Deuteronomy 21:23

He that is hanged is accursed of God ; literally, a curse of God . Some take this as meaning an insult to God, a contemning of him, "since man his image is thus given up to scorn and insult" (Rashi). But the more probable meaning is "a curse inflicted by God," which the transgressor is made to endure (cf. Galatians 3:13 ). That thy land be not defiled. The land was defiled, not only by sins committed by its inhabitants, but also by the public exposure of criminals who had been put to death for their sins (cf. Le 18:24, 25; Numbers 35:33 , Numbers 35:34 ). On this law Joshua acted (cf. Joshua 8:29 ; Joshua 10:26 , Joshua 10:27 ).

HOMILETICS