|Element|Function|Verses| |---|---|---| |preamble|introduces the suzerain (i.e., the sovereign)|v. 2| |historical prologue|recounts the suzerain’s past gracious dealings with the vassal (i.e., the subordinate)|vv. 2–13| |stipulations|outlines the vassal’s consequent responsibilities in respect to the suzerain|vv. 14–24| |written record|preserves the covenant agreement|v. 26| |witnesses|named|vv. 26–27; cf. v. 22| |blessings and curses|considered|implicit throughout, esp. in v. 20|