How does Galatians 3:13 connect to Deuteronomy 21:23 regarding curses? Framing the Issue 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.’” Deuteronomy 21:23: “…because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” Tracing the Curse through the Law • In Deuteronomy, hanging a criminal’s corpse on a tree made God’s verdict visible: public, shameful, final. • The body had to be removed before nightfall so the land would not be defiled; the curse was serious, but limited in duration. • “Tree” summed up a judicial declaration: rebellion brings divine wrath. How the Cross Echoes the Tree • The Roman cross was fashioned from wood—literally a “tree.” • Paul links Jesus’ crucifixion to the Mosaic ordinance word-for-word, proving the event satisfied a legal requirement, not random brutality. • By citing Deuteronomy, he shows the curse written into the Law intentionally foreshadowed Messiah’s work. What Happened on Calvary 1. Substitution • “Christ redeemed us … by becoming a curse for us.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” 2. Satisfaction • The Law demanded that sin be cursed; Jesus met its full demand. • Isaiah 53:5-6 foretells the transfer: “The LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” 3. Redemption • “Redeemed” (exagorazō) means bought out of the slave market; the price was His own life (1 Peter 1:18-19). Immediate Results for Believers • Curse lifted—no legal condemnation remains (Romans 8:1). • Blessing granted—“so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:14). • Spirit received—freedom to live under grace, not under the weight of performance. Wider Canon Connections • Colossians 2:14—The record of debt was nailed to the cross. • 1 Peter 2:24—He “bore our sins in His body on the tree.” • Hebrews 9:28—Christ was “offered once to bear the sins of many.” Living from the Freedom Won • Rest: no lingering accusation can stand; the curse is gone. • Worship: the cross turns shame into praise; we glory in the “tree” that set us free. • Obedience: rescued people walk by the Spirit, not to earn favor but because favor is already secured. Galatians 3:13 declares that the very curse God pronounced in Deuteronomy 21:23 fell on Jesus, making the cross both the darkest display of judgment and the brightest revelation of grace. |
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