Deuteronomy 21:23 “He that is hanged is accursed of God.” Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”).

History of “Hanging on a Tree” 1. Egyptians – Chief Baker (Gen. 40:19) 2. Persians – Haman (Esther 7:10) 3. Greeks – Alexander punished 2000 Tyrians (c. 330 B.C). 4. Romans – Began in 400 B.C.; Adopted from the Phoenicians; Became popular around 200 B.C.; Emperor Constantine (c. A.D. 300) abolished it. Citizens exempted; reserved for slaves and criminals 5. Jews – Unknown (used stoning to death)

Ancient Method of Crucifixion: Two Interesting Features 1. The exposure of the body tied to a stake by the hands took place after death. 2. The head was placed on an upright pole.

The Process of Crucifixion 1. Preceded by scourging with thongs – (McDowell, 222) 2. Criminal carried his own cross – (222) 3. Taken outside the city (place of reproach) 4. Stripped, drawn up, limbs stretched, fastened with cords and/or nails (spikes) 5. Medication (myrrh) offered 6. Left to die of exhaustion and exposure – (223-4)

Psalm 22: Typico-Prophetic Messianic 1.There is an element of prophetic intent 2.The language to express the present experience is poetic and hyperbolic 3. The psalm becomes historical and typically true in Christ Type: An Old Testament institution, event, person, object, or ceremony which has reality and purpose in Biblical history, but which also by divine design foreshadows something yet to be revealed.

Types of Christ 1. Sacrificial lamb 2. Sacrificial system – lampstand, table 3. Adam (Romans 5:14) 4. The Passover (Christ our Passover, 1 Cor. 5:7) 5. Joseph 6. Aaron (Levitical priesthood) 6. The bronze serpent (John 3:14-15) 7. The Jewish temple (John 2:19)

The Agonies of Crucifixion 1. Poured out like water – Perspiration 2. All my bones are out of joint – stretching of limbs 3. Heart is like wax – heart failure 4. Strength dried up like a shard of pottery – exhaustion 5. Tongue cleaves to my jaws – dehydration 6. Brought to the imminent death – You 6. Pierced my hands and my feet – historicity and spikes (Mc Dowell 192, 223) 7. Count all my bones – effect of scourging?

Psalm 22’s Contrasts: “But You... But I” Verse 3 – “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” He perceived himself abandoned. Verse 6 – “But I am a worm, and no man. A reproach of men, and despised by the people.” Verse 9 – “But You are He who took me out of the womb; You made me trust while on my mother’s breasts.” Verse 19 – “But You, O L ORD, do not be far from me. O my Strength, hasten to help me.”