S. M. Paul, "Adoption Formulae: A Study of Cuneiform and Biblical Legal Clauses", Maarav 2/2 (1979-80), 173-185.

Family metaphors are used in the Ancient Near East to express political ties, such as the royal grant, or promissory covenant, prominent in suzerain-vassal relations. The formula of adoption, similarly, is found in the Bible in relation to the Davidic succession (2 Sam. 7) and more generally to express the bond between God and Israel. The author gathers examples of adoption formulae found in the Ancient Near East, and compares them with biblical terminology. (B.S.J.)