fulfilled his divine mandate as the faithful shepherd and judge of his people. The relief at the top of the stele containing the Laws of Hammurabi contributes to its function as a royal apology. It depicts the king being offered a rod and a ring from the god Shamash. Although the relief has been interpreted to mean that Shamash is giving the law to Hammurabi, S.M. Paul argues that this is not the case. Instead, he claims that the ring and rod are symbols of sovereignty, justice and authority. It