The Code of Hammurabi has 282 laws; thirty-one of those include instructions about slaves. These laws generally treat slaves as property, not like people. The Code of Hammurabi states that, "If anyone receive into his house a runaway male or female slave of the court, or of a freedman, and does not bring it out at the public proclamation of the major domus, the master of the house shall be put to death." In addition, the Code says "If a person holds the slaves in his house, and they are caught there, he shall be put to death." Another law states that a freeman who kills another man’s slave must pay for that slave. Also if a person breaks a slave’s bone, he must pay for half of that slave’s value. The Code of Hammurabi was a very just system of laws, but it did not allow much room for mercy.

The Bible has many commands dealing with slavery, as does the Code of Hammurabi. In general, the Biblical law treats slaves with more respect and tells masters to treat their slaves kindly. The Israelites were instructed not to enslave their own people. "If a slave takes refuge in your house do not hand him over to his master." This command, given in Deuteronomy 23:15, differs from the Code of Hammurabi. Exodus 21:20–21 requires punishment for someone who beats his slave to death. Even the slaves in Israel were to have a day of rest. The Biblical view of slaves and authority balances mercy and justice wonderfully by showing us that what is right is not always what we think of as justice.