Updated 16 March 2007
We made the statement in the Countdown No 3 August 1994 that, we cannot find the eleventh commandment which says "THOU SHALT TITHE". The reason for this is that we know of people that felt FORCED to tithe because they HAD to, to receive their blessings!!!!! even though they had only pence to play around with. The issue was white hot then and still is.
Many Churches including that of Michael and Myrtle Baughen, who wrote "Your Marriage" encourages tithing on page 87, yes well into the book. So most churches would like the lay people to tithe on their money ( with lots of offerings of course) TO THE CHURCH year after year to keep the wolf from the door. But what DOES God say about THE Tithe?
Tithing has always been a subject which has caused many problems in the lives of many people. Some claim to have received enormous benefits and say that their financial affairs have been greatly blessed, even though they are on a THREE TITHE and SEVEN offering system. Some others go as far as to say that any form of tithing is a sin, because tithing, they claim, was part of an old covenant agreement which has now been abandoned. Yet others are certain that scriptures reveal that there is ONE tithe, accompanied by THREE annual offerings.
A vital, profound point is: what does a multiple tithe system reveal to us of the nature of God? "By their fruits you shall know them" is a good principle for doctrines as well as for people. Does tithing WORK? For many, the answer is a resounding "NO!" For some, tithing has proved to be an unmitigated disaster, in its trail marital disharmony, child neglect, failure to provide for family and inability to save for emergencies for old age.
What does that kind of situation teach us about the loving kindness and mercy of God? Over the years, hundreds, possibly thousands, of well-intentioned folk have been prevented from coming to a greater knowledge of God's truth because they were honest enough to admit that the three-tithe system was beyond their financial capability. Mt 23:13: "You shut the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in."
Tithing An Old Testament Practice
The Israelites were instructed by God to collect a tithe of all their increase. The nation of Israel was mostly an agricultural society. "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord...And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord." (Lev 27:30,32). Notice that the PURPOSE of the tithe is not specified. God also instructed the nation of Israel to obey the seventh year specified. God also instructed the children of Israel to obey the seventh year rest (Lev 25: 1-7) and the Jubilee Year (Lev 25:8-18). These statutes were to be kept by the nation of Israel and they will be observed in the future kingdom of God, which will be restored at the return of Jesus Christ. There were blessings for keeping God's laws. "If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit." (Lev 26:3,4). The tithing instructions which God gave to physical Israel also apply to day to the church, which is called spiritual Israel (Gal 6:16). Abraham gave a tenth of what he captured in battle to God (Gen 14:20). Jacob promised to give God a tenth of everything which God gave to him (Gen 28:22). There is no scriptural proof that Jacob ever did this, or, if he did, to whom it was paid.
Offerings
The nation of Israel also gave offerings. Several offerings were commanded to be given to the Levites. They were: the sacrificial offerings, the firstfruits of the harvest and the THREE Holy Day offerings of Deut 16;16. The Israelites also gave free will offerings as they had been blessed.
The Administration of The Tithe
It is in the Old Testament that Christians may learn the administration of the tithing system. In Lev 27:30-34, God gave instructions to Moses concerning tithing for the nation of Israel. "And all THE tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord...And concerning THE tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord... These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai." Only the tenth animal of the herd or flock which passed under the rod would be holy to God. God only ever commanded "one tenth," NOT a third, nor any other amount. God only requires one tenth of the increase! Had God desired more than one tenth, He would have asked for more than one in ten of the herd.
The source of the Israelites' tithe was mainly agriculture. The nation of Israel was instructed to rest from sowing in the seventh year. Lev 25:3,4: "Six years you shall sow your field...but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest, for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard." This meant that there was NO tithe in the seventh year of a seven year cycle.
The Function of The Tithe
The basis of tithing is found in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy which are the major law books of the Pentateuch. The one tenth is again emphasised by Moses. "You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year." (Deut 14:22) The tithe mention in Deuteronomy is the same tenth described in the book of Leviticus. The books in the Old Testament always discuss the one tithe. "These are the commandment which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel" (Lev 27:34). The Levites, in turn, had to tithe on their increase and this produce was sent on to the priests (Num 18:26).
The Feasts
What did God intend that people do with the tithe?
"And you shall EAT before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to
make His name abide, THE tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of
the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord
your God always. But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not
able to carry THE tithe, or if the place where the Lord your God chooses to put
His name is too far from you, when the Lord your God has blessed you, then you
shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place
which the Lord your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever
YOUR heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever
your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall
rejoice, you and your household."
