“... 5:23. judges bribed in ancient Near East. As evidenced by the preface to the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1750 B.C.) and the statements made by the eloquent peasant in Egyptian wisdom literature (c. 2100 B.C.), the standard for behavior by those in authority is to protect the rights of the poor and weak in society. True justice (see Lev 19:15) is expected of kings, of- ficials and local magistrates. In fact the world turned upside down theme found in the book of Judges and in prophetic literature (1:23) describes a society in which “laws are enacted, but ignored” (for example in the Egyptian Visions of Neferti [c. 1900 B.C.]). An efficiently administered state in the ancient Near East depends on the reliability of the law and its enforcement. To this end every organized state creates a bureaucracy of judges and local officials to deal with civil and criminal cases. It is their task to hear testimony, investigate charges made, evaluate evidence and execute judgment (detailed in the Middle Assyrian Laws and the Code of Hammurabi). There are some cases, however, that require the attention of the king (see 2 Sam 15:2-4) and appeals are occasionally forwarded on to that highest magistrate (as in the Mari texts). The temptation for judges and government officials to accept bribes is found in every time and place (see Prov 6:35; Mic 7:3). Taking bribes becomes almost institutionally accepted in bureaucratic situations as competing parties attempt to outmaneuver each other (see Ezra 4:4-5; Mic 3:11). However, at least on the ideal level, arguments and penalties are imposed to eliminate or at least lessen this problem. Thus Hammurabi’s Code 5 places harsh penalties on any judge who alters one of his decisions (presumably because of a bribe), including stiff fines and permanent removal from the bench. Exodus 23:8 forbids the taking of bribes and the perversion of justice as an offense against God, the weak and innocent, and the entire community (see Amos 5:12). ...”