The Codes of Hammurabi and Moses

by William Walter Davies

'The Codes of Hammurabi and Moses' is a historical examination of the importance of these two ancient texts. Davies gives us an insightful look at ancient history in his 'The Codes of Hammurabi and Moses' and shows us why these two ancient writings should be considered together as important historical artifacts.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Religion, Historical, School, Classics

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

William Walter Davies (1848-?) was one of several translators of the famous Code of Hammurabi and the Law of Moses. Little to no information is known about him other than his work with the ancient text. A professor of Hebrew at Ohio Wesleyan University, Davies's translation was from 1905, published by Jennings and Graham in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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!