The tithe was to be used at the place where God chose to place His name. "And
the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to
them: "The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations,
these are My feasts" (Lev 23:1,2). The tithe was to be used at God's festivals.
These include: Passover (Lev 23:5), Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:6-14),
Pentecost (Lev 23:15-22), Feast of Trumpets (Lev 23:24), Day of Atonement (Lev
23:27-32), Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day (Lev 23:34-44). The tithe
was to be used for travelling expenses to attend all the feasts and for the
accommodation expenses to attend the Feast of Tabernacles. It was also to be
used to assist the less fortunate and the Levites, thus keeping God's Plan in
the forefront of the minds of the people.
Is there a further use of the tithe? What about the ministry and the church?
What about the poor and the unfortunate? Did God have any other intentions in
mind when He commanded the one tithe?
The tithe mentioned in these verses is the same tithe mentioned previously in
the book of Leviticus and earlier in the same chapter of Deuteronomy. The tithe
is to be used to attend God's festivals in years one, two, four, five and six in
the tithing cycle of seven years. Remember there is a year of rest in year
seven, when there is no tithe. But what about the third year?
Every Three Years or in The Third Year?
This tithe is to be given in the third year only, not, as some have assumed,
every third year. In The Interlinear Bible, published by Hendrickson, Deut 14:28
reads: "At the end of three years, even the same year, you shall bring forth all
the tithe of your increase, and shall lay it up within your gates." In The New
brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius-Hebrew-English Lexicon (published by Hendrickson,)
the phrase "at the end of" (Strong's number 7097) on page 892a is explained as:
"1. end ...4. at the end of a certain time Jos. 9:16 (JE), 2 SAM 24:8..."
Further proof, in the New King James version of the Bible, 26:12 says: "When you
have finished laying aside all THE tithe of your increase in the third year -
THE year of tithing - and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the
fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be
filled..."
In The Third Year
Did the tithe perform a different function other than for the feasts in the
third year? In The interlinear Bible, Deut 14:28 reads: "At the end of three
years, even the same year, you shall bring forth all THE tithe of your increase,
and shall lay it up within your gates." In the third year, God instructed the
children of Israel to store the tithe within their gates. In the third year, the
Israelites used the tithe to support the Levitical priesthood and the LESS
FORTUNATE. Num 18:21,24: "Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the
tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform,
the work of the tabernacle of meeting." Verse 24; "For the tithes of the
children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the Lord, I have
given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, `Among
the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.'" The tithes mentioned in
Num 18:21,24 were the tithe of all the children of Israel. The word `tithes',
here is in the plural form because it represented all of the tithe which the
tribes of Israel gave to the Levites in the third year. In the third year, the
tithe would be used to support the Levites. Who are the less fortunate? Deut
14:29: "and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow." the tithe in the
third year could be likened to a community tithe. In the New
Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon the phrase "within your
gates" (Strong's number 8179) on pages 1044b and 1045a is translated in thy
gates, i.e. thy cities, towns, etc." The tithe would be used in the local town
or city and its immediately surrounding area.
The Church today
Christians are expected to use the tithe in years one, two, four, five and
six for attendance at the Feasts of God. However, under the New Covenant, and in
the order of the Melchizedek priesthood, the tithe of the third year would be
given to the LOCAL church.Each congregation would be required to appoint trusted
officials to ensure financial rectitude. They would be responsible for paying
the local minister's living expenses (if the church were large enough to afford
a full-time minister) and for allocating funds to those in need.
Further Evidence on The Tithe
The Levites and the needy were dependent on the GENEROSITY of the people. If
the Levites were meant to receive several tithes, why would the scripture state:
"and you shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates" (The Interlinear
Bible, Duet 14:27)? If the Levites received several tithes each year from the
people, they would be very rich indeed. The Levites would have no need of
receiving any financial assistance.
Only in the third year had the tithe to be kept within the community (Deut
14:28). In years one, two, four, five and six the tithe was to be carried out
from "within the gates." Here, too, the Bible only ever refers to the ONE tithe,
not several. The tithe is clearly seen to perform different functions depending
on the year in the tithing cycle.
The Tithing Cycle Explained
The Israelites were instructed to have a land rest in the seventh year (Lev
25:3,4). The Israelites were also instructed to rest from ploughing the field in
the fiftieth year, called the year of the Jubilee (Lev 25:11,12). This meant
that the Israelites would not be able to produce the tithe of the crop for those
years. In the seventh and fiftieth year the Israelites did not tithe and,
following this example, neither should Christians today.
"Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your
vineyard, and gather its fruit; but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath
of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your
field nor prune your vineyard." (Lev 25:3,4).
