Again, this was to be a relationship of trust, love, and genuine faithfulness, not simply of external obligation and consent. Far from being arbitrary, merely legal dos and don’ts, the stipulations were an utterly reasonable duty. They fit the character of the liberation these ancient people had experienced. Typically, they involved the following: no backroom alliances with other kings, no murmuring against the suzerain, and payment of an annual tribute tax to the great king. The vassal also had