Tithes & Offerings the truth lives a wretched life.

Tithes & Offerings

Giving unto YHWH

Part 1: the problems of giving

Apart from greed, shortsightedness, covetousness and all the other troubles of fallen man there comes a time when the "cheerful giver" is faced with the dilemma of how to give, who to give to and how much to give. The "cheerful giver" knows he or she is indeed participating with YHWH as a co-laborer for bringing about Justice and Peace on earth. But there are many problems and challenges encountered when stewarding our giving unto YHWH.

"And Moshe spoke unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which YHWH commanded, saying, Take from among you an offering unto YHWH: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of YHWH; gold, and silver, and brass," Shemot/Exodus 35:4,5

"And they spoke unto Moshe, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which YHWH commanded to make. And Moshe gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, 'Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.' So the people were restrained from bringing. For the things they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much." Shemot/Exodus 36:5-7

For many souls it is a privilege to be able to give and share from the abundance YHWH has provided, there is great peace and satisfaction in proclaiming the Name of YHWH in our giving. We know that without health and all the things that YHWH provides us and sustains us with that we are indebted to the Creator for all that we have, it is YHWH who gives us the power to get wealth. But within mankind is also the propensity to build his own Kingdom, Institutions and traditions that affirm his own values and ideas about YHWH based on tradition and culture, not based on the Word of YHWH.

"Thus says YHWH, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that you build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things have mine hand made, and all those things have been, says YHWH: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my Word. He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burns incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I did not delight." Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:1-4

Why does YHWH ask for our "tithes and offerings" in the first place? Why didn't He just "manifest" gold, silver and bronze for the Children of Israel to use in building the mishkan (tabernacle)? Wouldn't He have gotten more glory unto His Name if gold just fell out of heaven, or started sprouting out of the earth like mushrooms? When the Ruach of Elohim speaks to our hearts about giving, and we respond by giving unto Him, we become enjoined with Him, His Kingdom and His people, provided we are giving according to His Name and His will. Our tithes and offerings given unto YHWH solely to establish and maintain Justice, which brings about Peace. We are to give "to" YHWH, and there is a huge difference from giving to YHWH or giving to the Pastor or Rabbi, or church or synagogue or to any other cause. Without Justice in our world our hand labor in vain, the generations ahead will perish in catastrophe if Justice is not raised in our Generation. Many souls confess they don't tithe, others give very small offerings, but most give nothing in the Name of YHWH for the single greatest cause of Mashiyach, and that is Justice. Surely when we tithe and live according to YHWH's Word, we have assurance that YHWH will see to it that we enjoy our blessings, and prosper us according to His Faithfulness. Yes there are groups of religious people prospering all over the earth in many ways, but the reality of the matter is that the people of the earth are a family who are accountable to each other, regardless of race, religion or creed. The Tithe of YHWH according to Torah is designed for universal Justice and Peace, not for one select or chosen people.

YHWH desires that we have contrite and humble hearts that look upon the real needs of others as He does, we are to be our brothers keeper. The Name of YHWH is manifest throughout all the earth, by His people being the source of Justice and Peace who bring Equality and uphold maxims of law the protect and serve the people.

The Day is coming when people will want to give offerings to YHWH, they will cry out sorely and wish they had lived a life that promoted Justice, Peace and Equality, they will want to give to the work of righteousness, but not be able to, their houses, lands, and businesses will be taken through war, natural devastation and plagues, they will have no offerings to give...

