His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
Don't leave his body hanging on the tree overnight. You must bury him that same day, because anyone who is hanged is under God's curse. This will keep your land from being polluted—the land that the LORD your God is giving you as your inheritance.
This verse commands that executed criminals must be buried the same day to prevent the land from becoming spiritually contaminated by God's curse.
📚 Historical Context
This law was given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing rules for capital punishment and proper treatment of executed criminals. In ancient times, bodies were sometimes left hanging as a warning to others, but God required Israel to show dignity even to criminals by prompt burial. This verse was later referenced in the New Testament regarding Jesus's crucifixion and burial.
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