him, Jacob still delayed tithing for 20 years! What is also important is the question of how ave this tithe to God.  Was it through sacrifice or by giving to the poor? There is no indication that he ever met Melchizedek.


Many message ministers (as well as denominational pastors) use the argument that, because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, we are obligated under covenant to pay tithes to the church.
In Abraham's life it appears that we have a tithe of the spoils of military victory given to God's priest on a one time only basis. Is the only evidence to obligate believers under the New Covenant to tithe resting on these two passages in Genesis?  That's it? 


This is wrong for a number of reasons:
==If you want to follow the Old Testament tithing rules==


#Abraham was '''not under obligation''' to pay tithes, he paid them freely.  There is no evidence in scripture that Abraham was required to pay a tithe.
If someone truly wants to tithe according to the Old Testament rules, they would have to do the following:
#Abraham only '''paid tithes once in his life''', not every year.
#Abraham '''didn't tithe on his income''' but just on his plunder from war.
#Abraham also was '''required to be circumcised''' as part of the covenant, does that mean that circumcision is also required today?


:''Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, t“Cursed is everyone who is hanged uon a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ga 3:13–14.</ref>
#Quit their job and buy a farm so that they can raise herds and grow crops.
#Find some Levitical priests to support.
3Use their crops to observe the Old Testament religious festivals like Passover, Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.  Since they are under the Abrahamic Covenant, the men would also need to be circumcised.
#Begin by giving at least 20 per cent of all their crops and herds to God for the first six years.
#Pay no tithes every seventh year.
3Expect God to curse them with material deprivation if they were unfaithful or bless them with material abundance if they were obedient.


===How do you pay tithes to Melchizedec?===
=How do you pay tithes to Melchizedek?=


A significant portion of the Old Testament tithes were paid to the Levites and then the priests. Hebrews 7:12 says,  
A significant portion of the Old Testament tithes were paid to the Levites and then the priests. But Hebrews 7:12 says,  


:''“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law”.  
:''“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law”.  
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This means that '''your pastor is not a symbol of a priest who should receive tithes'''. No, Jesus is our high priest, and he is sitting on His throne in heaven (Hebrews 8:1). So how do we give to Jesus? Do you believe that your pastor fits into the role of '''vicarious fillii dei'''?  Can he receive tithes as a representative of the Son of God, or as a representative of Melchisedec?
This means that '''your pastor is not a symbol of a priest who should receive tithes'''. No, Jesus is our high priest, and he is sitting on His throne in heaven (Hebrews 8:1). So how do we give to Jesus? Do you believe that your pastor fits into the role of '''vicarious fillii dei'''?  Can he receive tithes as a representative of the Son of God, or as a representative of Melchisedec?


Maybe we should look at what Jesus said.
What did Jesus say?


:''“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
:''“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
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#The tithe here is a tenth of their spice crop, not ten percent of their monetary earnings (Leviticus 27:30 "A tithe of everything from the land...").
#The tithe here is a tenth of their spice crop, not ten percent of their monetary earnings (Leviticus 27:30 "A tithe of everything from the land...").
#Jesus is correcting the Pharisees.  He is speaking directly to them.  This is before the cross and therefore the Pharisees are clearly under the law.  What was happening was that the Pharisees were getting a lesson in the law from the one that wrote the law.  W@hat Jesus is saying is not aimed at Christians who are under grace and not under the law.
#Jesus is correcting the Pharisees.  He is speaking directly to them.  This is before the cross, and therefore, the Pharisees are clearly under the law.  What was happening was that the Pharisees were getting a lesson in the law from the one that wrote the law.  What Jesus is saying is not aimed at Christians, who are under grace and not under the law.
#Jesus wasn't endorsing Abraham's tithe.  Jesus is simply confirming that tithing is part of the law, not something that was before the law.  Remember Jesus fulfilled the law so that we don't have to.
#Jesus wasn't endorsing Abraham's tithe.  Jesus is simply confirming that tithing is part of the law, not something that was before the law.  Remember Jesus fulfilled the law so that we don't have to.


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:'' The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ''' Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'''  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 9:6–8.</ref>
:'' The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ''' Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'''  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 9:6–8.</ref>


=Quotes=
 
=Quotes of William Branham=


:''Now watch this if you want to see something.
:''Now watch this if you want to see something.
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