מַעֲשֵׂר

מַעֲשֵׂר (maaser) is a tenth part or tithe. Genesis 14:20 reports that Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything from the episode, before the Mosaic law. That narrative describes Abram's act; it does not itself issue a standing command or explain every later Israelite tithe.

Within the Torah, tithe instructions serve several covenant purposes. Leviticus 27 calls the land's tithe holy to the Lord. Numbers 18 assigns tithes to the Levites for their service and requires the Levites to present a tithe from what they receive. Deuteronomy 14 includes worship before the Lord and a periodic provision for Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows. These texts must be interpreted together without pretending that every regulation is identical.

Malachi 3 confronts covenant unfaithfulness in withholding tithes and contributions and calls Israel to bring the full tithe into the storehouse. Its promise of provision belongs to that prophetic covenant dispute. Christian teaching may draw principles of faithful, generous support and care, but the passage should not be converted into a guaranteed investment formula or used to manipulate people facing poverty.

Maaser begins as a narrative tenth in Genesis and becomes a regulated feature of Israel's covenant life. The Torah connects it to holiness, Levitical service, worship, rejoicing, and care for people without land-based security; the prophets expose its neglect or distortion.