The Hammurabi Code, and the Laws of Moses

by Hammurabi, Anonymous, Chilperic Edwards

The Hammurabi Code and its origin and influence on subsequent codes of law, has fascinated people since its discovery.

This edition of the original translation by the Assyriologist Edward John Pilcher, contains the author's comparison with both the Mosaic Legislation, and early Roman Law: and has been updated and enlarged to include additional material dealing with the origin and meaning of the Code.

Writing as 'Chilperic Edwards', Pilcher provides a translation that presents a vivid and engrossing portrait of the richness and diversity of early Babylonian Society; which although undoubtedly brutal, was in many ways surprisingly egalitarian in both outlook and structure.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Biblical Studies, Religion, Historical, School

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Hammurabi (Akkadian from Amorite ʻAmmurāpi, "the kinsman is a healer", from ʻAmmu, "paternal kinsman", and Rāpi, "healer"; died c. 1750 BCE) was the sixth king of Babylon (that is, of the First Babylonian Dynasty) from 1792 BCE to 1750 BCE middle chronology (1728 BCE – 1686 BCE short chronology). He became the first king of the Babylonian Empire following the abdication of his father, Sin-Muballit, extending Babylon's control over Mesopotamia by winning a series of wars against neighboring kingdoms. Although his empire controlled all of Mesopotamia at the time of his death, his successors were unable to maintain his empire.

Hammurabi is known for the set of laws called Hammurabi's Code, one of the first written codes of law in recorded history. These laws were inscribed on stone tablets (stelae) standing over eight feet tall (2.4 meters), of unknown provenance, found in Persia in 1901. Owing to his reputation in modern times as an ancient law-giver, Hammurabi's portrait is in many government buildings throughout the world.

Hammurabi is best known for the promulgation of a new code of Babylonian law: the Code of Hammurabi. One of the first written laws in the world, the Code of Hammurabi was inscribed on a stele and placed in a public place so that all could see it, although it is thought that few were literate. The stele was later plundered by the Elamites and removed to their capital, Susa; it was rediscovered there in 1901 and is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The code of Hammurabi contained 282 laws, written by scribes on 12 tablets. Unlike earlier laws, it was written in Akkadian, the daily language of Babylon, and could therefore be read by any literate person in the city.

The structure of the code is very specific, with each offense receiving a specified punishment. The punishments tended to be very harsh by modern standards, with many offenses resulting in death, disfigurement, or the use of the "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Lex Talionis "Law of Retaliation") philosophy. The code is also one of the earliest examples of the idea of presumption of innocence, and it also suggests that the accused and accuser have the opportunity to provide evidence. However, there is no provision for extenuating circumstances to alter the prescribed punishment.

A carving at the top of the stele portrays Hammurabi receiving the laws from the god Shamash or possibly Marduk, and the preface states that Hammurabi was chosen by the gods of his people to bring the laws to them. Parallels between this narrative and the giving of laws by Yahweh in Jewish tradition to Moses and similarities between the two legal codes suggest a common ancestor in the Semitic background of the two. Fragments of previous law codes have been found. David P. Wright argues that the Jewish law used Hammurabi's collection as a model, imitating both its structure and content.

Similar codes of law were created in several nearby civilizations, including the earlier Mesopotamian examples of Ur-Nammu's code, Laws of Eshnunna, and Code of Lipit-Ishtar, and the later Hittite code of laws.

Because of Hammurabi's reputation as a lawgiver, his depiction can be found in several U.S. government buildings. Hammurabi is one of the 23 lawgivers depicted in marble bas-reliefs in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives in the United States Capitol. A frieze by Adolph Weinman depicting the "great lawgivers of history", including Hammurabi, is on the south wall of the U.S. Supreme Court building.

Reviews

[Grant Van Brimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting to say the least. Very cool piece of history.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting to read the laws of ancient times and compare them to the laws in the Bible. Helpful to see from a primary source what was important to society back in Hammurabi’s time.

[Sof (Jesus' version) M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

pfff boring. TBF it was for school but really boring.
Hammurabi is an idiot that's prouder than the sun. not a fan.