"At the end of every seven years you shall grant a RELEASE of debts.
And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto
his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of
his brother; because it is called the Lord's release. Of a foreigner thou mayest
exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall
release; save when there shall be no poor among you; for the Lord shall greatly
bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to
possess it: only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord they God
to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day, for the
Lord they God blesseth thee , as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many
nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations , but
they shalt not reign over thee." (Duet 15:1-6). [This is part of being
Israelitish NOT Jewish because the Jews were not a nation until centuries later]
The Israelites in the Seven Year Cycle
The tithes which the Levites received were the third year tithes from the
tribes of Israel. The tribes would have begun the tithing cycle when they
entered the Promised Land. It took over thirty years for all the tribes of
Israel to enter their inheritance. Subsequently, the tribes would begin the
cycle of tithing at different times. This meant that the Levites were always
receiving tithes from some tribes. While one tribe might be on the second year
of the tithing cycle, another tribe might be on the third year. This would also
apply to individuals within the tribe, as those individuals reached the
accountability of manhood. Did the Israelites tithe more than one tenth? Deut
26:12 "When you have finished laying aside all THE tithe of your increase in the
third year - THE year of tithing - and have given it to the Levite, the
stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates
and be filled". The tribes of Israel sent the tithes to the Levites in the third
year, THE year of tithing. For further proof of only one tithe, read Deut 26:13.
"Then you shall say before the Lord your God: "I have removed THE holy tithe
from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the
fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments, which You have
commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten
them." Only the one tithe is mentioned in these verses: the HOLY tithe. Moses
obeyed God's commandments. He wrote, "I have not transgressed Your commandments,
nor have I forgotten them." However, do not forget that the Levites received the
many offerings over and above the tithe income.
When Does the Tithing Cycle Begin?
Once the tithing cycle has been understood, then following baptism, the
Christian begins the tithing cycle, counting from the next Feast of Tabernacles
as year one. The year of tithing-the third year-would thus be different for some
Christians. As the membership grows, the church will receive funds every year.
The New Testament Church
The ministry of the Church of God is after the order of Melchizedek (Heb 7).
The members of the church would use the tithe in years one, two, four, five and
six to attend the Festivals. In the third year, the tithe would be sent to the
local church for taking care of the needy. The minister should tithe that income
to the headquarters church (Num 18:26-31). Those wage earners in the
congregation who are not in the third year in the tithing cycle should
contribute a small amount of their festival tithe to help with the minister's
needs during the festivals (Deut 12:12,18; 16;14).
All of the members, regardless of which year of the tithing cycle they are
in, are required to help with the welfare of the fatherless, widows and those
new in the faith who are in need (Deut 14:29; 16;14). (This would be when state
social benefits are not sufficient.) In the seventh and fiftieth years, no
tithes are given. However, the Feasts can be attended in the third, seventh and
fiftieth years if savings are sufficient.
The Holy Day Offerings
There are only THREE Holy Day offerings and they should be collected at the
three main feasts. Only three holy day offerings are mentioned, not five nor
seven. Deut 16:16. "Three times a year all your males shall appear before the
Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of unleavened Bread,
at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not
appear before the Lord empty-handed." The word here is translated from the
Hebrew word `paam' which means `times', not `seasons.' The Interlinear Bible
makes this plain: "three times in the year." Tithing is a mechanical,
mathematical calculation, where as the mount of an offering really shows the
state of commitment of any individual.
One tenth of the offerings should be sent to the Church Headquarters to pay
for the preaching of the gospel. The remainder of the offerings should be kept
in the LOCAL church area unless it is too small to function at that level. The
offerings are used to pay for the minister's expenses and for preaching the
gospel at a local level. The offerings would also be used to pay for the hire of
a meeting place, and for the production of booklets and church materials in the
local church area. Because of this, Paul could write in 1 Cor 9:14. "Even so the
Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the
gospel."
Would the Offerings be Sufficient for the Work?
It might be thought that a sizeable work of preaching the gospel to all
nations could not be accomplished on the basis of offerings alone. This is to
underestimate the power of God! The resurrected Jesus Christ is in charge using
those whom the Father calls. The Father reserves to Himself the right to call
any number of people for service in this way. The generosity of the givers, of
the offerings must also not be underestimated. It is hoped that people who are
blessed financially will respond warm-heartedly. So long as everyone is doing
his or her best, God will be well pleased. 2 Cor 8:12: "A willing mind ...is
accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have."
