Those who demand a tithe from people now, will often claim that Israelites did not ‘tithe’ money because they didn’t have any.  This too, is clearly a lie!  It is very clear that the Israelites had money, but it was never part of ‘the tithe’ because God did not ask for it.

  

Throughout Leviticus chapter 27, the Lord speaks to Moses about redeeming (buying back) things that have been dedicated to the Lord according to their value in “shekels of silver”.  This even applies to the tithe-

Lev. 27:31 “ If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it.”   It is obvious that the Israelites had money because they were told that they could buy back their tithe with it.  So if God had wanted money in the first place, he would simply have asked for it. 

 

While God was instructing Israel about the tithe in Deuteronomy 14, God commands them to use their silver to buy a tithe that they can eat and share. Once again it is made clear that God did not want money.  He tells those Israelites who cannot carry their tithe, that they should take silver instead.  Then, when they arrive, use the silver to buy livestock, grain and wine for the tithe.  

Deut.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.  And do not neglect the levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own.” 

The Israelites clearly had money, because God said "Use the silver to buy whatever you like, cattle sheep, wine or other fermented drink".   God did not want the tithe presented as money!