MarkS:
Because of free will, you or I can choose as to whether or not the tithe was of the Law.
We know that the tithe was give prior to God giving the Law to Moses, which was to be given unto Israel. The book of Mal. proves that God was talking to Israel, because this book was written unto Israel.
The seven church epistles are written unto the Church, and "not once" will you even find the word "tithe" in the seven church epistles !
You had said that the giving of the tithe came before the law. Well, so did "circumcison". Yet, the book of Galatians deals with the "Law of Circumcision", specifically. Although, the book of Galatians deals will "all" the law, of which the "tithe" was a part !
Deut. 14:22 is "of" the Law, and is a commandment of the law to Israel, for them to "tithe" of their increase.
I gave you plenty of scriptures that show us, that we are no longer "under" the Law, since Christ.
Love IN Christ - Hervey