‘VENGEANCE IS MINE’
One last word about the gods. While they had plenty of
shortcomings of their own, they were the ultimate arbiters of their
mortal worshippers’behaviour. And as the ultimate beneficiaries of
human endeavour and productivity, they knew that it was in their
own interests to ensure the exercise of justice, morality, and right
conduct on earth. Those of their worshippers who lived a righteous
life in obedience to them and the laws of the land could expect the
benefit of divine protection and blessings. But those who offended
them, either through neglecting their ceremonies or through sinful
conduct–like the violation of an oath, the murder of a father or
brother, or the illegal seizure of another’s rightful authority –
would incur the full weight of divine vengeance. All mortal beings,
including the king himself, were answerable to the gods for their
conduct. Hatti’s divine overlords could be bountiful in the blessings
they bestowed, but utterly ruthless in punishing those who incurred
their wrath.
HATTI’S DIVINE OVERLORDS 253