[Maggie Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for school. l definitely wouldn't have enjoyed it if l hadn't had the sessions to go along with it (thank you Mr. Etter 😅), but with them, l actually did. :)

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Codes of Hammurabi and Moses lists the nearly 300 laws written out by Hammurabi (around 2250 BC) and compares them with related laws contained in the Bible (especially Exodus and Deuteronomy). Although Hammarabi's codes come from practical, human experience and Moses' were given by God, there are many similarities. (I see this as confirmation that we all have an innate understanding of justice given us by God.) The main difference that I saw was the value given people, especially slaves. The Mosaic laws are written so that a slave owner has every incentive to treat his slaves well. Hammurabi's laws were strongly in the slave owner's favor instead. Overall, it is fairly dry reading, but it is still a helpful look at ancient history. Since there are laws relating to incest, I would rate this as PG.

[Sean Higgins · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of death required by these laws. I guess liberally executed capital punishment is a more likely deterrent than a complex system of fines and other punishments. Ham was trying to make a name for himself by establishing order in his empire. Contrasts to the LORD making a name for Himself by blessing His people with good fruits from obedience. Read this with the Omnibus Tenebras class (2018)

Good read if only to be more grateful for our God and His laws. (Omnibus I, 2012)

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to read this as I have seen it referenced numerous times and it is important to ANE studies. I wish Davies would have written a longer introduction to the book and spent much more time on things relevant to biblical studies, such as the evidence for and against Hammurabi being the same person as Amraphel king of Shinar (Gen. 14).

[E7boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book lays out the code and insights to the biblical code that are parallel and deviate. Translation is understandable and notes are right there for one to access. Language is simple but for a few legal words. The code is both specific and often focused on minutia as well as broad topics. Also 282 laws in the code for the empire and it functioned well. It seemed to leave a lot of discretion to judiciary. Death or payment no prison. Variation on social position is interesting and consistent with in the code. Jewish code was more forgiving to slaves and the week.

Rather a fun short read.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful comparison side by side, with the intent not to prove that Moses drew on Hammurabi, but to show that the biblical chronology of Mosaic law coming before the era of the priests and kings is perfectly compatible with what we find in archeology.

[Liam Malone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have preferred a more recent translation. This is from 1905. Still it is interesting and shows the Babylonians as quite advanced from a modern perspective.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly riveting reading, but interesting look at ancient laws. I appreciated the parallels to Old Testament laws.

[Bill Stutzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to have some commentary and side-by-side comparisons, though the scholarship on this edition is very early relative to the rediscovery of this code. An important historical study.

[Abrahamus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative side-by-side comparison of the complete laws of famed Mesopotamian ruler Hammurabi (an approximate contemporary of Abraham) with the parallel statutes found in the Mosaic code. While the similarities are, in several instances, intriguing, the contrasts typically demonstrate a higher regard for human life and a more refined and equitable standard of justice expressed by the Laws of Yahweh, which is hardly surprising. It's also interesting to note the relatively high degree of economic regulation present within the Hammurabic code. Wages for laborers, construction fees, rental fees, etc. were all carved in stone, quite literally!

[Jep · Rating 3 out of 5]

If all the other publications or editions are written by Davies W. W. then a new translation of The Code of Hammurabi hasn't been written since 1905. The original font/typography is kept in this edition and it's difficult to read some of the smallest copied print. The translation language is also dated, and the Bible version must be King James (neither are difficult to comprehend). I would like to see a new translation, though.

[Rachel Worley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was intereting while reading this book to see the similarities in the laws that God gave the Israelites and the laws that Hammurabi created. They were the first set of written laws.

[Leila Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't exactly thrilling reading, though interesting. My favorite part was Davies' translator notes throughout.

[Radagast]

A good tool to compare the Law of Moses to that of Hammurabi. Very informative.

[Zeke · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only part of this book that was not boring was the prologue which was pretty much list of Hammurabi's accomplishments.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Jon Kirkwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Codes of Hammurabi and Moses is a reference book and doesn't lend itself to prosaic review.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The rules in themselves were very boring, but I found the commentary very helpful!