“His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
Context: Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, which are attributed to Moses. The book of Deuteronomy contains the farewell speeches of Moses to the Israelites, providing them with laws and instructions as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 21:23 is part of a section that deals with various laws concerning social order and justice within the Israelite community. This particular verse addresses the treatment of a person who has been executed and hung on a tree as a form of capital punishment.
Symbolism of Hanging on a Tree: In ancient Israel, hanging a person’s body on a tree was considered a public display of shame and disgrace. It was reserved for individuals who committed particularly heinous crimes or were seen as cursed by God. The act of hanging symbolized the person’s rejection and condemnation by both God and the community.
Respect for the Dignity of the Deceased: Despite the person’s wrongdoing, the Israelites were commanded to remove the body from the tree and bury it on the same day. This command shows respect for the dignity of the deceased and acknowledges their humanity, even in death. It also prevents the land from being defiled by the presence of a corpse.
The Connection to Christ: In the New Testament, the apostle Paul references this verse in Galatians 3:13, saying, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” Paul highlights how Jesus Christ, by being crucified on a cross (a form of hanging), took upon Himself the curse of sin and became a sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
This verse in Deuteronomy, when understood in light of its fulfillment in Christ, points to the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. It highlights the gravity of sin and the need for a Savior to bear its curse on behalf of humanity.
Application:
- Reverence for Human Dignity: As believers, we are called to honor the dignity of every human being, regardless of their sins or mistakes. We should treat others with respect and compassion, recognizing their inherent worth as bearers of God’s image.
- Gratitude for Christ’s Sacrifice: Reflecting on Jesus’ crucifixion helps us appreciate the depth of His love and sacrifice for our salvation. We should respond with gratitude, seeking to live in obedience to Him and sharing the good news of redemption with others.
- Rejecting a Judgmental Spirit: While God’s Word highlights the consequences of sin, we should avoid adopting a judgmental attitude towards others. Instead, we should extend grace, understanding that Christ took the curse of sin upon Himself so that we can experience forgiveness and restoration.
Conclusion:
Deuteronomy 21:23 addresses the treatment of a person who is hung on a tree as a form of capital punishment. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity of the deceased, even in cases of severe wrongdoing. In light of the New Testament, this verse also points to the redemptive work of Christ, who became a curse for us by being crucified on the cross. As believers, we should value human dignity, appreciate Christ’s sacrifice, and extend grace to others.
