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The Code of Hammurabi is an ancient Babylonian legal text that dates back to approximately 1754 BC, during the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon. It is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world and is often cited as one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes. The code consists of 282 laws, with scaled punishments, adjusting "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" as a form of justice, which is known as lex talionis.

Historical Context and Content

The Code of Hammurabi was inscribed on a stele and placed in a public place so that all could see it, although literacy was not widespread. The laws cover various aspects of society, including trade, family relations, labor, personal property, and civil rights. The code is notable for its detailed approach to justice, with specific penalties for specific offenses, and it reflects the social hierarchy of the time, with different punishments for the same crime depending on the social status of the victim and the perpetrator.

Comparison with Biblical Law

The Code of Hammurabi predates the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, as recorded in the Pentateuch. While there are similarities between the two, such as the principle of retributive justice, there are also significant differences. The Mosaic Law, as given by God to Moses, is seen as divinely inspired and is more comprehensive in its moral and ethical demands. For example, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a moral foundation that transcends mere legalistic requirements, emphasizing love for God and neighbor.

The Mosaic Law also introduces the concept of mercy and forgiveness, which is less evident in the Code of Hammurabi. For instance, the Bible emphasizes the importance of justice tempered with mercy, as seen in passages likeMicah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" .

Influence and Legacy

The Code of Hammurabi has been studied extensively by historians and legal scholars for its insights into ancient Near Eastern society and its influence on subsequent legal systems. While it is not directly referenced in the Bible, understanding the Code of Hammurabi provides valuable context for the world in which the patriarchs and early Israelites lived.

The Bible acknowledges the existence of other legal systems and cultures, yet it consistently presents the laws given to Israel as unique and divinely ordained. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks of the law written on the hearts of men (Romans 2:14-15), suggesting that while human legal systems like the Code of Hammurabi reflect an innate sense of justice, they fall short of the perfect law of God.

Moral and Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the Code of Hammurabi highlights the human attempt to establish order and justice in a fallen world. It underscores the need for divine revelation and guidance, as provided in the Scriptures, to achieve true justice and righteousness. The Bible presents God's law as not only a legal code but as a covenant relationship with His people, calling them to holiness and reflecting His character.

In summary, while the Code of Hammurabi is an important historical document that provides insight into ancient legal practices, the Bible offers a higher standard of justice and morality, rooted in the character of God and His covenant with humanity.Code of Hammurabi

CODE OF HAMMURABI

SeeHAMMURABI, CODE OF.

The Origin and Growth of Law.
... most striking example of the pre-Mosaic formulation of custom into law under the
sanction of the deity is found in the so-calledcode ofHammurabi, which comes...

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
... The parallels with thecode ofHammurabi are many, both in theme, form, and penalty,
although there is no conclusive evidence that the Hebrew borrowed directly...

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
... Babylonian religion was that unfolding of ethical ideals and laws which finds its
noblest record and expression in the remarkablecode ofHammurabi (about 2250...

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... The recently discoveredcode ofHammurabi, which comes from the twentieth century
BC, was inscribed in parallel columns on a stone monument....

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... By far the most important Babylonian legalcode now known is the so-calledCode
ofHammurabi.[25]Hammurabi was known to Assyriologists long before the finding...

The Old Testament and Archeology
... The most important find, made in the winter of 1901-1902, is the monument upon which
is inscribed the legalcode ofHammurabi, king of Babylon, generally...

The Christian View of the Old Testament
... Gilgamesh, 208.Hammurabi,code of, 188 ff. Harmonizing science with scripture,
45 ff. Harmony between science and Genesis, 61 f. Hezekiah, 138 f....

Chapter xxxi
... Such a punishment for such a crime may have been suggested by the prevalent attitude
of the times reflected in theCode ofHammurabi"a few centuries old by...

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... The name of this prince has been read in several ways"Hammurabi, Khammurabi, by
the earlier Assyriologists, subsequently Hammuragash, Khammuragash, as...

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