Deuteronomy 14 goes over forbidden practices, tithing and taking care of those less fortunate.
God did not want Israel to imitate pagan practices, such as cutting themselves when someone dies. They were expected to reflect God’s glory instead, and their own uniqueness as bearers of the covenant.
Clean and unclean foods are described. Israel was permitted to eat everything that was deemed clean, but warned to stay away from everything that was described as unclean. Eating only food that was defined as clean symbolized the division between Israel and the rest of the nations.
The Israelites were instructed to set aside a tenth of all the produce grown in their fields, and to eat a tenth of the grain, new wine, fresh oil, and the firstborn of their herd and flock in the Lord’s presence, at a place the Lord chose to have his name dwell. Eating the tenth of these items in his presence was to remind Israel of the source of all their provisions. If the place God chose to have his name dwell was too far for them to carry the tenth of their items to eat, they could exchange the items for silver, go to the place God chose, and spend the silver.
28-29: “At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and store it within your city gates. Then the Levite, who has no portion or inheritance among you, the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow within your city gates may come, eat, and be satisfied. And the Lord your God will bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.” There was no paid clergy at this time, and the priests and Levites depended on the offerings for their livelihood. The tenth of all produce for the year was to be stored up for distribution, not only to the Levites, but to the resident aliens, the fatherless, and the widows. The more the people cared for the less fortunate, the more they could expect the blessing of the Lord.
As I go about my day, am I remembering and giving thanks for all that I have? Am I keeping myself in check as I help others, that it comes from God’s love and not from my mind or desire to be loved by and accepted by others. It is very easy for me to get attached to the things of this world, money included. Am I grateful for all that God has provided for me and am I sharing what I have received with others in need, or am I holding onto what I’ve received with a lack or fear mindset that if I give it away, I will be losing rather than gaining. Do I really know and have faith that all my needs will be provided by God?