Genesis 40:1940:22Esther 7:9Genesis 40:19Deuteronomy 21:22Joshua 8:292 Samuel 4:12Deuteronomy 21:22-23Joshua 8:29Joshua 10:26-27 Genesis 40:191 Samuel 31:102 Samuel 21:8-10Galatians 3:13

According to the first century Jewish historian, Josephus, all executed criminals were afterward hanged. The Mishna prescribes hanging only for those put to death by stoning. Some Bible students think hanging was prescribed only for blasphemers and idolaters.

Hanging oneself is mentioned only once in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. Ahithophel, David's counselor, joined the conspiracy of Absalom, David's son (2 Samuel 15:31 ). Feeling his ploy for personal power evaporate, he set his house in order and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23 ). Judas, one of the twelve disciples of our Lord, in a desperate effort to resolve guilt and atone for the misdeed of betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, went out into the night and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5 ). Acts 1:18 says he fell headlong and burst asunder, presumably as the rope broke.

C. Dale Hill