How does Galatians 3:13 connect to Deuteronomy 21:23 regarding Christ's sacrifice? Setting the Scriptural Foundation • Deuteronomy 21:22-23: “If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain on the tree overnight; you must bury him that same day, for anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” • Galatians 3:13: “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.’ ” The Old Testament Context • The Law recognized public hanging as the most shameful end; the exposed corpse signified divine rejection. • Burial the same day prevented ceremonial defilement of the land (cf. Joshua 7:26). • “Under God’s curse” means the person bears God’s judicial wrath for sin. Paul’s Inspired Link • Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:23 verbatim to explain why the Messiah’s crucifixion was essential, not accidental. • The Law’s curse was aimed at lawbreakers; Christ never sinned (1 Peter 2:22). • By occupying the cursed position—“hung on a tree” (the wooden cross)—He voluntarily stepped into the place reserved for covenant breakers. The Curse Transferred to Christ • Isaiah 53:6: “The LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.” • On the cross Christ bore: – The full penalty decreed by the Law (Galatians 4:4-5). – The public shame of covenant disobedience (Hebrews 12:2). – The divine wrath pictured in Deuteronomy’s curse. Redemption Accomplished • “Redeemed” (exēgorasen) denotes buying out of slavery—here, slavery to sin and the Law’s condemnation. • The exchange: His cursed death purchases our blessed life (Ephesians 1:7). • The Law’s demand for just punishment is satisfied; believers are declared righteous (Romans 3:24-26). Foreshadowing in the Wilderness • Numbers 21:8-9: the bronze serpent “lifted up” prefigured Christ (John 3:14). • As Israelites looked in faith and lived, sinners look to the crucified Christ and receive life (John 3:15-16). Practical Takeaways for Believers • Assurance: No curse remains for those in Christ (Romans 8:1). • Identity: We are no longer law-condemned but Spirit-indwelt children (Galatians 3:26-29). • Gratitude: The shame He bore secures our honor; the death He died secures our life (Colossians 2:13-14). Praise to the Redeemer • Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ embraced the tree of curse so we could enjoy the tree of life (Revelation 22:2). |
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