Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 21:23. It's a pretty serious and important passage about how to handle a dead person after they’ve been hanged. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Someone is hanged: The verse describes a situation where someone has been executed by hanging. This is a terrible thing, and it’s deeply upsetting for God. Don't leave the body overnight: God says that the body must not remain lying on the ground all night long. It's a violation of something sacred. Burial is the Right Thing: The key instruction is to bury the dead properly. The verse says, “Thou shalt in any wise bury him that day.” What’s the Reason for This? (The Significance) This instruction has a huge theological reason behind it: to protect the land and avoid being cursed by God. “The LORD thy God giveth thee…”: God is giving you this responsibility. He's trusting you to handle this situation with care. "...for an inheritance." This isn’t just about a simple burial; it's about protecting something more valuable . The land, the community, and even God himself are considered an inheritance – something precious and sacred. What Does It Mean in Practical Terms? Essentially, this verse is saying: Respect the dead. Don’t let their body linger unburied. It’s a sign of disrespect and a potential for bad things to happen to the land and those around it. It's a reminder that death is not an ending but a transition – and we should honor it with respect. Important Note: The word "hanging" in this context refers to a deliberate act of violence, a hanging, which is considered a grave sin against God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about why this passage was written? Discuss what it means for us today in terms of morality and respect for the dead?