2 Chronicles 31:5-6 As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the first fruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things they in abundantly. And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps.
The response of the people to the reforms of Hezekiah and the restoration of true temple worship filled them with such great joy that they brought in tithes and offerings in great abundance. This generous and gracious giving was a kind of capstone to the joyous celebration of the renewal Feast. The abundant giving reflected the abundant joy that the hearts of the believers experienced. This return to the Lord was like the return of the Prodigal Son: “kill the fatted calf and party.”
Every time we hear the Gospel of Christ we return with great joy such that we gladly, cheerfully, and willingly bring our tithes to the Lord’s house, work, and worship. The Good News of Great Joy is so wonderful that it stirs us to be generous in our giving and tithing. The abounding pocketbook given to God expresses the inward abounding joy in the heart given us by grace. Tithing is not a burden, but it a joyful response to God’s gifts of grace, mercy, peace, hope, and comfort. And the added blessing is that the tithe makes us feel better.