initiated by the kings and the ruling circles. We shall demonstrate this primarily by means of comparison of the expressions referring to the performance of justice and righteousness (משפט and צדקה) by the rulers of Israel with the establishment of mīšarum (= righteousness) in Mesopotamia and the proclamation of “freedom” in Egypt. These social institutions were usually introduced by the kings when they ascended the throne or at other decisive times in the history of the nation. Indeed, the practice