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?