Deuteronomy 21:22

If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree,

Study Bible

If a man has committed a sin worthy of death
This phrase introduces the concept of capital punishment within the ancient Israelite legal system. The Hebrew word for "sin" here is "חֵטְא" (chet), which implies a moral failing or transgression against God's law. The phrase "worthy of death" indicates that the sin is of such gravity that it disrupts the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Historically, sins deemed worthy of death included idolatry, murder, and blasphemy, reflecting the seriousness with which the community was to uphold divine law.

and he is put to death
The execution of justice is a solemn act, reflecting the community's responsibility to maintain holiness and order. The Hebrew verb "מוּת" (muth) is used here, meaning "to die" or "to be put to death," emphasizing the finality and seriousness of the punishment. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where capital punishment was a common legal practice, serving as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from among the people.

and you hang his body on a tree
The act of hanging a body on a tree was not the method of execution but a post-mortem display. The Hebrew word "עֵץ" (etz) can mean "tree" or "wood," and in this context, it signifies a public display of the executed individual. This practice served as a visual warning to the community about the consequences of sin. In the broader biblical narrative, this imagery foreshadows the crucifixion of Christ, who, though sinless, bore the curse of the law for humanity's redemption. The Apostle Paul references this in Galatians 3:13, highlighting the redemptive work of Christ who was "hanged on a tree" to free us from the curse of the law.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sinful Man
Represents an individual who has committed a sin deemed worthy of capital punishment under the Mosaic Law.

2. The Execution
Refers to the carrying out of a death sentence as prescribed by the law for certain offenses.

3. The Tree
Symbolizes the method of displaying the executed body, which in ancient Israelite culture was a sign of divine curse and disgrace.

4. Israelite Community
The people of Israel who are given these laws to maintain holiness and justice within their society.

5. Mosaic Law
The legal and moral code given to the Israelites through Moses, which includes various laws about justice and punishment.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Justice
The passage highlights the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity of justice. It reminds us of the holiness required by God and the consequences of sin.

The Symbolism of the Tree
The tree is a symbol of curse and disgrace. In the New Testament, it becomes a symbol of redemption through Christ, who bore our curse.

The Role of the Law
The law served to maintain order and holiness among God's people. It points to the need for a savior who can fulfill the law perfectly.

Christ's Redemptive Work
Jesus' death on the cross fulfills the curse of the law, offering believers freedom from the penalty of sin.

Living a Holy Life
As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects God's holiness, understanding the gravity of sin and the grace offered through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of hanging a body on a tree in ancient Israelite culture reflect the seriousness of sin and its consequences?

2. In what ways does Galatians 3:13 help us understand the significance of Christ's crucifixion in light of Deuteronomy 21:22?

3. How can understanding the curse associated with the tree deepen our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?

4. What does this passage teach us about the nature of God's justice and mercy?

5. How can we apply the principles of justice and holiness from this passage in our daily lives as followers of Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 3:13
Paul references this practice to explain how Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, as He was hung on a tree (cross).

Joshua 10:26-27
Describes a similar practice where Joshua hangs the bodies of defeated kings on trees, illustrating the fulfillment of divine justice.

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