DEUT52 From passages in the Book of Deuteronomy, it seems clear that moral principles like tzedek were regarded as "second-order" standards by which "first-order" rules and statutes were judged. Evidently, the Torah realized that there was nothing unique or terribly impressive in the mere fact of the people being given "statutes and judgments," no matter how elaborate or particular they may have been. The highly developed Hittite and West Semitic codes must have been known to the ancient Hebrews. What the Book of Deuteronomy did find noteworthy was the special moral quality of Israel's God-given "statutes and judgments" [Deuteronomy 4:5-8]. This remarkable passage assumes that each nation will have its own set of statutes and judgments but makes the bold claim that Israel's code will be acknowledged superior when judged by the moral standards of righteousness. This is also seen in the passage, "And ye shall judge the people with righteous judgment" (Deuteronomy 16:18).