"... Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse."
(DEUTERONOMY 21:23)

Deuteronomy 21:22-23
It’s an obscure point that you might miss as you struggle through a reading of the Laws enumerated in the book of Deuteronomy. Capital punishment in Israel was commonly done by stoning. But, according to a note in the Ryrie Study Bible, “Hanging was not the usual means of death but a sequel to death, in order to expose the corpse to ultimate disgrace.”


You might miss the point, but the Apostle Paul didn’t. He saw the significance of our Savior’s suffering. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'” (Galatians 3:13). Not only did Jesus die for us, but He suffered all the agonies and humiliation of crucifixion. That was not only physical suffering, but He experienced fully God’s curse; “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46)?


Don’t ever take lightly that aspect of Jesus’ suffering on your behalf. He became sin for us, became “a curse,” so that we might receive God’s great gift of salvation.



Scripture Focus

Deuteronomy 21:22-23

Insight

GOD'S CURSE FELL ON ONE WHO DIDN'T DESERVE IT, IN ORDER THAT HIS GRACE MIGHT FALL ON THOSE JUST AS UNDESERVING!

Bible In A Year

  • Job 33-34
  • Psalm 58
  • Luke 21

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