Sunday 7th August - Ancient Near Eastern Law Codes (Michael Theophilos)

This seminar will explore Ancient Near Eastern law codes - particularly how
the Code of Hammurabi both illuminates and challenges our reading of
the Mosaic law of the Old Testament (Exodus 20-23; Leviticus 1-7;
11-25; Deuteronomy 5-26). This will provide fascinating insight into
the Mosaic law in the context of surrounding cultures. All are welcome
- no prior knowledge necessary!

Our speaker Michael Theophilos will address questions such as:

1. The Code of Hammurabi: What is it? Who discovered it? When and where did they discover it? Why is it important for biblical Studies? How is it to be used to inform our reading of the Bible?
2. What does the sculptured bas relief depict?
3. How many laws are there and how are they grouped?
4. Does the Code of Hammurabi display inequality of punishment to the offending party based on social standing? If so, provide examples.
   
5. Are there examples of this in the Law of Moses?
6. How do the law codes of Hammurabi and Moses compare on the following topics: i. False Accusations; ii. Stealing; iii. Kidnapping; iv. Robbery; v. Restitution of death; vi. Agricultural Laws; vi. Dishonest weights; viii. Release of Slaves; ix. Safekeeping; x. Adultery; xi. Incest; xii. Parents; xiii. Restitution; xiv. Renting Animals; xv. Wild Oxen.
7. To what extent are the biblical laws in the Pentateuch unique to Israel amid the ANE?
8. What are the implications of this for the history of Judeo-Christian ethics?

Michael is a council member of the Australian Institute of Archeology and will also bring along some relevant artefacts for participants to examine.

Time: 3-4:30pm