ANE Treaties

Question 1

What are the six elements typically in an ANE treaty?

Answer 1

1. Preamble/ Identification- Who’s who: titles & names (Covenant Renewal Joshua 24.2-13)
2. Historical Prologue- History of the relationship, reasons for obedience: history of benevolent activity (Covenant Renewal Joshua 24.2-13)
3. Stipulations- obligations imposed on the vassal, forbidden activities; obligatory for right relationship
   (Covenant Code Ex 20.22-23.33)
4. Provisions- Deposit Clause in temples/Attention to the Treaty Document- regular (public) reading
   (Deut. 10.1-5, 31.10-13)
5. List of (Divine) Witnesses, usually envoking oldest generations such as “heaven and earth”
   (Deut. 4.26; 31.28, 30.19)
6. Sanctions/Blessings & Curses- blessings for observance and curses for violations to be carried out by the gods
   (Covenant Renewal Josh 8.34 and Lev 26)

Question 2

What’s the difference between a parity treaty and a suzerainty treaty?

Answer 2

Parity treaty is one between equal parties (i.e. “covenant of brothers” between equal kings)

Suzerainty treaty is one in which one party, the suzerain is superior (i.e father and son)

Question 3

How are Hittite and Neo-Assyrian treaties similar to and different from each other?

Answer 3

Similarities:
Same basic structure

Differences:
Neo-Assyrian Treaties-
No real historical prologue (very brief)
No explanation of loyalty
No blessings
Huge section on curses
Terror-Tactics

Question 4

*Are the Hittite or Neo-Assyrian treaties closer to what we find in some portions of the Bible?

Answer 4

•The Hittite version is closer to what we find in some portions of the Bible
Coogan “Although no biblical passage incorporates all of the elements of the treaty form, the cumulative evidence demonstrates that the biblical writers use it in their elaboration of the covenant between YHWH and Israel. It should also be noted that in ANE, the Israelites are the only group known to have characterized their relationship with a deity using the language of contract or treaty”

Question 5

*How does an understanding of the structure and content of these ancient Near Eastern treaties inform our understanding of the covenants and laws within the OT?

Answer 5

•Illuminates the language as covenant language

• Makes us realize the historical background from which powerful texts came

•Helps us to recognize that the idea of a treaty btw God and humans was very unique at that time.

ß Because they do not appear in order in OT, we can become aware
of how other portions of the text work to serve the function of the
covenant.
ß Allows us to see conscious decision to choose blessings
ß Allows us to see Covenant Code as a replacement for Neo-Assyrian
covenant
ß Explains why curses are so prominent, not because of God’s wrath, but
because of his desire for justice

Question 6

Additional Information?

Answer 6

1. Treaties illuminate the language of father, son, & love
2. Treaties use much less emotional covenant language
3. Subversive ideas of treaties in Deuteronomy
   
   • Deut. NO nero-assyrian king in charge but God alone