Overview
In biblical times, hanging served as a form of capital punishment and public display of justice. The practice is recorded in Egypt during Joseph's time and was regulated under Mosaic law. Hanging could refer to execution by strangulation or suspension of an already-deceased body as a form of shame and deterrent.
Key Scriptures
"Yet within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head from you and hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat the flesh from you" (Genesis 40:19, ESV). "On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he made a feast for all his servants and lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants" (Genesis 40:20, ESV). "As for the chief baker, he saw that the interpretation was favorable, so he said to Joseph..." (Genesis 40:21-22, ESV). "And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day" (Deuteronomy 21:22-23, ESV).
Application
Believers should recognize God's justice in Scripture while reflecting on Christ's redemption through His crucifixion, which fulfilled the curse of hanging (Galatians 3:13).