Compare And Contrast The Code Of Hammurabi And The Law Of Moses

We as people have always searched for a code of morals and conduct. It is what has held empires, nations, and families from falling into chaos. This is what the code of Hammurabi and the law of Moses instituted in maintaining order. Both laws have a strong foundation and way of promoting justice that rivals many systems today in regards to effectiveness. Many of the laws given were later used in future governments. There are many similarities and differences between these documents, and this analysis will share some of the those. These two documents provide rich resources and were made for two specific peoples because of women’s rights found in the code, the consequences of actions when violating code, and the vision of the laws created.

“Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth…” (Exodus 22:16) . In the Code of Hammurabi, it says, “If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out” (HC 196) Both are in agreeance that what has been taken, should be given, and what is done, should be done to the other. In many regards, it is to be given back in double or triple fold. “If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double,” as said in the law of Moses. (Exodus 22:7) An interesting aspect of the law of Moses are the sacrifices that can be performed to cleanse sins or transgressions. “And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” (Leviticus 1:4) These can be a mediator in cleansing past wrongs. On the other side, many laws like those listed in the previous paragraph are harsher in the Law of Moses versus Hammurabi’s code while ones like this code, “If any one steal the property of a temple or of the court, he shall be put to death.”(HC 6) In the law of Moses, only the law that though shall not steal along with some sub rules where you pay back are