Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of hanging criminals by their hands or displaying them in such a manner was a method of execution and public humiliation. This practice is referenced in various parts of the Bible, illustrating the severity of punishment for certain crimes and the cultural context of justice during those times.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several instances where criminals were executed and their bodies displayed as a warning to others. One of the most notable examples is found in the book of Deuteronomy, which outlines the laws given to the Israelites. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 states: "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 highlights the practice of hanging as a form of execution and the associated curse, emphasizing the need to maintain the sanctity of the land by not allowing the body to remain exposed. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of hanging is most profoundly illustrated in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although crucifixion involved nailing to a cross rather than hanging by the hands alone, it was a form of execution that involved the suspension of the body. The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian theology, symbolizing the atonement for sin. Galatians 3:13 references the curse associated with hanging: "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 verse connects the Old Testament law with the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, who bore the curse of sin on behalf of humanity. Cultural and Historical Significance The practice of hanging or displaying criminals served as a deterrent and a public declaration of justice. It was a visible reminder of the consequences of sin and lawbreaking. The cultural significance of this practice is evident in the way it is portrayed in the Scriptures, reflecting the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the act of hanging or crucifixion carries deep significance. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the justice of God, while also pointing to the redemptive work of Christ. The imagery of being "hung on a tree" serves as a powerful symbol of the curse of sin and the salvation offered through Jesus' sacrifice. In summary, the biblical references to criminals being hung by their hands or displayed in such a manner highlight the historical and theological context of justice and redemption. These practices, while severe, point to the broader narrative of sin, punishment, and the hope of salvation through Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 5:12Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honored. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Shameful Sufferer On Trusting in the Mercy of God. Joseph Attacked by the Archers "Love that Passeth Knowledge. " The Story of an Opium Smoker The Groups Round the Cross The Foreshadowing of the Cross Jesus Before Pilate. 1872 the Need of a Home Further West --Burning of the Marchmont ... The Suffering Servant-ii Resources When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through His hands or His wrists? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |