Where did this idea of tithing come from?

The ancient Israelites brought as an offering to God a portion of the fruits that ripened first. They did this in acknowledgement of the fact that all the products of the land came from God, and as an expression of thankfulness for His goodness.

Just exactly when and where the idea arose of giving a tithe (tenth), as a religious duty cannot be determined. History reveals that it existed in many ancient cultures, including Persia, Egypt and China. But it is clear that from the earliest accounts in the Old Testament (Genesis 14: 17-20) right through the Gospels of the New Testament (Luke 11:42), the tithe is not only acknowledged, it is commanded.

• Interested in seeing some of the scriptural references to tithing?
• Ready to make a commitment to give? ...to serve?