Emily A. Westhoff
Dr. Christopher Beck
History 1100
11 September 2017

A Comparison of selections of the Code of Hammurabi and Exodus Upon examination of the selections provided of the Code of Hammurabi and Exodus similarities are seen concerning the governing of their respective populations and provide insights into their values. Both sets of laws are seen to be given to the chosen prophet from a divine source. These laws are then presented to the populations to guide behavior, economics, and dictate justice. In the ancient East rulers claimed divine right to govern, this is seen in the opening of Hammurabi’s Code, as presented in Kathrine Lauldi’s book, Sources of The Making of the West, Hammurabi ruler of the Babylon, is seen to have been given the mandate from the deities Anu and Bel to “… bring about the rule of righteousness to the land.” (19). Hammurabi by claiming, the Gods had chosen him to bring justice is shown to be a benevolent ruler. …show more content…
The Commandments were given directly to Moses from God. With the promise of the land of Cannon if the Hebrew are obedient. Unlike the Babylonians, this covenant is made only with the Hebrews, Gods chosen people (Lauldi 40). To elaborate further on this idea, Jackson Spielvogel Author of Western Civilization Vol. 1: To 1715, states that for the Hebrews to maintain their Promised Land, obedience to God and adherence to the Ten Commandments is necessary (36). An aspect that is shared between the two documents is the principle of an eye for an eye, this phrase can be seen within the text of each document. However, with the Code dating before the Ten Commandants, the laws set forth for the Hebrews draw upon the wording and meaning behind this phrase