certain consistent features, often emphasizing a more explicit concern for the welfare of the individual than corresponding laws in the other codes (cf., e.g., Deut. 15:12–18 with Exod. 21:2–6, and ‘Comment’ on the former). The special character of Deuteronomy goes much deeper than mere humanitarianism, however. In its style, structure and content it constitutes a single harmonious concept, designed to organize the whole life of Israel under the authority of the one God Yahweh. The crucial theological