Malachi 3: 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the store- house, 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.
Before we begin the study, it must be established in our minds, in the clearest terms, that the first tenth of our increase is holy unto God, and should not be touched for any reason, unless God gives a direct command to do so. The instruction does not take into consideration nor makes allowance for poverty, adversity, tariffs, rents groceries, student debt, or the sticker shock persons may encounter, when prices for goods and services are going through the roof.
All of the above are never to be reckoned as valid reasons why the tithe should be appropriated for personal use. It is holy unto God, and He reserves it to use at His discretion. This must first be clearly established from the Bible. Leviticus 27: 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord.
Leviticus 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. 33 He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he changes it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.
Malachi 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. 12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!