Introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) (RLST 145) with Christine Hayes

This lecture introduces biblical law in a comparative approach that identifies similarities and differences between Israelite law and other Ancient Near Eastern legal traditions, such as the Code of Hammurabi. Distinctive features of Israelite law are explained as flowing from the claim of divine authorship.

00:00 Chapter 1. The Initiation of God's Laws, Rules and Ordinances at Sinai
03:38 Chapter 2. The Decalogues
11:42 Chapter 3. Biblical Law in Comparison with Ancient Near East Legal Collections
29:58 Chapter 4. Radical, Characteristic Features of Israelite Law
40:17 Chapter 5. Reversing the Code: Sanctity of Human Life

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://oyc.yale.edu

This course was recorded in Fall 2006.