“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’” (Malachi 3:10, NLT)
In exploring biblical principles of generosity and stewardship, the concept of the “storehouse” in Scripture offers valuable insights for church leaders today. Malachi 3:10 famously calls believers to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse,” promising blessings in return. But what does the term “storehouse” actually mean, and how can understanding its purpose in ancient Israel inform our approach to church finances today? By diving into biblical references and historical context, we can uncover how the storehouse functioned as a place of provision and security, both for the Temple’s needs and the needs of the people. This study examines what the storehouse truly represents and how these principles apply to managing church resources in the present day.
Biblical and Historical Context of the Storehouse
Let’s explore the meaning and purpose of the “storehouse” in Scripture, examining its linguistic roots, usage in Old Testament texts, and interpretations from various biblical resources.
Theological Wordbook Of The OT
(v. I, 154): ‘otsar, derivative of ‘atsar, a verb meaning “to store up or to lay up.” There are 10 references to the treasury of the King’s Palace, and 9 references to the treasury in the Temple.
Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon
(69-70): אוֹצָר (phonetic pronunciation o-tsaw’) is a Masculine noun translated treasure(s), store, treasury, storehouse, magazine. The word is frequently used in the context of a military armory in the OT (note that the quote is attributed to “the LORD (yahweh) of Heaven’s Armies.”).
Strong’s Concordance #214
The Hebrew word אוֹצָר (otsar), listed as entry #214 in Strong’s Concordance, is translated as “treasure,” “store,” or “storehouse.” This term appears throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing its role as a place of gathered resources, whether in the King’s palace or the Temple.
Cross-References
1 Kings 7:51, 1 Kings 15:18, 2 Kings 12:19, 2 Kings 14:14, 2 Kings 16:8, 2 Kings 18:15, Jeremiah 38:11, Jeremiah 50:37, et al.
Joel 1:17, Proverbs 8:21, 1 Chronicles 27:25, Nehemiah 13:12-13, Malachi 3:10
Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary
(v. VI, 579): “Tithes are also mentioned in the oracles of the prophet Malachi, who protested that the people were robbing the Lord by not bringing their full tithes into the Temple storehouse in Jerusalem (3:6-11). He insisted that if the people would bring their full tithes, God would pour down on them an overflowing blessing and bless their fields with protection from ravaging insects.”
Holman Bible Dictionary
(1305) “Storehouses were built early in human history to protect harvested crops from vermin and extreme weather. The typical storehouse during the Israelite period was a rectangular building with a double row of columns that divided the building into three narrow aisles. Large, thick walls supported the roof, and small side rooms led off of the main hall.”
“The Temple complex included special storage areas, both for the utensils of worship and to serve as a sort of bank where the valuables might be placed. The picture of a full storehouse served as an image of God’s blessing and was often used by the prophets.” – David Maltsberger
New American Commentary
(v. 21a, 420-421, Clendenen)
- The command was for people to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, resulting in food in my house, suggesting that some were withholding their full tithe.
- The storehouse was a section within the Temple. It was an extended hallway divided into numerous rooms or cubicles for the storage of tithes consisting of grain, wine, and olive oil. The storehouse also was where the articles of Temple worship were stored for safekeeping. It held resources for current use and reserves for future use.
- The purpose of the Temple storehouse was so the Levites, who had no allotment of their own, would have their temporal needs met so they could conduct the worship activities within the Temple. The storehouse was also a place where the poor, the aliens (foreigners), the fatherless (orphans), and the widows could come to find food and nourishment (Deuteronomy 14:29, Nehemiah 10:38, 12:44).
Highlights of The Storehouse Principle
- The storehouse was not the Temple, it was a section within the Temple where currently expendable and future reserves were held. It was analogous to the Temple’s “treasury.”
- The storehouse reveals the intent and design to plan for current and future expenses related to the ministry.
- The storehouse was intended to provide for the internal needs of the Temple, both in its worship and priesthood, as well as ministry “beyond the walls” to those who were marginalized or disenfranchised.
- The storehouse recognized that the tithes it received would not be brought to the Temple in a recurring or frequent manner. The tithes (and offerings for that matter) of the Old Testament were established by the feasts and festivals and established by particular calendar dates.
- The emphasis of the “whole” tithe would suggest that some Israelites were withholding part of their tithes, presumably for their own self-interests. Does this sound familiar?
- It’s interesting to note that the etymology of the word storehouse comes from a verb meaning “to store or lay up treasure.” (cf. Matthew 6:19-21)
Principles & Applications of The Storehouse Principle
The analogy is not that the storehouse equates to today’s church. The more accurate analogy would be that the Temple is today’s church or focus of mission and ministry. In other words, the storehouse is not the church; it is within the church.
Having said that, the storehouse would be analogous to today’s church treasury, which would be the repository of funds that are immediately usable for current annual campaign needs as well as reserves for future needs (sustainability) and capital projects that would come from gift planning and major gifts.
Church funding should be designed for internal purposes (property, personnel, and programs) as well as a robust plan for ministry beyond its own walls for the benefit of others. Are we minimizing the internal in favor of maximizing the external? Do we have the margin to enable us to live on mission?
Understanding the storehouse as a distinct section within the Temple helps clarify its role. In today’s context, church leaders can draw on this model by ensuring that church finances not only sustain internal operations but also support impactful, outward-focused ministry that grows God’s kingdom. With intentional planning and stewardship, the modern “storehouse” within our churches can enable us to be a blessing to others, fostering a sustainable mission that aligns with God’s call to serve generously.
MortarStone supports churches in creating a modern “storehouse” by providing powerful data analytics and insights into giving patterns, which allow leaders to make informed financial decisions. With MortarStone, church leaders can identify current and potential high-capacity givers, track progress toward financial goals, and allocate resources effectively for both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. By helping churches cultivate a culture of generosity and strategically manage funds, MortarStone empowers ministries to meet their operational needs while expanding their mission beyond the church walls.
For more information about how MortarStone can help your church increase giving and engagement, get in touch with us today!
Tim Deatrick, D.Min., CAP
Director of Giver Engagement