2 Cor 9:7. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or
of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Other Scriptural References
Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed
thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed
me, even this whole nation.
NOTICE the words used here are not 1st, 2nd and 3rd tithes. We have analysed
this book in the Countdown No 11 April. The Israelites had robbed God because
they had turned very heavily to IDOL worship of the Babylonian religion. Their
offspring were being cursed.
Quite clearly Mr Armstrong in his Mystery of the Ages "MISUNDERSTOOD"
tithing, as on page 322 as he is using Malachi to encourage multiple tithing
from the SAME individual. Mr Armstrong's Fruits as we all now know is that MOST
of the lay people were financially sucked dry (cursed). The message Malachi is
giving here, is that if TEN people in their third year had EACH given one tithe
to the Levites then the Levites would then be in a position to study Gods word
and instruct them in the blessings. Unfortunately TODAY leaders are still
copying Mr A and people are still being sucked dry. Very slowly however some are
waking up.
If a person fails to keep a feast tithe, he not only robs himself of
blessings but also robs God of the pleasure of seeing His people's happiness.
Failing to keep the third year tithe robs the needy. (The same arguments apply
to an understanding of the passages in 2 Chron 31:5-12 and Neh 10:38 and 13:12).
In conventional terms if people saved one tenth of their money for a Holiday
(as distinct from borrowing the money) the area would prosper from their
presence. Normally people borrow from the bank for a holiday, overspend, and
take the next three years to pay the money back.
Matthew 23:23
Jesus' support for the tithing system is shown here but he places greater
emphasis on justice, mercy and faith.
Hebrews 7:1-10
This passage only confirms that the Levites received tithes. One has to look
elsewhere in the Bible to see exactly what is referred to.
Conclusion
God commanded the Israelites to give only ONE tenth of their income for God's
use. Nowhere are two or three tithes commanded in scripture. Tithing in God's
way can only lead to happiness and peace of mind. It is not a financial
hardship. Tithing is an individual matter between the Christian and God and
should never be policed by any church organisation. The Church of God teaches
the ONE tithe system.
Alex Cain
Constantine after conversion committed several murders; but no murderer hath
eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15). Relics of Romanism, bits of the cross
have been sold all over the world; some of the "wine" has been found in
different parts of the world; bones of the donkey and carpenter tools, have been
sold. Conversely in the Babylonian system one can "buy" back the dead; but
Priests must admit they have no way to know, when the dead should actually pass
out of purgatory into heaven. There is even a guarantee for salvation of peoples
son's for $40; whereas Peter says we are not redeemed with corrupt silver and
gold (1 Pet 1:18,19) and also (Acts 8:20) But Peter said unto him, thy money
perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be
purchased with money.
Was Peter the first pope? NO---- Peter was married (Mat 8:14) refers to
Peter's wife's mother , as also does (1 Cor 9:5) [wife],1 Tim 3:2. Forbidding to
marry!!!!!!!- no-that's the doctrine of devils (1 Tim 4:1-3, doctrines of
devils). Christ is the head of the church (Eph 5:23) not the Pope. Ye know that
the Princes of the gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are
great, but it shall not be so among you (Mark 10:35,43). For one is your master,
even Christ and all ye are brethren (Matt 23:4-10); for other foundation can no
man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11) It is Christ's
church. The Pope encourages people to bow down to him. Peter said DON'T, do not
bow down, I myself am a man (Acts 10:25, 26) don't call yourself father Matt
23:9-12
No "saint" should wear a crown as Christ has not appeared yet; Peter was
blamed (Gal 2:11) which shows that Peter was not infallible. Peters ministry was
primarily to the Jews (Gal 2:7-9) There is no proof that Peter went to Rome.
Pope has keys of authority given to Peter-No? Peter had BINDING powers only.
(Matt 16:19) The key to enter the kingdom is that of David which means the
understanding of THE TRIBES-by DAVIDY and of course Allens' Judah's Sceptre
Book. Jesus is the true opener and shutter using the key of David, Janus another
pagan god is a counterfeit. Pontiff means Bridge maker ( to suck in any form of
religious belief). Dagon was a fish god (Judges 16:21-30;1 Sam 5:5,6. He wears a
fish hat mitre plus an expensive ring. Silver and gold have I none (Acts 3:6)
pallium was in use before Christian era.
CHRISTMAS is a MIXTURE OF TWO words Christ and mass; the mixture is done
deliberately to confuse, CON meaning two; and fuse to mix.
