Ancient Near Eastern Perspective

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Dec 6, 2023

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COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Ancient Near Eastern Context of Deuteronomy Submitted to Dr. Russell Meek, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of BIB 534 Biblical Exegesis I by Paul Bock 10 September 2019
Introduction The predominant idea of Moses’ final address to the nation prior to his death is God’s covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy). Outside of Biblical scholarship, the agreement between two people is called a treaty rather than a covenant. 1 Study of the Ancient Near Eastern world and cultures which surrounded Israel gives insight into the context of this covenant, and a greater understanding of the whole. Ancient Near Eastern Context It is not small portions of Deuteronomy which reflect Ancient Near Eastern Context, but the entirety of the document which parallels a covenantal treaty between a suzerain (YHVH) and his vassal (Israel). 2 In its most general summary, under such a treaty the suzerain was superior to the vassal and defined the relationship between the two parties to include the obligations the vassal was expected to fulfill. 3 The treaty in full however, is a very comprehensive. Richard Hess compares the contents of Deuteronomy to both Hittite and Neo-Assyrian treaties in the following ways: 1. Hittite : Historical prologue precedes stipulation (1-11); blessings following stipulations (28:1-14); document kept with priests and read repeatedly (31:9-13, 24-26; 17:18-19). 4 1 Alan Lenzi, “How does the Hebrew Bible Relate to the Near Eastern World,” Bible Odyssey . https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/tools/bible-basics/how-does-the-hebrew-bible-relate-to-the-ancient-near-eastern- world , (Accessed September 10, 2019). 2 Michael A. Grisanti , “Historical Retrospect Overview .” In Commentary on Deuteronomy, The Expositor's Bible Commentary , ed. Tremper Longman, III and David E. Garland, vol. 2, 13 vols. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008), Olive Tree Bible Software. 3 Richard H. Hess, The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016), 135. 4 Lenzi, How does the Hebrew, para 11. 1
2. Neo-Assyrian : Curses for not maintaining stipulations (28:15-68); loyalty oath to YHVH the suzerain who makes his “covenant oath with the entire vassal population, Israel (29:14-15). 5 Michael A. Grisanti organizes the book solely on the similarities between Deuteronomy and the Hittite suzerain-vassal treaty; specifically annotating that each contain the same five elements: 1. Preamble (1:1-5): Gives the setting and occasion of the covenant. 2. Historical Prologue (1:6-4:49): Reviews the past relationship and suzerain’s accomplishments on part of the vassal; therefore, justifies the suzerain’s right to rule and “certifies his promise to protect them in the future.” 3. Stipulations (5:1-26:15) Both general and specific requirements are given that define the relationship between the suzerain and his vassal and outline the expectations of the superior party. 4. Blessings and Curses (27:1-29:1): If the vassal abides by the stipulations put forth, they will enjoy blessings and favor from the suzerain; however, if the vassal disobeys, they will endure judgment and divine punishment 5. Witnesses (30:19; 31:19; 32:1-43): Under the Hittite culture pagan gods were called upon as witnesses. In the case of Israel and YHVH, the hills, mountains, and heavens are called to be witnesses. 6 Conclusion 5 Ibid., para 11, 6 Grisanti, Literary form of Deuteronomy , Olive Tree Bible Software. 2
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