Comparing the Law Codes: Hammurabi's Code vs. The Law of Moses
In the annals of ancient history, two monumental legal codes stand out, offering profound insights into the societies that produced them: Hammurabi's Code and the Law of Moses. While both aimed to establish order and justice within their respective cultures, a closer examination reveals fundamental differences in their source, purpose, scope, and the very nature of justice they espoused. For the believer, understanding these distinctions is crucial, as they underscore the unique, divine character of God's Law and its enduring relevance.
The Source of Authority: Human vs. Divine
Perhaps the most striking difference between the two codes lies in their claimed origin. Hammurabi's Code, dating to approximately 1754 BC, was a compilation of laws decreed by Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon. Though Hammurabi claimed divine inspiration from the Babylonian god Shamash (the god of justice), the code itself is presented as a human king's decree, designed to unify and govern a vast empire. Its preamble states Hammurabi's intention to "establish law and justice in the land, to promote the welfare of the people."
In stark contrast, the Law of Moses, given to Israel at Mount Sinai around 1446 BC, is unequivocally presented as the direct word of God. It was not a king's edict but a divine covenant, delivered through Moses, God's chosen prophet. The very first words of the Ten Commandments emphasize this divine authorship:
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
This divine origin imbues the Mosaic Law with an absolute authority and moral weight that no human-made code could possess. It is not merely a set of rules for social conduct but a revelation of God's character and His holy standard for His people.
Purpose and Scope: Societal Order vs. Covenantal Holiness
The primary purpose of Hammurabi's Code was to maintain social and economic stability within the Babylonian Empire. It meticulously addresses commercial transactions, property rights, family law, and penalties for various crimes, all aimed at preserving a hierarchical societal structure. It was a practical, pragmatic legal framework for a functioning civilization, designed to deter crime and resolve disputes.
The Law of Moses, while certainly providing civil statutes for the nation of Israel, had a far grander and more profound purpose. It was the foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God, intended to set His people apart as a holy nation. Its scope extended beyond mere civil order to encompass moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws, all pointing towards God's holiness and man's need for redemption. The Law was given not just to regulate behavior but to cultivate a people who would reflect God's righteousness:
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
Moreover, the Mosaic Law served as a tutor, revealing the depth of human sinfulness and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone. As Galatians 3:24 states, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Its ultimate purpose was redemptive, foreshadowing the coming Messiah and the grace offered through Him.
Nature of Justice and Equality: Class-Based vs. Impartiality and Mercy
The application of justice within Hammurabi's Code was markedly class-based. Penalties often varied according to the social status of both the offender and the victim. For instance, if a noble injured another noble, the penalty might be "an eye for an eye," but if he injured a commoner or a slave, the penalty was typically a fine. The value of human life and well-being was explicitly tied to one's position in society. This is evident in laws like:
- If a man has destroyed the eye of a free man, his eye shall be destroyed.
- If he has destroyed the eye of a commoner or broken the bone of a commoner, he shall pay one mina of silver.
The Law of Moses, by contrast, championed a revolutionary concept of justice rooted in the equal value of all human life before God. While the principle of "an eye for an eye" (lex talionis) is present (Exodus 21:23-25), it was primarily intended to limit retribution and ensure proportionality, not to mandate literal mutilation in every case. More importantly, it was applied with a striking degree of impartiality, regardless of social standing:
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Furthermore, the Mosaic Law is replete with provisions for mercy, restitution, and care for the vulnerable, which are largely absent or less emphasized in Hammurabi's Code. It mandated protection for the poor, the sojourner, the widow, and the orphan. Laws concerning gleaning fields (Leviticus 19:9-10), the release of debts (Deuteronomy 15:1-2), and the treatment of slaves (Exodus 21:2-6) reveal a divine concern for compassion and social justice that far transcends the pragmatic concerns of Babylonian law. The concept of unintentional sin and the provision for atonement through sacrifice also highlight God's mercy, a dimension completely foreign to Hammurabi's purely retributive system.
Emphasis on Moral Purity and Spiritual Health
Hammurabi's Code focused almost exclusively on civil and criminal matters, with little to no attention paid to personal morality or spiritual purity beyond acts that directly affected public order. There are no laws against idolatry, blasphemy, or covetousness.
The Law of Moses, however, placed immense emphasis on moral purity, spiritual health, and the relationship between individuals and God. The first four commandments deal directly with one's duty to God: no other gods, no idolatry, reverence for God's name, and observing the Sabbath. These were not merely suggestions but foundational commands, violations of which carried severe penalties. The Law also provided detailed instructions for ritual purity, sacrifices for sin, and the establishment of a priesthood, all designed to facilitate a right relationship with a holy God. This holistic approach underscores the Law's divine origin and its ultimate aim: to create a people consecrated to the LORD.
Conclusion: A Divine Masterpiece
While Hammurabi's Code stands as an impressive testament to ancient legal thought and a foundation for subsequent legal systems, it pales in comparison to the Law of Moses. The Babylonian code was a product of human wisdom, reflecting the limitations and biases of its time—a system for managing a society. The Law of Moses, on the other hand, was a divine revelation, a perfect expression of God's holy character, His impartial justice, and His boundless mercy. It laid the groundwork for a righteous society, pointed humanity to its inherent sinfulness, and ultimately served as a signpost to the coming grace and redemption found only in Jesus Christ. The contrast is not merely between two legal documents but between human wisdom and divine truth, between temporal order and eternal salvation.