"because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear:"

Isaiah 66:4

Our tithes and offerings are not to be given to men, but unto YHWH. The Cohen/Priest of YHWH were entrusted to act in His Name they were to receive tithes from the people. It is the Cohen/Priest who is to seek Justice, Peace and Equality according to Torah for each local community as well as internationally, and use tithes and offerings to establish righteousness in the Name of YHWH. But today, the religious institutions are fat with false shepherds collecting tithes and offerings in the name of "HaShem" or "the LORD", or "in Jesus Name" and they despise the Word of the Living Elohim and favor their own traditions thus says YHWH:

"For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that sets snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat , they shine: yes, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? says YHWH: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end thereof?" Jeremiah 5:26-31

Many realize that this prophecy is as valid today as it was when YHWH first revealed this to Jeremiah, the Day of YHWH is near, the time of "Ya'akov's trouble" is close at hand, Yeshua Mashiyach Ben David (the Conquering Mashiyach) is preparing to Sanctify the Name of YHWH along with the Word of YHWH (His Torah). Now is the time to declare His Great Name unto all souls, and repent of worldliness, lack of love and care and interest in the Malchut (Kingdom) of YHWH. Millions of souls are being robbed by false religious leaders, and millions rob YHWH. Now is the time to pay up before the false governments of this world make it illegal to use tithes and offerings to advance the Kingdom of Elohim. The adversary has deceived many into giving tithes and offerings to religion, instead of unto YHWH. Many leaders squander tithes to promote the traditions of men, many luxuriate themselves through materialistic living through the institutions of man. Many even give unto themselves in their own name, they give no tithes and offerings to YHWH, they have gorged themselves from what they've stolen from the poor, the widows and the fatherless. They oppress and take falsely and say "the LORD" has blessed. But YHWH has not blessed them, He has put a delusion upon them that they believe in a lie which is deceitful, they have judged themselves unworthy stewards. Many are trapped in their own vanity, materialism, arrogance and pride. Many times people vow to do good, but they also hold back and do not keep their vows, they also give to please themselves, they give to get recognition and acceptance from others. The tithes and offerings they keep back from the cause of Justice bears witness that they know not YHWH, neither do they have a love for the Brethren, they live to serve themselves and their traditions.

"Will a man rob Elohim? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, How have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says YHWH of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says YHWH of Hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land, says YHWH of Hosts. Your words have been stout against me, says YHWH. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against You? You have said, It is vain to serve Elohim: and what profit is it that we have kept His Law, and that we have walked mournfully before YHWH of Hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yes, they that work wickedness are set up; yes, they that tempt Elohim are even delivered. Then they that feared YHWH spoke often one to another: and YHWH hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared YHWH, and that thought upon His Name. And they shall be mine, says YHWH of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serve him. Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves Elohim and him that serves him not. For, behold, the day is coming, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yes, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, says YHWH of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 3:8 - 4:1

Part 2: the solution

The FIRST national offering of Israel was taken up to build the mishkan (tabernacle). The mishkan represents a physical "image" of Mashiyach. The Mind of Mashiyach is in the Holy of Holies, inside the Ark the eser haDibrot (Ten Commandments) are the 10 specific directives for Justice, Peace and Blessing. A person can give and tithe and offer all their resources with the most impeccable intent and generosity, but if they willfully violate these 10 immutable laws while they give they will in no wise receive recognition from YHWH for their giving. A small bit of Justification for conscience or ego is nothing compared to true redemption of the soul. Tithes and offerings must be given in Justice and Holiness, not as a buy out while the giver continues to live against the Word of YHWH.

The Tithe must also be obtained in holiness according to Torah, it must be given in holiness. YHWH is merciful and just to forgive us and help us live Righteous lives, the Tithe is our agreement that His Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

The Tithe is given in accordance with the Moedim, the Set Times of YHWH. This is imperative because YHWH is calling us to be ever mindful of both the prophetic and natural clock. The prophetic clock helps us prepare ourselves as the perfect Bride, as a Kedoshim (Set Apart people), and be able to hear from YHWH and His Mashiyach Yeshua to do His will throughout our years. The Natural clock is our own lifespan, how we live, raise families, prepare for grandchildren, use resources to travel and live as unto YHWH, without promoting or funding the Beast of Babylon and the corruption of anti-Messiah. Our natural time table, goals, dreams, desires and use of money must all be steered with the Tithe. The Tithe comes off the top, it is the First Fruits and the rest is for us to choose.

