Final answer:
The main differences between the 10 Commandments and earlier laws like the Code of Hammurabi are in their divine vs. human origins, the integration of religious duties with societal laws, and the moral framework the Commandments provide in contrast to the specific legal penalties detailed in earlier codes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between the 10 Commandments and Preceding Laws
The difference between the 10 Commandments and previous laws, such as the Code of Hammurabi, lies in their origins and applications.
The Code of Hammurabi, established around 1754 BC by the Babylonian King Hammurabi, is one of the earliest known sets of laws.
It was based on a strict principle of retribution, often summarized as 'an eye for an eye.' In contrast, the 10 Commandments, attributed to the biblical prophet Moses, were received from a divine source and provided a moral framework for the Hebrew people.
While both sets of laws prescribe behavior and penalties for misconduct, the 10 Commandments include religious duties and ethical imperatives directly linked to the worship of Yahweh.
The Ten Commandments are unique in that they combine laws that govern societal behavior with those that command religious observance, such as the prohibition against making graven images and practices like observing the Sabbath. Unlike the Code of Hammurabi, which detailed specific penalties for various offenses, some commandments, like 'Thou shalt not steal' or 'Thou shalt not bear false witness,' do not specify earthly punishments but imply moral and spiritual consequences.
Furthermore, in the context of Jewish society during the first century CE, the Pharisees and Sadducees debated the extent to which Jews should follow the 10 Commandments in comparison to the larger body of 613 Mosaic laws. The 10 Commandments became foundational for Jewish faith, influencing Christian and Islamic traditions, while serving as a moral compass transcending the legalistic elements found in prior legal codes such as Hammurabi's.