Not to improperly preface one tithe to the next, but separate them in their proper order

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 509) teaches that maintaining the correct order of tithes affirms faith in Hashem’s wisdom. By not rearranging or delaying, we trust that His sequence of mitzvot is purposeful and beneficial.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Rambam (Hilchot Bikurim 1:7) rules that each tithe and portion carries a unique sanctity. Respecting the order preserves that holiness, ensuring it is not diminished or blurred by human interference.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rashi (Exodus 22:28) interprets “do not delay” as a call to fairness: each gift — whether to Kohanim, Levites, or the poor — must be given in turn. Reordering deprives rightful recipients and distorts justice.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• Talmud (Temurah 5a) establishes the principle “Ein ma’avirin al ha-mitzvot” — one may not bypass or alter mitzvot. Applied to agriculture, it ensures the farmer treats each stage of separation with care and discipline.

Terumah / Ma’aser – תְּרוּמָה / מַעֲשֵׂר

• Rambam highlights that this mitzvah safeguards the structure of agricultural obligations: Terumah Gedolah, Ma’aser Rishon, Terumat Ma’aser, and finally Ma’aser Sheni or Ani. This order reflects both sanctity and social responsibility.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Tithes are biblically mandated only in the Land of Israel (Kiddushin 38b–39a). The order of separation thus reflects the unique sanctity of the land and its agricultural produce.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• The mitzvah is fundamentally about obedience to Hashem’s system. Even if reordering seems practical, honoring His sequence affirms devotion to His command rather than human reasoning.