Hierarchy and the Disorder of Separation in the Bible

ARLT100


January 29, 2000





Proper Hierarchy and the Disorder of Separation


Throughout the text of the Bible, and especially evident in Chapter 3 of Genesis, there is a system which God has set up to denote the proper relationships each of his creations share with each other and with Him.   An analysis of this reoccurring theme will help to establish that God’s intended system is a hierarchy in which there is an apportionment of “servants” and “masters,” with God having the final authority.   This motif is first introduced in chapter 1 of Genesis where God sees that His creations are “good,” already establishing a higher standard, “good,” from a lower one, “bad.”   In the system that follows, the hierarchy runs with God foremost as the creator; then humans come next as subservient to God, but are put in charge of ruling all the “lesser creatures;” and then all the other animals, who feed on the vegetation of the land.   We see that the intention of the author(s) was not to promote a belief in equality, but rather principles governing a highly organized structure separating those who serve and those who rule.


Chapter three delineates the fall of both man and woman by God who asserts and maintains the relationships within the hierarchy.   In response to their actions, God punishes Adam, Eve, and the serpent.   It is also interesting to note that when God approaches, then questions Adam about whether or not he ate the fruit, His advance immediately implies that God will take man’s word first over woman, and over all other creatures.   Once again we see distinct levels of importance among the three: God values the man’s word first, as he is created in the likeness of Him; the woman second, since she is Adams derivative; then the serpent, whom God will hear last, as in this case.   When Adam responds to God’s inquiry, instead of accepting...