Malachi 3:10 says, “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.’”

The whole book of Malachi is written to the nation of Israel. The nation had neglected their love for God. God had promised to bless Israel with children, domestic animals, crops, and status among other nations (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). To receive these blessings, Israel needed to follow God’s laws.

The prophet Malachi was tasked with telling them they had not been faithful. They brought damaged and diseased offerings to the Lord. They brought things they would not think of offering to a visiting king, yet they expected God to be happy with second-rate gifts. They focused on growing personal profit – thus becoming corrupt. Additionally, they married idol worshippers and were led away from God. But even after all of this, God gave them another opportunity to repent and be blessed.

This book, while not written to Christians, has many lessons for us (1 Corinthians 10:11). While we are not subject to the Law which was given to Israel (Romans 6:14), we are to keep the spirit of the Law (Matthew 27:36-40; Matthew 5:21-28). The Christian no longer belongs to himself but now belongs to God. The Jews were to give a tithe, or tenth, of his earnings. Even the priests in the Temple had to tithe. The Christian is to give all to the Lord. The Lord allows His people to keep what they have and use it for Him. Christians are not given specific laws to follow but are given principles to be guided by.

Another difference is that the Jews were given earthly promises of land, children, food, animals, and crops. Christians are not given such earthly promises but are promised to have persecutions in this life (2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Corinthians 15:19). However, the reward for faithful Christians is glory, honor, and immortality (Romans 2:7).

Additional Resource: 
Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1040: “Do Tithes and Offerings Belong in Christianity?” 
Understanding tithing and establishing Christian giving
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