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Malachi explains that the Israelites are robbing God through the withholding of tithes and offerings, which also translates to breaking the terms of the Covenant and evidence of Israel’s backsliding.
The rebellion of the Jews is not strange to God because it has been in their nature historically, yet God appeals to them to return to him.
The tithe is a tenth of the produce of the land (Deut 12:6), while offerings are free-will and mandatory gifts that include agricultural produce, material goods, or personal valuables, given to the Lord or his sanctuary, usually as a thank-offering in recognition of God’s goodness and generosity.
Israel as a nation thus came under a curse because they failed to follow the covenant commitment, hence denying themselves God’s blessings.
Now, God reassures them of abundant harvests and safety from pestilence if they return to him and do the needful.
The author of Hebrews illustrated the coming of Jesus in the order of Melchizedek, being greater than the law and its accompanying priesthood order, all of which could not bring about perfection.
This Melchizedek was king; king of righteousness and peace, and was also a priest without genealogy; an eternal priest.
The Patriarch Abraham recognized Melchizedek as greater by giving him a tenth of the plunder while returning from the defeat of the kings.
Melchizedek, though not a Levite or a descendant of Abraham, received a tenth from Abraham, and in return placed a blessing on Abraham who already received God’s promises.
Just as the one who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the person who is blessed, Melchizedek is greater than the great Patriarch Abraham.
We pay our tithes to priests who die, but Abraham paid tithes to a priest who, the Scripture says, lives on.
Jesus is the true counterpart of Melchizedek, because he is the Living King.