What is Misharum ?
In early second-millennium Mesopotamia, the royal ideology emphasized the importance of justice in the sovereign's rule. The concept of justice had two components: "kittum," which ensured that each person received what they were due, and "misharum," which involved rectifying problematic situations and making things right. The term "misharum" comes from the root "’-š-r," which means "to be straight" or "make straight."
Justice was a fundamental concept in early second-millennium Mesopotamia, particularly in the royal ideology of the time. The sovereign's rule was expected to be just, and this involved ensuring that all individuals received what they were due and that problematic situations were rectified. These two distinct aspects of justice were known as kittum and misharum, respectively.
Kittum is derived from the root k-w-n, which means "to be stable." This aspect of justice was concerned with ensuring that each individual received what they were due, and that their rights and entitlements were protected. It was a stabilizing force in society, as it prevented any one individual or group from unfairly acquiring more than their fair share of resources or power.
Misharum Means To be straight OR Make Straight
Misharum, on the other hand, is derived from the root ’-š-r, which means "to be straight" or "make straight." This aspect of justice was concerned with rectifying problematic situations. Misharum ensured that any injustices or imbalances that arose were corrected, and that the status quo was maintained. It was a dynamic force in society, as it responded to changing circumstances and ensured that justice was served even in complex and difficult situations.
The concept of justice in early second-millennium Mesopotamia was closely tied to the role of the sovereign. The king was expected to be a just ruler, and his authority was derived from his ability to ensure that justice was served. The sovereign's court was responsible for upholding kittum and misharum, and for ensuring that justice was served in all aspects of society.
Overall, the concept of justice in early second-millennium Mesopotamia was a complex and multifaceted one. Kittum and misharum were two distinct but interconnected aspects of justice that were central to the royal ideology of the time. Together, they ensured that justice was served and that society remained stable and equitable.