How does Judges 20:12 relate to Matthew 18:15 on confronting sin? A snapshot of both passages • Judges 20:12: “Then the tribes of Israel sent men through the entire tribe of Benjamin, saying, ‘What is this wicked act that was done among you?’” • Matthew 18:15: “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Where the stories meet • Both verses open with God’s people taking initiative when sin surfaces. • In each, confrontation begins by addressing the guilty party directly—Benjamin’s leaders in Judges, an erring “brother” in Matthew. • The goal in both settings: expose evil, call for repentance, and restore righteousness in the covenant community. Similar principles spelled out 1. Personal responsibility – Israel’s tribes do not ignore Gibeah’s atrocity; Jesus tells individuals not to ignore a brother’s offense. 2. Clear communication – Israel asks, “What is this wicked act…?”—they articulate the charge. – Jesus commands, “go and confront him privately,” stating the sin plainly. 3. Opportunity for repentance – Benjamin’s tribe has a chance to surrender the guilty men before judgment (Judges 20:13). – The private appeal in Matthew aims to “win your brother over.” 4. Corporate purity matters – Sin in one city threatens the whole nation (cf. Joshua 7:1). – Unaddressed sin can spread in the church like “a little leaven” (1 Corinthians 5:6). 5. Obedience precedes unity – Israel seeks unity, but not at the expense of holiness (Judges 20:11). – Jesus wants reconciliation, but only after sin is dealt with truthfully (Matthew 18:16-17 if step one fails). Key contrasts to notice • Old-covenant civil context vs. new-covenant church context. • Collective tribal approach (representatives to Benjamin) vs. individual first approach (one-on-one confrontation). • Potential for armed conflict in Judges; Christ replaces it with a tiered, peace-oriented process (Matthew 18:15-17). Practical takeaways • Act promptly when sin surfaces; silence breeds deeper corruption (Proverbs 27:5-6). • Start as small and personal as possible, yet be willing to widen the circle if repentance is refused. • Maintain the balance of truth and love—call sin “wicked” yet pursue restoration (Galatians 6:1). • Remember the aim: win the sinner and protect the community, not score a victory in argument (James 5:19-20). |
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