When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;
When you have finished giving a tenth of all your crops in the third year (which is the special year for giving), and you have given it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows so they can eat in your towns and have enough food,
God is instructing His people to set aside every third year for special giving to support those in need - religious workers, foreigners, orphans, and widows - ensuring no one goes hungry.
📚 Historical Context
This verse refers to a special tithe collected every third year in ancient Israel, separate from the regular annual tithes. The Levites were the priestly tribe who had no land inheritance and depended on tithes for their livelihood. This third-year tithe was specifically designated to care for society's most vulnerable members within local communities.
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