In the Old Testament, God's people gave a tenth of all their produce to God in response to his generous blessings to them (the tithe). The idea of giving a tenth is first seen in Abraham and Jacob (Gen 14, 28), and is then made explicit in the Law of Moses. It was to be given generously with much rejoicing, not legalistically or begrudgingly (Num 18, Deut 12, 14, 26, 2 Chr 31, Mal 3).

Having received the tithe from Israel, God then redirects it to his work- to the priests and Levites, as well as to those in need, such as widows and orphans.

As New Testament believers, we are still to give back to God in response to His generous blessings to us.

Indeed we have received God's ultimate generosity to us in the death of his Son Jesus, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, so that through his poverty we might become rich (2 Cor 8:9).

If we truly understand the gospel, we can cheerfully give as much as we can, and even beyond our ability (2 Cor 8-9).