A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law

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8.13.2 Parents may not be struck, cursed, or treated with contempt,
on penalty of death (Exod. 21:15, 17). The son denounced by par-
ents as totally recalcitrant is stoned (Deut. 21:18–21).


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The Pentateuchal codes have special regulations governing how war
is to be waged.

9.1 Deuteronomy provides that an attacked city must be offered
the chance to surrender. If they surrender, they become tribute slaves
(mas) working for the state. If the city refuses to surrender, the men
are to be killed and the women, children, and cattle taken as booty
(Deut. 20:10–15). If, however, the city is local, it must be ̇erem,
“anathema,” destroyed in dedication to God (Deut. 20:16–18). It
should be noted that by the time Deuteronomy records this require-
ment, there are no local towns left to be conquered; this is a retro-
jection (cf. Josh. 2:12–14; 6:17–25).

9.2 During a siege, the fruit from fruit trees should be eaten and
the trees are not to be destroyed. Non-food trees may be cut down
to make siege works (Deut. 20:19–20).

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