analogies between the laws of Hammurabi and those of the Old Testament
which suggest at least an indirect influence. Many of the ceremonial
institutions of later Judaism are almost identical with those of
Babylonia. While it is exceedingly easy to over or under estimate this
influence, it is a mistake to deny or ignore its deep significance.

[Sidenote: _Recipients of all that was best in earlier revelation_]

Thus one of the chief elements in the providential training of the
Hebrews as the heralds and exponents of the most exalted religious and
ethical truths revealed before the advent of the Prophet of Nazareth was
the fact that they were the heirs and interpreters of the best that had
been hitherto attained. Babylonia, Egypt, and later, Persia and Greece,
each contributed their noblest beliefs and ideals. In the Israelites the
diverse streams of divine revelation converged. The result is that,
instead of many little rivulets, befouled by errors and superstitions,
through their history there flowed a mighty stream, ever becoming
broader and deeper and clearer as it received fresh contributions from
the new fountains of purest revelation that opened in Hebrew soil.

[Sidenote: _In close geographical relations to the earlier civilizations_]

Clear evidences of the divine purpose to be realized through the obscure
peasant people who lived among the uplands of central Canaan are found
in a study of the characteristics of the Old Testament world. It is
indeed the earliest and one of the most significant chapters in divine
revelation. Most of its area is a barren wilderness, supporting only a
small nomadic population. The three fertile spots are Babylonia, Canaan,
and Egypt. The first and last are fitted by nature and situation to be
the seats of powerful civilizations, destined to reach out in every