The biblical system of tithing reveals its significance through the example of Jacob, who understood and practiced this principle. Jacob, aware of God's command to tithe, promised to return a tenth of his blessings or increase to God, demonstrating his faithfulness. He likely learned about tithing from his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac, showing that this law was in effect long before it was commanded through Moses. Through tithing, Jacob recognized God's rulership and providence, aligning with the broader biblical endorsement of tithing as the financial system God supports for providing for the preaching of the gospel and the feeding of the flock.

Jacob's example of tithing reveals his understanding of this principle. In his journey, he promised to give God a tenth of what he received if God provided protection, food, and clothing. This commitment was made in the context of travel, not farming, demonstrating that tithing was not limited to agricultural produce. His choice of ten percent suggests a pre-existing knowledge of the tithing standard, likely passed down from Abraham through Isaac to him.

Jacob, like Abraham, understood that his substance, success, and defense all came from God. He relied on Him completely, demonstrating this through his tithing. His tithe, as recorded in Genesis 28, was given to support God's house, symbolized by the pillar, which anticipated a major purpose of tithing in later Israel—the care of God's house. This act of giving reflected a deep acknowledgment of God's provision and a commitment to honor Him with a portion of what he had received. Jacob's example teaches us the importance of recognizing God's ownership over all we possess and returning a portion to Him as an act of faith and gratitude.

God has provided us with an account of tithing prior to the time of Moses in the story of Jacob. This tithing in patriarchal times was an act of worship, plainly connected with the setting up of an altar or pillar, which was to represent God's house. Jacob must have been taught about tithing by his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham, for he knew of it and understood its proper use.

In the context of tithing, the example of Jacob illustrates a profound spiritual principle. At the beginning of God's work with Jacob, shortly after he secured the birthright and blessing from Esau, he fled to Haran to escape his brother's wrath and to find a wife among his kin. During this journey, God offered Jacob a covenant, promising blessings both physical and spiritual. In response, Jacob accepted the terms of this covenant, recognizing that entering into such a relationship with his Master required a fitting response. He vowed to give a tenth of all he had, not out of direct command, but as an expected act of worship and acknowledgment of God as his King and Overlord. This act of tithing by Jacob, occurring before the formal codification of laws in the Old Covenant, highlights that tithing transcends mere legal obligation. It is a natural response to the covenant relationship with God, akin to presenting a gift to a sovereign lord. When we come before Him, the Sovereign of all the universe, it is fitting that our hands are not empty. Jacob's example shows that tithing is an expression of worship, a recognition of God's ownership and rule over all things, and a commitment to honor Him as our Master by returning a tenth of what He has provided.