If you do not pay tithes, your life is NOT at risk. Please fact-check me: As a nation, Japan has the highest average life expectancy of any country on Earth, with an average life span of 84 years. Yet, Christians make up only 1.5% of their population, and the vast majority of their Christians do not pay tithes. Meanwhile, Nigeria has one of the lowest average life expectancies on Earth, with the average Nigerian living for only 53 years. Yet, we are one of the most religious countries on Earth, with a large population of tithe payers.
How can a pastor tell you that your life is at risk if you do not pay tithe and you will remain in that place?
I have read Scripture in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek. The word “devourer” in the King James Version of Malachi 3:11 is an agricultural term. It is common in agriculture. The devourer there just means an agricultural pest. If you read that verse in the original Hebrew or a modern-day English version, it will be clear. Let me give you some versions:
“I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty.”-New International Version.
“I will also stop locusts from destroying your crops and keeping your vineyards from producing.”-Contemporary English Version.
“I will rebuke the locust for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not be barren, says the LORD of hosts..”-New Revised Standard Version.
The King James Bible was written in 1611. Many words used in the KJV have different meanings today. For example, the word Africa is not used in the KJV. Instead, Africa is called Cush and Black peoples are called Cushites.
In 1611, agricultural pests were called devourers. Thot is why Malachi 3:11 in the King James Version says:
“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, saith the LORD of hosts.”
It does not mean that God will kill you if you do not pay your tithes.
The reason why agricultural terms are always used when referring to tithes in Scripture and the Bible is because tithes were an agricultural tax imposed on Jews from the eleven tribes other than the tribe of Levi, and meant for the Levitical priests because they were not given a land inheritance when Moses divided up the promised land.
Even Yeshua, who we follow (not worship), did not collect tithes.
The only time Yeshua Hamasiach (Jesus Christ) mentions tithes, He mentioned them strictly in agricultural terms and only to the Pharisees who were under the law. We see this in Matthew 23:23:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
There is no single instance of paying monetary tithes in Scripture.
The only alternative to agricultural produce was alcoholic beverages. We see this in Deuteronomy 14:24-26:
“But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice.”
Why did God require the ancient Israelites to pay tithes of their farm produce?
Joshua 13:14 gives the answer.
“But to the tribe of Levi, he gave no inheritance, since the food offerings presented to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.”
Now, let me pronounce a blessing on you. You and your household will not die if you do not pay tithes. My God shall bless you, and you are likely to live as long as a Japanese, as long as you are hardworking, avoid red meat, be family conscious, and maintain personal hygiene.
Reno Omokri
Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022.
