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How Do Hebrew Laws on Slavery Compare to the Code of Hammurabi?

Compare Exodus laws with Babylonian codes—see how biblical ethics transform ancient norms.

By Scott Smith, OT in Context · Published 2025

Timeline Focus: 1400 BCE

✨The Surprising Reality

The Code of Hammurabi punishes runaways with death. Exodus offers release in the seventh year—and freedom for injury.

🤔The Context Question

But here's what most people don't realize: biblical laws offered protection and dignity foreign to most ancient codes.

📚What We Know

Exodus 21 protects female servants, grants Sabbath rest, and forbids abusive punishment. A side-by-side comparison shows how Israel's law reflects God's justice in a broken world.

Explore the Full Context

Jump to 1400 BC and see exactly what justice looked like—discover how Scripture reshaped slavery law.

Explore Interactive Timeline & Map

See the complete historical context with our interactive map and timeline

🔗Related Topics

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Exodus 21

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Code of Hammurabi

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📖Biblical References

📜Exodus 21:1–11📜Deuteronomy 15:12–18

Scripture references supporting this historical context

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