Topical Bible: Burial of Persons Hanged, Always on the Days of Execution

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the burial of individuals who were executed by hanging holds significant theological and cultural implications. The practice is rooted in the Mosaic Law, which provides specific instructions regarding the treatment of the bodies of those who have been put to death by hanging. This entry explores the scriptural basis, historical context, and theological considerations surrounding this practice.

Scriptural Basis

The primary scriptural reference for the burial of hanged individuals is found in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 : "If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, you must not leave the body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is 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 underscores the importance of burying the body on the day of execution to prevent defilement of the land. The act of hanging was seen as a public display of the curse upon the individual, and leaving the body exposed overnight would extend the curse and defile the land.

Historical Context

In ancient Israel, execution by hanging was not the primary method of capital punishment. Instead, it was often used as a post-mortem display for those who had been stoned or otherwise executed. The hanging served as a public demonstration of the consequences of sin and a deterrent to others. The requirement to bury the body on the same day reflects a balance between justice and mercy, ensuring that the curse did not linger and that the dignity of the land and community was preserved.

The practice of same-day burial also aligns with the broader Jewish customs regarding burial. Jewish tradition emphasizes the prompt burial of the dead, often within 24 hours, as a sign of respect for the deceased and adherence to ritual purity laws.

Theological Considerations

Theologically, the command to bury the hanged body on the day of execution highlights the seriousness of sin and the curse it brings. The hanged man is described as "under God’s curse," a concept that is later echoed in the New Testament. In Galatians 3:13 , the Apostle 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.'" This connection between the Old Testament law and the redemptive work of Christ underscores the gravity of sin and the profound nature of Christ's sacrifice.

Furthermore, the requirement to bury the body promptly serves as a reminder of the sanctity of the land given by God. The land was not merely a physical inheritance but a sacred space that required purity and holiness. By ensuring that the curse did not defile the land, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the holiness of the space God had entrusted to them.

In summary, the burial of persons hanged on the day of execution is a practice deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of the land. It reflects the balance between upholding the law and preserving the dignity of both the individual and the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 21:23
His body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that your land be not defiled, which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 19:31
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) sought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... and the nails, the death and the burial, the shame ... truly say to the Judge concerning
such persons, "They were ... delights of a disease; I never hanged upon the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

The Caroline Settlement
... had a larger following of distinguished persons than any ... a notorious criminal, who
had been hanged, was paraded ... visitation of the sick, for the burial of the ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... Christ at a feast mentions his burial; a good antidote against a surfeit ... 1) Be holy
persons. ... and bade him betray Christ, he would do it, though he hanged himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... how gently He gave Himself to be hanged, and nailed ... force and strength thereof; for
it did always, in almost ... did seize upon my soul: Or profane persons as Esau ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... here how some of them are hanged, starved, banished ... of Christ's birth, his death,
his burial, of their ... questioned by heretics, and erroneous persons; yet is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... we endeavour to compose from them is always imperfect or ... of perfect purity in their
persons, their altars ... body and gave it a magnificent burial.* Another legend ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... Thus was I always sinking, whatever ... hell, that Bunyan journeyed to that bright and
fruitful land of Beulah, in which he sojourned during the latter days of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... we read are appointed to be at the burial of Gog ... concealed most of the names of the
persons whose sins ... it would be better that a millstone was hanged about thy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... They hanged Mr. Reynor and Mr. Sawyer in cold blood ... his mind, which he could not
always do, had ... assistance from a neighbouring minister, and from pious persons. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... cannot discern his footsteps, yet are they always consistent with ... may be thy consolation
that a few days will rid ... you the state of two single persons only, as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm