Code of Hammurabi (Marduk God Over All Mankind)

      In the prologue of the Code of Hammurabi, the law code of ancient Babylon, Hammurabi states that he was appointed by the gods of heaven to rule over Babylon.  Interestingly, Hammurabi mentions that the god of heaven appointed the god Marduk over "all mankind" and in turn appointed him, who is "the worshipper of the gods" to reign in their behalf over Babylon.  The following is a statement made by Hammurabi that is interesting.     

     "When the lofty Anu, King of the Annunaki [the gods of the high sky] and Enlil, Lord of the Heavens and Earth, he who determines the destiny of the land, committed the rule of all mankind to Marduk...when they pronounced the lofty name of Babylon; when they made it famous among the quarters of the world and in the midst established an everlasting kingdom whose foundations were firm as heaven and earth...at the time, Anu and Enlil called me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, the worshipper of the gods, to cause justice to prevail in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil, to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak, ...to enlighten the land and to further the welfare of the people.  Hammurabi, the governor named by Enlil, am I, who brought about plenty and abundance."

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