The Laws in the Covenant Code and Deuteronomy as Dienstanweisungen

Abstract

ABSTRACT The compilations of instructions now found in Exod 20,24-23,12* and Deut 12,13-26,11* once circulated independently of their canonical contexts. They shared characteristics with Hittite administrative instruments called “royal instructions” or Dienstanweisungen in terms of syntax and the range of their administrative interests. As with certain Hittite examples, these proto-biblical texts did not originally end with covenant blessings or curses, although there are indications that they were composed for use in oath ratification ceremonies.