In the Moedim (Prophetic Clock), YHWH instructs all people how to give their tithes, and also shows that we must each directly distribute our own tithes during the third year tithe. In your lifetime it is not likely you will ever hear a Pastor or Rabbi teach about the tithes according to Torah and Mashiyach Yeshua, because religious and cultural traditions have made a system of tithes and offerings that benefit the institution, not the Kingdom.

Tithes are required to be disseminated according to Righteous Counsel, this is where a Beit Din being led by YHWH is to serve the Body of Mashiyach. But again, where on earth are the men who care and are mature enough to serve their communities in this regard? there are precious few. Most men enjoy recognition, praise, distinction, authority and yes, good pay for their own accomplishments. Very few men would consider being accountable for fulfilling Torah and the Word of YHWH with the tithes they receive from their religious communities. But the solution to restoring the tithe is based on the Torah, it brings Justice and Equality.

The Israel of Elohim is an International and Universal Body that is directed by Torah and the Ruach of Elohim, not only by local needs. The Israel of Elohim is very much accountable to YHWH for equalizing wealth and providing Justice and Righteous tithing Universally. This can only be accomplished by first having an interest to restoring the Ancient Paths and understanding that when Yeshua came to this earth as Mashiyach ben Yoseph, He presented Himself as a Living Sacrifice to establish Torah and write Torah upon our hearts. Rather than use tithes to live out the "American Dream", we are called to use tithes to bring the Kingdom of Elohim to this earth.

We must study Torah to know how YHWH and His Mashiyach direct the Tithe.

We must only give tithes and offerings to those whose teaching is Torah based.

We must only give tithes and offerings to those who live righteous, transparent and accountable lives, who raise the standards of Torah for all souls, not just their own congregation. Too many men are afraid to speak the truth out in the community, but they are HUGE talkers when they have a pulpit.

We must only give tithes to men who qualify according to Torah requirements of the Beit Din.

We must learn to separate our tithes according to the Prophetic annual Moedim, not our own timetable.

We must allow our tithes to also direct our decisions for ourselves and our families based on yearly needs according to the Moedim.

We must NEVER put other things before our Tithes, like vacations, cars, toys, homes, renovations, entertainment, this only results in stealing from YHWH and produces heavy loss, discontentment and lack of the satisfaction of enjoying the things we are stewards of. The fact of the matter is YHWH Himself promises to send delusions to those who believe in a lie. The delusion sent is that YHWH is blessing covetous souls who love money, power or the praise of men. The years will always Judge with Righteousness, no one will be excused who has stolen from YHWH and His Mashiyach, Yeshua. Ignorance of the Tithe is a very weak excuse, whether it is in this or the next generation, the truth will avail itself.

We must realize that if we are not, or have not been tithing according to Torah, that we may not experience the loss immediately, but not only the person who is not tithing but his family, his health and his happiness is being jeopardized each day.

We must realize that when we give the tithe it is in the Name of YHWH, therefore we declare His Name along with our intention to advance His Kingdom.

We must rest on the Shabbat and the Moedim, there is no sum of money that one can exchange for an appointment with the Ruach HaKodesh. There is no sum of money, no tithe, no offerings that can be exchanged for lack of righteous action.

We must realize that our time is worth more to YHWH than our money, what is the value of your money when you are dead? What is the value of all the money in the world if it is inherited by those who will not seek Justice and Righteousness and build the Malchut Elohim?

We must give anonymously and not expect ANY monetary or business rewards returning back to us through any organization or association that we might give YHWH's tithes or offerings to. We either do one or the other, but we cannot do both, only a fool would deceive himself to believe this is at all possible.

Today is the acceptable day of repentance, our tithe is to establish TRUTH, JUSTICE and PEACE in the Name of YHWH, and for the cause of Mashiyach Yeshua, not for the cause of men's tradition and religion.

Let us return unto YHWH what belongs unto Him according to Torah and His Mashiyach, not according to what is right in our own eyes.

Shalom U'Vrachot,

Baruch ben Daniel