How does Joshua 22:31 connect with Matthew 18:15-17 on resolving conflicts? Setting the Stage • After years of conquest, the two-and-a-half tribes east of the Jordan build an imposing altar (Joshua 22:10). • The western tribes fear apostasy and prepare for war, yet first send a delegation led by Phinehas to investigate (22:13–14). • Matthew 18:15-17 records Jesus’ instructions for dealing with sin and conflict within the covenant community. Key Verse: Joshua 22:31 “Then Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, ‘Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this unfaithfulness against the LORD. Now you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD.’ ” Key Passage: Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Parallels in God-Honoring Conflict Resolution • Personal Approach – Matthew 18:15: go directly. – Joshua 22:13-16: leaders travel to the tribes themselves. • Fact-Finding Before Judging – Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19: hear the matter. – Joshua 22:16-20: questions asked, motives examined. • Witnesses and Shared Leadership – Matthew 18:16: bring others for confirmation. – Joshua 22:14: ten chiefs accompany Phinehas, representing the nation. • Desire for Restoration, Not Punishment – Matthew 18:15: goal is to “win your brother.” – Joshua 22:31: “Today we know the LORD is among us”; joy replaces suspicion. • Upholding Covenant Faithfulness – Both passages place God’s holiness at the center (Leviticus 19:17; Galatians 6:1). – Resolution preserves unity (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3). Step-by-Step Comparison 1. Perceived Sin • Joshua 22:12 – Talk of rebellion. • Matthew 18:15 – “If your brother sins.” 2. Private (or Small-Group) Confrontation • Joshua 22:13-14 – Delegation, not the whole army. • Matthew 18:15-16 – First alone, then two or three. 3. Listening and Explanation • Joshua 22:21-29 – East-bank tribes explain the altar as a witness, not for sacrifice. • Matthew 18:15-16 – Opportunity to “listen” and repent. 4. Corporate Confirmation • Joshua 22:30-31 – Leaders accept the explanation, report to Israel. • Matthew 18:17 – If unresolved, tell it to the assembly. 5. Peace Restored or Discipline Applied • Joshua 22:33-34 – War averted; altar named “Witness.” • Matthew 18:17 – Last resort: treat as outsider until repentance. Lessons for Today • Move toward, not away from, those who alarm or offend us (Romans 12:18). • Ask questions before drawing conclusions; motives matter. • Bring respected, godly witnesses when issues escalate. • Celebrate repentance and clarity; avoid needless division. • Remember that unity is preserved by truth and love together (Ephesians 4:15). Cited Scriptures Joshua 22; Matthew 18:15-17; Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19; Leviticus 19:17; Galatians 6:1; Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3, 15; Romans 12:18 |
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