? Cross-References:
- Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land…is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “God loves a cheerful giver.”
? Historical Context:
- Under the Mosaic Law, the Israelites were required to give a tenth of their income to support the Levites and the temple (Numbers 18:21-24). They had neglected this duty, showing their lack of trust in God’s provision.
? Thought Question:
- What does it mean to “rob God” today? Is it only about money, or does it apply to other areas of life as well?
Malachi 3:9 – “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.”
? Cross-References:
- Deuteronomy 28:15-19 – The consequences of disobedience to God’s commands include curses.
- Haggai 1:6 – “You have sown much, and harvested little… you earn wages to put them into a bag with holes.”
? Historical Context:
- Their disobedience had led to economic hardship—droughts, poor harvests, and lack of provision. Their failure to honor God affected the whole nation.
? Thought Question:
- How does collective disobedience affect an entire community, church, or nation?
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
? Cross-References:
- Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth… then your barns will be filled with plenty.”
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you.”
? Historical Context:
- The “storehouse” was the temple, where food and resources were stored for the Levites and the poor. God challenges them to test His faithfulness, something rarely found in Scripture.
? Thought Question:
- Why do you think God allows Himself to be “tested” in this area but not others?