Write 500 words on this topic: “Discuss the element of hierarchy in Genesis 1-3.” Consider such things as Adam’s relation to God, Eve’s relation to Adam and God, and the serpent’s relation to Adam, Eve, and God.
Genesis 1-3 paints a picture of authority. This authority is all in God’s hands. God shows in Genesis 1-3 that he is above all. He created everything, and he has authority over everything. God gave humans the authority over animals, but that’s pretty much it. He did not give them authority over him. Adam and Eve have a special relationship, but Eve was created to be Adam’s companion. However, the serpent challenges God’s authority, ultimately challenging God’s hierarchy he made.
The most important part of the hierarchy is Adam’s relationship with God. God creates Adam in his image. God gives Adam responsibilities, including caring for God’s creation and naming and taking care of animals. Adam has authority over animals but still remains under God’s authority. So far the hierarchy goes God, then Adam/man.
The second relationship in the hierarchy is Eve, Adam, and God. Eve is created because God does not want Adam to be alone. Eve was also created in God’s image. They are partners and share dominion over creation. Eve is still under God’s authority just as Adam is. Right now the hierarchy goes God, then Adam/Eve. Eve is equal to Adam because God views them that way.
The serpent comes in now and tries to challenge it and go above God. God gave both Adam and Eve the rule of no eating from the tree. The serpent tempts Eve into eating the fruit and disobeying God. Adam still chose to disobey God and eat the fruit too. When God confronted Adam, he instead blamed Eve for it and took no responsibility. This showed that Adam was still accountable to God.
The hierarchy now goes God, Adam/Eve, and the serpent. Although the serpent tries to get above God. He never does become higher than him. Adam and Eve still have authority over creation but remain accountable to God now. Humans can overcome the serpent/evil through God’s word and prayer, because human authority ultimately comes from God. The fall shows what happens when God’s authority is rejected and why humans need to remain under God’s authority.
