Deuteronomy 26:12 - When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled.
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What does "Deuteronomy 26:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 26:12 outlines a specific type of tithe that was to be given every three years, known as the "poor tithe." Let's break down the meaning:
"When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year...": This refers to the completion of the regular tithe (likely a tenth of agricultural produce) over the previous two years. The verse specifies that this extra tithe obligation applies specifically to the "third year," meaning it's cyclical.
"...which is the year of tithing...": This emphasizes that the third year had a special tithing requirement. It's explicitly designated as the year for this particular form of tithing.
"...then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow...": This is the core of the verse. It mandates that this extra tithe is to be distributed to four specific groups within the community:
The Levite: The Levites were a tribe of Israel dedicated to religious service, but they didn't inherit land like the other tribes. Therefore, they depended on the contributions of others for their sustenance.
The Foreigner (or sojourner): These were non-Israelites living within the Israelite community. They often lacked the social and economic safety nets available to native-born Israelites.
The Fatherless (orphans): Children without fathers were particularly vulnerable in ancient societies, as they lacked the protection and support of a male head of household.
The Widow: Widows, especially those without sons to support them, often faced economic hardship and social marginalization.
"...that they may eat within your gates, and be filled.": This highlights the purpose of the tithe: to provide food and sustenance for these vulnerable groups so they could be adequately fed and cared for within the Israelite community. The phrase "within your gates" emphasizes that this wasn't charity given at a distance; it was an act of communal responsibility and hospitality within the local towns and villages.
In Summary
This verse mandates a "poor tithe" every three years. Unlike the regular tithe that might have supported the temple or religious leaders, this tithe was specifically earmarked for direct distribution to the poor and marginalized within the local community. This system ensured that vulnerable populations like Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows had access to essential food and resources. It highlights the importance of social responsibility and compassion within the Israelite covenant. It was a form of social safety net embedded within their religious and economic practices.
Deuteronomy 26:12 - When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled.
What does "Deuteronomy 26:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 26:12 outlines a specific type of tithe that was to be given every three years, known as the "poor tithe." Let's break down the meaning:
"When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year...": This refers to the completion of the regular tithe (likely a tenth of agricultural produce) over the previous two years. The verse specifies that this extra tithe obligation applies specifically to the "third year," meaning it's cyclical.
"...which is the year of tithing...": This emphasizes that the third year had a special tithing requirement. It's explicitly designated as the year for this particular form of tithing.
"...then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow...": This is the core of the verse. It mandates that this extra tithe is to be distributed to four specific groups within the community:
The Levite: The Levites were a tribe of Israel dedicated to religious service, but they didn't inherit land like the other tribes. Therefore, they depended on the contributions of others for their sustenance.
The Foreigner (or sojourner): These were non-Israelites living within the Israelite community. They often lacked the social and economic safety nets available to native-born Israelites.
The Fatherless (orphans): Children without fathers were particularly vulnerable in ancient societies, as they lacked the protection and support of a male head of household.
The Widow: Widows, especially those without sons to support them, often faced economic hardship and social marginalization.
"...that they may eat within your gates, and be filled.": This highlights the purpose of the tithe: to provide food and sustenance for these vulnerable groups so they could be adequately fed and cared for within the Israelite community. The phrase "within your gates" emphasizes that this wasn't charity given at a distance; it was an act of communal responsibility and hospitality within the local towns and villages.
In Summary
This verse mandates a "poor tithe" every three years. Unlike the regular tithe that might have supported the temple or religious leaders, this tithe was specifically earmarked for direct distribution to the poor and marginalized within the local community. This system ensured that vulnerable populations like Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows had access to essential food and resources. It highlights the importance of social responsibility and compassion within the Israelite covenant. It was a form of social safety net embedded within their religious and economic practices.