Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
God's challenge to Israel regarding tithes represents one of Scripture's boldest invitations to test His faithfulness. The command "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse" (havi'u et-kol-hama'aser el-beyt ha'otsar, הָבִיאוּ אֶת־כָּל־הַמַּעֲשֵׂר אֶל־בֵּית הָאוֹצָר) addresses Israel's robbery of God (v. 8) by withholding tithes and offerings. The "storehouse" (beyt ha'otsar, בֵּית הָאוֹצָר) refers to temple storerooms where grain, wine, and oil were kept to support Levites, priests, and temple service (Nehemiah 13:12-13).
The purpose clause "that there may be meat in mine house" (vihayah teref beveyti, וִיהִי טֶרֶף בְּבֵיתִי) indicates the tithe's practical function—sustaining those who serve God's house. The term teref (טֶרֶף) literally means "food" or "prey," emphasizing the necessity of provision for temple personnel who depended on tithes for survival. When Israel withheld tithes, they undermined worship infrastructure and violated covenant obligations (Leviticus 27:30-32, Numbers 18:21-24).
Most remarkably, God issues a unique invitation: "prove me now herewith" (bechanuny na-vazot, בְּחָנוּנִי נָא־בְזֹאת). The verb bachan (בָּחַן) means to test, try, or examine. This is the only place in Scripture where God explicitly invites people to test Him. Normally, testing God demonstrates faithlessness (Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7), but here God confidently challenges Israel to test whether He keeps His promises. The promised blessing is extravagant: "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." The imagery of heavenly windows opening (arubot hashamayim, אֲרֻבּוֹת הַשָּׁמַיִם) recalls Noah's flood (Genesis 7:11), but here pouring blessing rather than judgment. The phrase "not room enough" (ad-beli-day, עַד־בְּלִי־דָי) means "until no more need"—abundance beyond capacity.
Historical Context
Malachi prophesied during the post-exilic period (approximately 450-400 BC), after Jews returned from Babylonian captivity and rebuilt the temple (516 BC). Initial spiritual enthusiasm had declined into apathy, moral compromise, and religious corruption. The economic situation was difficult, possibly including drought and poor harvests (Haggai 1:6-11, Malachi 3:11). In these circumstances, the people rationalized withholding tithes, questioning whether serving God brought benefit (Malachi 3:14-15).
The tithe system was central to Israel's covenant economy. God designated the tithe (ten percent of crops and livestock) to support the Levites, who received no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21-24). Levites in turn gave a tenth of what they received to support the priests (Numbers 18:26-28). When people withheld tithes, the entire religious infrastructure collapsed. Nehemiah encountered this problem when he returned to Jerusalem and found the temple storerooms empty, Levites and singers forced to return to their fields because support had ceased (Nehemiah 13:10-12).
The historical context reveals that Israel's failure to tithe wasn't merely economic selfishness but theological doubt. They questioned God's justice and faithfulness (Malachi 2:17, 3:14-15), concluding that serving God was unprofitable. God's challenge addresses this doubt head-on: test Me and see if I don't provide abundantly. The promised blessing includes both agricultural abundance (v. 11-12) and restored reputation among nations—Israel would be called a "delightsome land."
Questions for Reflection
How does this passage address the relationship between obedience and blessing in the covenant community?
What does God's invitation to 'test' Him reveal about His confidence in His own faithfulness?
How should Christians apply principles of proportional giving and supporting ministry from this Old Testament tithe command?
In what ways does withholding from God's work reflect doubt about His provision and faithfulness?
How does the promise of blessing 'poured out' challenge prosperity gospel distortions while affirming God's genuine desire to bless obedient giving?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's challenge to Israel regarding tithes represents one of Scripture's boldest invitations to test His faithfulness. The command "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse" (havi'u et-kol-hama'aser el-beyt ha'otsar, הָבִיאוּ אֶת־כָּל־הַמַּעֲשֵׂר אֶל־בֵּית הָאוֹצָר) addresses Israel's robbery of God (v. 8) by withholding tithes and offerings. The "storehouse" (beyt ha'otsar, בֵּית הָאוֹצָר) refers to temple storerooms where grain, wine, and oil were kept to support Levites, priests, and temple service (Nehemiah 13:12-13).
The purpose clause "that there may be meat in mine house" (vihayah teref beveyti, וִיהִי טֶרֶף בְּבֵיתִי) indicates the tithe's practical function—sustaining those who serve God's house. The term teref (טֶרֶף) literally means "food" or "prey," emphasizing the necessity of provision for temple personnel who depended on tithes for survival. When Israel withheld tithes, they undermined worship infrastructure and violated covenant obligations (Leviticus 27:30-32, Numbers 18:21-24).
Most remarkably, God issues a unique invitation: "prove me now herewith" (bechanuny na-vazot, בְּחָנוּנִי נָא־בְזֹאת). The verb bachan (בָּחַן) means to test, try, or examine. This is the only place in Scripture where God explicitly invites people to test Him. Normally, testing God demonstrates faithlessness (Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7), but here God confidently challenges Israel to test whether He keeps His promises. The promised blessing is extravagant: "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." The imagery of heavenly windows opening (arubot hashamayim, אֲרֻבּוֹת הַשָּׁמַיִם) recalls Noah's flood (Genesis 7:11), but here pouring blessing rather than judgment. The phrase "not room enough" (ad-beli-day, עַד־בְּלִי־דָי) means "until no more need"—abundance beyond capacity.