The contributions required of the Hebrews for religious and charitable purposes amounted to fully one fourth of their income. So heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity. On condition of their obedience God made them this promise: "I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field. . . . And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:11.

De bidrag, hebræerne skulle yde til religiøse og godgørende formål, beløb sig til en fjerdedel af deres indtægt. Man skulle tro, at folket ville blive fattige af at betale så meget af deres indtægt, men en af betingelserne for deres velstand var netop, at de trofast opfyldte disse krav. Hvis de var lydige, ville Gud opfylde dette løfte til dem: "Jeg vil for Eders skyld skræmme æderne, så at de ikke ødelægger Eder landets afgrøde, og vinstokken på marken skal ikke slå Eder fejl ..... Og alle folkene skal love Eder, fordi I har et yndigt land, siger hærskarers Herre." Mal. 3, 11-12.