Although nothing is said in the book of Genesis about Joseph tithing, he did so because his father, grandfather and great grandfather before him have tithed. It was a Hebrew tradition.
Also, Joseph felt so strongly about the prospering power of tithing that he made a law over all Egypt that the people must give one-fifth or two-tenths of everything to Pharaoas, who in turn supported the temples and priests. Thus the prosperous-minded Joseph required them to tithe not just one-tenth but two.
In the life of Joseph is found a constant recognition of GOD as the source of His supply and vast success. There are numerous Biblical references pointing this out, such as:
"The GOD of your Father hath given you the treasure" (Genesis 43:23).
"Jehovah was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man" (Genesis 39:2).
"The blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had in the house and in the field" (Genesis 39:5).
On the way to Egypt to live, Joseph's father, Jacob, had stopped at Beersheba (fulfillment) in the land of Canaan (realm of substance) to offer sacrifices. This would indicate that Jacob took the time to render thanks for the fulfillment and abundance that had come into his life. Offering sacrifices indicated that he followed the ancient custom of giving "thank offerings" and tithes in appreciation for:
(1.) his son Joseph's safety in Egypt and his success there;
(2.) the family's being saved from starvation;
(3.) their reunion in Egypt.
The wealthy Jacob had long since learned that to give a "faith offering" before his prayers were answered assured results; and to give a "thank offering" afterwards sealed and protected the results and made them permanent. No wonder he lived amid such lavish abundance in his later years in Egypt! He had earned it in consciousness through his faithful giving over the years.
pges.183-184 Millionaires of the Genesis
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