CHRIST'S BIRTH; from the books we have analysed on the subject;
Capt's Study in Pyramidology 1986, is the latest and the most accurate to date
we have found. Pages 234 to 237 covers this subject, he uses the Saturday
Sabbath and 2 BC as the year of birth, he identifies September 29th, in the
evening of which the Hebrew new year (Tishri 1st) and Feast of Trumpets began;
after sunset, Christ being born in the first of the dark hours.
Bonnie Gaunt in her Stonehenge.....A closer look. page 210 to 211:
The day on which Jesus was born was not only the first day of the year (Editors comment NOT January the first) but was also the first day of the 77th Sabbatic Cycle since the Jewish return from Babylonian captivity. From the re-establishment of the Sabbatic Clcles in Tishre 534 B.C. till the birth of Jesus in Tishri 2 B.C. was also a great Paschal Cycle of 532 years- a Paschal Cycle being the product of the Meronic Cycle (19) and the Solar Cycle (28), i.e. 19 x 28 = 532 years. (Editors comment 7 X 76 years)
Both Rand and Panin appear to agree it was 3999 AM (Anno Mundi- Years from Adam) Not in December. ----------------- To be contd
Our third and "Final" Letter to British Prime Minister Mr John Major
Dear Prime Minister 28 Jun 95
We hope this letter finds you well. Enclosed is correspondence which we have
sent to you before of which we thank you for the replies.
You will realise that since our last letter to you the power of the
"Conservative" Government has been somewhat reduced. It now has less power than
under Mrs Thatcher.
The reason is, that in the last year the British public has learned a lot
about the "Leaky Ship of Europe" and that they have been "Misled" by the
"untruths" of British MP's, read Christopher Booker, Sunday Telegraph June 25
1995.
The Great God of the Universe does not like the leaders of Britain (Ephraim
of the old testament) making alliances with Foreign Powers; as in the Maastricht
treaty. So he calls upon you today to make a choice. Turn to HIM and HE will
give you the power to turn Britain into the greatest prosperous nation on earth
subject only to HIM. Ignore HIM and He will cause Britain to go into HORRENDOUS
physical captivity for a short space of time. The decision is yours.
We of course wish you every success for the future.
I am
Yours Sincerely
Alex Cain
The Prime Minister The Rt Hon. John Major
The House of Commons
Houses of Parliament
London
Now as far as the Church of God is concerned because these last letters have
also been sent to President Clinton-- The Leaders of Britain and America have
been WARNED, our job has been done.
The reply from his Secretary was-- The Prime Minister has asked me to thank
you for your recent letter and the enclosure.
EVEN as Mr Major was talking people into voting for him (in the recent
leadership challenge) saying how prosperous the economy was, he was borrowing
again at the rate of £2 Billion a month. Daily Telegraph Wed Jul 5 1995. City
comment--As a result (inflation going back up), revenue is sluggish, and
borrowing is overrunning. It is now back up to £2 Billion a month. This is not
basis for the sort of prudent tax cuts that Mr Clarke always said were the only
ones he would contemplate. --
Editors comment-- because of this the Department of employment is to be mixed
in with the department of education--this is one way of getting rid of our
unemployment problem!!!
NEW READERS Please note if you do NOT want to carry on receiving the
Countdown Magazine please let us know and we apologies in advance for any
inconvenience caused-- Editor
Because of the large amount of mail that we are sending out, it is far better
to ask for 1 piece of literature at a time and develop patience; large mail
shipments are time consuming and costly in time and money all requests will be
dealt with eventually this side of Christs return we hope.
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© Church of God 1995
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In Deut 14:23-26
the use of the tithe is clearly explained.
Duet 14:27-29
: "You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your
gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you. AT THE END OF EVERY THIRD
YEAR (no not a third tithe or 30% of your money) you shall bring out THE tithe
of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. And the
Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the
stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within
your gates, may come and eat and be SATISFIED, that the Lord your God may bless
you in all the work of your hand which you do." Notice the four groups.
Deut 26:12
makes it plain: "In the third year," is not every third year
as some have mistakenly assumed. In the New King James Version, Amos 4;4 reads
"Come to Bethel and transgress, at Gilgal multiply transgression; bring your
sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days." (Note that Amos was
being sarcastic! However, the `three' is significant). However, in The
Interlinear Bible, Amos 4:4 states: "Come into Bethel and transgress; multiply
transgressing at Gilgal. And bring your sacrifices for the morning, your tithes
for three days." "The tithe is to be given for special purposes in the third
year only.
The Great whore contd
In their idol worship the Israelites called a piece of wood thou art my GOD
[father] (Jer 2:27) however it is not scriptural to call a piece of wood or a
priest father (Matt 23:9)