The phrase "the man hanged on a tree" is a significant biblical motif that appears in both the Old and New Testaments, carrying profound theological implications. This entry explores its occurrences, meanings, and the typological foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion.

Old Testament Context

The concept of being "hanged on a tree" is rooted in the Mosaic Law. In Deuteronomy 21:22-23 , it is written: "If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body must not remain on the tree overnight. You must bury him that same day, for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance."

This passage establishes the principle that a person executed and displayed on a tree is considered cursed by God. The hanging on a tree served as a public display of divine judgment and a warning to others.

Historical Examples

1. Joshua and the Kings: In Joshua 10:26-27, Joshua captured and executed five Amorite kings, hanging their bodies on trees until evening. This act was a demonstration of God's judgment against the enemies of Israel and a fulfillment of the divine command to purge the land of wickedness.

2. Absalom: In 2 Samuel 18:9-15, Absalom, the rebellious son of King David, met his demise when his hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging. Joab, David's commander, subsequently killed him. Although not a judicial execution, Absalom's death symbolized divine retribution for his rebellion.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament writers, particularly the Apostle Paul, draw a direct connection between the Old Testament curse and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Galatians 3:13 , Paul writes, "Christ 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.'"

Here, Paul interprets Christ's crucifixion as the ultimate fulfillment of the Deuteronomic curse. Jesus, though sinless, took upon Himself the curse of the law, symbolized by His being "hanged on a tree" (i.e., the cross), to redeem humanity from sin and death.

Typology and Prophecy

The imagery of being hanged on a tree serves as a typological foreshadowing of the Messiah's sacrificial death. The Old Testament instances of hanging on a tree prefigure the redemptive work of Christ, who bore the curse on behalf of humanity. This typology underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

Theological Implications

The concept of the man hanged on a tree highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. It underscores the belief that Jesus' death was not merely a historical event but a divinely ordained act of salvation. By becoming a curse for us, Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, offering reconciliation with God.

In summary, the motif of the man hanged on a tree is a profound biblical theme that encapsulates the seriousness of sin, the justice of God, and the sacrificial love of Christ. Through His death on the cross, Jesus transformed the symbol of curse into a means of blessing and redemption for all who believe.