Pp. [174] ff. It is noteworthy that, in this contract, there is no indication of the second wife having been taken to vex the first (Lev. xviii. 18, A.V.), and as the second was to be subordinate to the first, rivalling (as the R.V. translates) was as far as possible prevented. As the children already born are referred to (p. [175], l. 20), the second marriage could not have been due to the absence of offspring, and it may therefore be supposed that the second wife was taken on account of the ill-health of the first (Ḫammurabi's Code, sect. 148). This is supported by the clauses referring to the services which Iltani was to perform for her “sister.”
P. [176]. The adoption of Bêl-êzzu illustrates section 191 of Ḫammurabi's Code. Both are based upon the Sumerian laws translated on pp. [190] and [191]. The word translated “deep” (line 19) is one generally used for the ocean, the abode of Ea (Aa), god of the waters. It may have been something similar to “the brazen sea” in the temple at Jerusalem.
P. [177]. Arad-Išḫara was evidently adopted under the same law and enactment as the foregoing. The declaration of the foster-father of his right to have children is interesting.
Upon the adoption of Karanatum, compare pp. [173] and [174], with the note thereon.
Pp. [178] and [179]. The three tablets giving equal portions to each of the three brothers, illustrate sections 165 and 167 of the Code, which enacts that all brothers shall share equally. Any gift or share in the property left by the mother would probably be recorded on another document.
P. [180]. Laws 178 ff. of Ḫammurabi's Code show that votaries and priestesses had special privileges in the matter of inheriting property, and it would seem from the tablet of Erištum, the sodomite or public woman, that her station did not allow her the choice, that being the right of her sister, Amat-Šamaš, priestess of the sun.
P. [181]. Naramtum apparently had no children, and seems to have been divorced in accordance with section 138 of Ḫammurabi's Code.
P. [185]. The case of Šamaš-nûri is illustrated by sections 144-146 of Ḫammurabi's Code.
Pp. [187] and [188]. The conditions of the hiring of a slave were probably those of the old Sumerian law translated on p. [191].
P. [199], l. 26. Elamite overlordship was naturally coextensive with that of Babylon as long as the latter power acknowledged Elamite supremacy.