This text teaches us that there is a relationship between faithfulness in tithing and the rest of the commandments. The one who is faithful with the tithes shows that the Eternal is the owner of everything he has.

The commandment regarding the tithe is similar to the one for Shabbat; both commandments exist in order for us to acknowledge the Eternal's sovereignty. The one who tithes acknowledges the Eternal's sovereignty over matter, and the one who keeps Shabbat acknowledges the Eternal's sovereignty over time. The one who tithes is showing that mammon is not his god, and the one who keeps Shabbat is showing that the Eternal is his God. By submitting part of the money and part of the time for the service to the Eternal in a special way, with tithing and Shabbat, we open a door of dominion of the Eternal over the rest of the money and time of the week.

In that way, these two commandments are platforms that help us t o be obedient to the Eternal in the rest. That's why the one who gives the tithe away and keeps Shabbat is also interested in fulfilling the rest of the commandments required from him.

This text teaches that after having being faithful with the tithe, the blessing over the people and the land can be asked for. First, one gives the tithe, and then the blessing comes, not the other way around. It's not that the Eternal blesses you so you can tithe. One who thinks so, is setting his priorities backwards, first myself, then the Eternal. In that case the Eternal cannot bless you; because you think you don't have enough to tithe and you are leaving it till the end, in case you have enough, then you'll give it.

It is the other way around, first you give the tithe so that the Eternal may bless what you have left and then you'll have what you need

However, the commandment of Shabbat and tithe are not obligatory for non-Jews but highly recommended. Through them one shows his dedication to the Eternal, and can live on a high spiritual level and experience the blessing that comes of that.

HaShem blesses all those who keeps the Shabbat and gives the tithe.

Ketriel