Deuteronomy 21:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The scripture states, ‘Cursed is every man that hangeth on a tree before God.’ (Deut. 27:26). Since Christ, having fulfilled the law, was not liable to this curse, He accepted another curse in its place and was crucified on a tree.

If any of us, not out of a wish for debate but driven by contemplation, were to inquire why He endured suffering specifically on the cross, let it be understood that He did so for our benefit and not in any other manner. The Lord willingly accepted this suffering for our sake. If He was to bear the curse that was rightfully ours, how else could He become a curse but by experiencing a death that was itself accursed? Such a death is represented by the cross, as it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.

The Holy Scriptures prophesy to us through the law concerning the cross, affirming that ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’ The Apostle Paul relates this curse to our Savior, stating, ‘We have been redeemed from the curse of the law’ (Galatians 3:13).

The Scripture commands, "Let not his body (the hanged criminal) be consumed on the tree, but let him be buried in the grave the same day: for cursed is every one that hangeth on the tree, and let not the earth defile you, which the Lord your God giveth you for a lot." This indicates that while death symbolizes the consequences of sin and reflects God’s displeasure, the hanged individual, representative of universal shame and a stark humiliation for someone made in God's likeness, becomes an even greater target of divine wrath. Therefore, he should be concealed from human sight with urgency. This embodies the degradation that the Son of God willingly accepted for humanity's transgressions.