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The answer may be found in Rashi in Bereishit (18:16) where the same root of "shakof" is used. Rashi says this the root always refers to looking at foreboding doom, except regarding our pasuk, because giving tithes changes the attribute of anger into compassion. Kli Yakar on our pasuk explains further. If a person overcomes his inclination toward cruelty and shows compassion by giving to those in need, Hashem agrees to replace expected anger with mercy.
However, it is hard to see how a Jew displays mercy by giving tithes. There are different circumstances under which one’s money goes to the needy. A person can be moved by what he sees to give with compassion. But one can also give because it is hard to avoid doing so. For example, when one pays much taxes it does not mean he is compassionate even though much of his money ends up providing for those in need. A person who follows the laws of the Torah, even when it is inconvenient and even costly, will likewise be compelled to fulfill the religious obligation of giving ma’asrot. So where is the compassion?
The answer to this problem may be found in the gemara in Ta’anit (9a). The gemara points out that it is forbidden to test Hashem to see if He will c’v’yachol keep His word, except regarding one mitzva, giving ma’aser. This idea is actually an explicit pasuk (Malachi 3:10): "Bring the ma’aser to the storage house ... and test Me in this ...if I will not open up the windows of the heavens and shower upon you a blessing without limits." We can explain according to the Kli Yakar that Hashem allows us to treat our discipline in giving to others as if we were doing it with all the warm feelings with which we ideally should. In any case, we are promised results. This allows Rashi to use the language of challenging Hashem, as this is the one case where He told us that we can be a little chutzpadic and say: "We gave ma’aser, and we are testing you to reciprocate."
The same gemara implies that this opportunity applies not only to agricultural tithes but also to giving a tenth of one’s earnings to the poor. Let us hope that we will show both the discipline and the love involved in giving tzedakah and merit the extra credit points to pass our tests and allow us to "test Hashem" as well.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
