Deuteronomy 21:23

you must not leave the body on the tree overnight, but you must be sure to bury him that day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.

Study Bible

you must not leave the body on the tree overnight
In ancient Israelite culture, leaving a body exposed overnight was considered a dishonor and a violation of the dignity of the deceased. This command reflects the importance of maintaining purity and respect for the dead, aligning with the broader biblical principle of honoring God's creation. The practice of removing the body before nightfall also prevented ritual impurity, which was a significant concern in the Israelite community. This command is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus' body was taken down from the cross before evening (John 19:31-33), fulfilling the law and maintaining ritual purity.

but you must be sure to bury him that day
Immediate burial was a common practice in ancient Israel, emphasizing the urgency of dealing with death in a way that respects both the individual and the community. This command ensured that the land remained undefiled and that the community remained ritually clean. The practice of same-day burial is still observed in Jewish tradition today. This urgency also prefigures the burial of Jesus, who was buried the same day He was crucified, fulfilling the law and prophetic symbolism (Matthew 27:57-60).

because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse
This phrase indicates that execution by hanging was seen as a sign of divine judgment. In the cultural and historical context, being hung on a tree was a public display of shame and a declaration that the person was cursed by God. This concept is crucial in understanding the redemptive work of Christ, as Paul explains in Galatians 3:13, where Christ became a curse for us by being hung on a tree, thus redeeming us from the curse of the law. This typology highlights the substitutionary atonement of Jesus, who bore the curse on behalf of humanity.

You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance
The land of Israel was considered holy, a gift from God to His chosen people. Defiling the land through disobedience or neglect of God's commands was a serious offense, as the land was a tangible representation of God's covenant with Israel. This command underscores the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in the land, reflecting the broader biblical theme of stewardship and responsibility. The concept of land as an inheritance is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing God's promises and blessings to His people, ultimately pointing to the eternal inheritance believers have in Christ (Hebrews 9:15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the law, preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land given by God to the Israelites, which they are about to inherit.

4. Cursed Man
A person executed and hung on a tree, symbolizing being under God's curse.

5. God
The divine lawgiver, emphasizing holiness and the sanctity of the land.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of the Land
God's command to bury the executed on the same day underscores the importance of maintaining the purity of the land. As believers, we are called to live lives that honor God and do not defile the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ.

Understanding the Curse
The curse of being hung on a tree points to the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It foreshadows Christ's redemptive work, where He took upon Himself the curse of sin for our salvation.

Respect for the Dead
The command to bury the dead promptly reflects a respect for human dignity, even in judgment. This teaches us to uphold the value of life and dignity in all circumstances.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' crucifixion fulfills the law's requirement, as He was hung on a tree and became a curse for us. This highlights the depth of His sacrifice and the completeness of His redemption.

Holiness in Inheritance
Just as the Israelites were to keep their land undefiled, Christians are called to live holy lives, reflecting the purity of the spiritual inheritance we have received through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to bury the executed on the same day reflect God's concern for the land's sanctity, and how can we apply this principle to our spiritual lives today?

2. In what ways does Galatians 3:13 deepen our understanding of Deuteronomy 21:23, and how does it impact our view of Christ's sacrifice?

3. How can the principle of respecting the dead, as seen in this passage, influence our attitudes and actions towards others in our community?

4. What does the concept of being "under God's curse" teach us about the seriousness of sin and the need for redemption?

5. How can we ensure that our lives reflect the holiness and purity that God desires, in light of the inheritance we have received through Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 3:13
Paul references Deuteronomy 21:23 to explain how Christ became a curse for us by being hung on a tree, thus redeeming us from the curse of the law.

Joshua 10:26-27
Describes the execution and burial of the kings, following the command not to leave bodies hanging overnight.

Numbers 35:33-34
Discusses the defilement of the land through bloodshed, emphasizing the need for purity in the land God has given.

John 19:31
The Jews request the removal of bodies from the crosses before the Sabbath, reflecting the law in Deuteronomy 21:23.

Acts 5:30
The apostles speak of Jesus being killed by hanging on a tree, connecting to the curse mentioned in Deuteronomy.