3:6–12 The people were not only bringing defective offerings but also were withholding the tithe, apparently due to the field’s meager returns. But withholding the tithe is stealing from the Lord. As a consequence the righteous Lord withheld blessing. Their sin also evidenced a lack of trust in the Lord to provide for their needs if they kept His commands. So the Lord urges them to put Him to the test. If they did so the consequent provision would be so great that the nations would see the difference and pronounce Israel blessed.