HE MUST NOT EXCHANGE IT OR SUBSTITUTE A GOOD ONE FOR A BAD
ONE, OR A BAD ONE FOR A GOOD ONE: That the vow should not be altered is
caught in the language of Ecc 5:4,5: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay
in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better
not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." The vows of the field and its
increase is a very practical way in which the Israelite could give to his God.
The priests had no "inheritance", except the service of God. They lived upon the
service the others gave the tabernacle and temple. The extent to which Israel
were not willing to make vows affected the wellbeing of the priesthood. This has
its counterpart in our lives today. We can dedicate ourselves to our God in
service to our brethren and sisters. The extent to which we do this affects the
wellbeing of our brethren and sisters.
Lev 27:30
A TITHE OF EVERYTHING FROM THE LAND... BELONGS TO THE LORD;
IT IS HOLY TO THE LORD: Originally, the fathers gave tithes voluntarily (Gen
14:20; Heb 7:4). Under the Law of Moses, tithing was compulsory, but in Christ
it should be treated as it was by Abraham and Jacob (Gen 14:20; 28:22), and
probably by others. Using an analogy from the Law -- about not muzzling the ox
who treads out the grain -- Paul encourages giving to support and aid preachers
of the gospel in their work (1Co 9). And again he writes, "Anyone who receives
instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor" (Gal
6:6). But nowhere in the NT is tithing commanded.