The Hebrews had failed to keep up their support for the priestly tribe of Levi,
and the LORD used the Prophet Malachi to admonish the children of Israel to
return in their efforts to support their brethren.
Being freed from the Law, the government of the New Testament Church is
now established through the apostolic leadership of the Body of Christ, not the
priestly tribe of Levi.
ìAnd he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of
the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ.î Ephesians 4:11-15
When the Church began under the leadership of the first apostles, tithing was
not the accepted practice of support for the brethren, even though all of them
were Jews and familiar with the Law.
ìAnd the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and
of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things
which he possessed was his own; but they had all things
common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them
all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many
as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought
the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at
the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man
according as he had need.î Acts 4:33-35
Given the extravagance of modern day false prophets, itís no wonder that they
seek to use Old Testament scripture to support their selfish lifestyles, rather than
follow the dictates of the New Testament Church as outlined in the Bible.
By using the scriptures in Malachi to intimidate people to support them, these
blind guides are comparing themselves to the tribe of Levi. But the Levites
owned no property and had no means of viable support.