01-28-2010, 03:04 PM
Quote:If we are going to examine ancient codes of laws, then why not also Hammarabi, or the Elder Law of the Ostragoths? Deuteronomy is perhaps the eldest of codes of laws among them, being about 1500 or 1700 BC.The code of Hammurabi is older. Even by "early exodus" estimates, Moses would not be born for another 300 years. If I recall my History 'o Palestine course, you can usually see how various Babylonian ideas get exported and reinterpreted in Israel throughout this period.
Quote:If anything, Deuteronomy is another warning about the need to separate "Church" matters from "State" power. Otherwise, we'd be stoning idolaters left and right.Amen to that.
-Jester