Economic history of the Southern Levant in the 8th century BCE in light of the Covenant Code and Southern Levantine archaeology

Abstract

This article explores the economic history of ancient Israel through the lens of the Hebrew Bible and Southern Levantine archaeology, with a focus on human rights, democracy, socio-economic justice and ethical behaviour. It investigates how the Covenant Code (CC) (Ex 21–23) and archaeological evidence from the 8th century BCE illuminate economic structures and moral concerns in the Kingdom of Judah and its neighbours. The article first discusses the dating of the CC and key archaeological finds from the period. It then examines material culture to reconstruct economic life in Judah and surrounding city-states. Special attention is given to legal texts addressing slavery, coerced labour, property violations, land use and the treatment of the poor and foreigners – especially in the context of the Sabbatical Year and festival laws. By analysing the intersection of biblical law and archaeological data, the study highlights how ancient discourses on justice and ethics were embedded in real socio-economic conditions. Ultimately, the article demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between biblical legal traditions and archaeological insights, offering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding economic justice and ethical conduct in the ancient Southern Levant.
Contribution: This article demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement between biblical studies, archaeology, social theory and economic history, thereby underscoring its relevance across multiple academic fields. It integrates textual analysis with material culture to bridge the gap between ancient legal traditions and socio-economic realities. By doing so, it fosters dialogue between humanities and social sciences, contributing to contemporary discussions on justice, ethics and human rights in historical contexts.