Biblical Patriarchy

     What exactly is "Biblical Patriarchy"? Biblical Patriarchy is the essence and timeless aspect of the Hebraic Roots. It is the walk of the Biblical patriarchal fathers, where Elohim's (God's) ways were made known in these fathers in Kingdom-principled obedience, commitment, covenant, leadership, relationships and all other aspects of life. It certainly is NOT about the suppression of women. It is about spiritual men and women living out their lives as patriarchs and matriarchs like Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah and Rachel, all of them in their specific roles.

     The Biblical term "patriarchy" is derived from two words in the Greek language -- patria (taken from the word peter, "father") which means "family", and arche which means "beginning", "first in origin", and "to rule". A patriarch is a family ruler. He is the man in charge. Biblical Patriarchy is a social system in which the father is the head of the family, and men have authority over their women and children.

     Satan has done a masterful job of seducing our society. Men are no longer real men. Women who Elohim made to be the helpmeet of man have become the rulers of man. Most men today don't hold a candle compared to the brilliant light that shines through the men of the Tanak (Old Testament) -- men like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Israel (Jacob), Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Solomon, Elijah and Daniel. Nor do most compare to men of the Messianic Scriptures (New Testament) like Peter, James, John, Paul, Barnabas and others.

     They were men of destiny who understood or who came to understand their place and calling in Elohim. They fought the enemy and overcame. They refused to submit to the tyranny of government when it opposed Elohim and they were willing to die rather than to be found compromising Scriptures and principles in order to please society through compliance to satanically inspired laws or customs.

Patriarchal Worldview

     Messiah is in Biblical Patriarchy and Biblical Patriarchy is in Messiah. The underlying culture and true foundation of the gospel have long been renounced, removed and replaced with Hellenism and Romanism that gave birth to the Roman worldview of the modern culture. Our present views on men and women are influenced by the Western European culture, and not by the Middle-Eastern culture where the Scripture originated and was interpreted. We do not generally understand Patriarchy, so we interpret the Scriptures from the pagan Greco-Roman culture that we have been raised in.

     Why was Patriarchy inadvertently replaced? Because the ways of the patriarchs were always abominations to the Greek and Roman cultures and they always will be, as long as the world is still under that influence. Our worldview is not seen against the backdrop of Patriarchy culture, but according to paganistic Greco-Roman culture and interpretations, that has its roots going all the way back to Babylon.

Differences Between Men and Women

     Elohim made men for a specific purpose and He made women for a specific purpose. When they fulfill Elohim's design, they do not perform the same function. Women are the glory of man. Men are the image and glory of Elohim.
     And I wish you to know that the head of every man is the Messiah, and the head of woman is the man, and the head of Messiah is Elohim. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, brings shame to his Head. And every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered brings shame to her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. For a man indeed should not cover his head, since he is the likeness and esteem of Elohim, but woman is the esteem of man. For man is not from the woman, but woman from man. For man also was not created for the woman, but woman for the man. Because of this the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the messengers. (1 Corinthians 11:3-10, The Scriptures)
     This Scripture, taken from 1 Corinthians 11, is one that is not often preached, primarily because the women, especially in the United States, would rise up in protest. Many would leave a church that dares to preach this truth, just as many leave churches that speak out against abortion or sodomy.

     Notice the chain of authority in 1 Corinthians 11. Elohim is the head of the Messiah. Messiah is the head of the man. Man is the head of the woman. But Satan has our society turned upside down for the most part. With Biblical Patriarchy, Messiah rules over the church at large, the man rules over the woman, and the spirit rules over the soul. But in our backwards society today, the so-called church (or most of it) does its own thing, the woman rules over the man, and the carnal nature of the soul rules without regard to any leading of the spirit.
     A capable wife is the crown of her husband, but one causing shame is like rottenness in his bones. (Proverbs 12:4, The Scriptures)

     In the same way, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that if any are disobedient to the Word, they, without a word, might be won by the behaviour of their wives, having seen your blameless behaviour in fear. Your adornment should not be outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on dresses - but the hidden Man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and peaceable spirit, which is of great value before Elohim. For in this way, in former times, the set-apart women who trusted in Elohim also adorned themselves, being subject to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him master, of whom you became children, doing good, and not frightened by any fear. (1 Peter 3:1-6, The Scriptures)
     As the glory of man, when a woman fulfills her role in submission to man, she glorifies the man in her life, and in this glorifies and pleases her Creator.
     And Elohim said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth and over all the creeping creatures that creep on the earth." And Elohim created the man in His image, in the image of Elohim He created him - male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:26-27, The Scriptures)

     This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that Elohim created man, He made him in the likeness of Elohim. Male and female He created them, and He blessed them, and called their name 'Adam' in the day they were created. And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and brought forth a son in his own likeness, after his image, and called his name Sheth. (Genesis 5:1-3, The Scriptures)

     Do not lie to each other, since you have put off the old man with his practices, and have put on the new one who is renewed in knowledge according to the likeness of Him who created him (Colossians 3:9-10, The Scriptures)
     As the image and glory of Elohim, when a man fulfills his role, he displays not only what Elohim looks like, but also his character as well.

Scriptural View of Men

     When a man doesn't act with authority like a man, he rebels against his Creator. The order of creation established the order of authority between male and female, and this was before the fall. In the beginning, Elohim gave man dominion over the earth, and he is responsible before Elohim for all that he does and any consequences of his actions. Furthermore, in this sovereignty is the rule over men as well.
     'This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the command by the word of the set-apart ones, so that the living know that the Most High is ruler in the reign of men, and gives it to whomever He wishes, and sets over it the lowest of men.' (Daniel 4:17, The Scriptures)

     Let every being be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Elohim, and the authorities that exist are appointed by Elohim. (Romans 13:1, The Scriptures)
     What does this dominion and authority have to do with Godly masculinity? Whether it be in some rule over animals, men or any aspect of authority in creation, men should act like men, be strong, and work righteousness in the earth.
     He has declared to you, O man, what is good. And what does Yahweh require of you but to do right, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your Elohim? (Micah 6:8, The Scriptures)
     A man has responsibility and authority in his home. This is evident in 1 Timothy:
     ...one who rules his own house well, having his children in subjection with all reverence, for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he look after the assembly of Elohim? (1 Timothy 3:4-5, The Scriptures)

     And if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the belief and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8, The Scriptures)
     Men are to have their children in submission with all reverence, and even their wives must be "reverent, not false accusers, sober, trustworthy in every way" (1 Timothy 3:11). How could a man have such control over his household? Such command comes by being "strong in the Master and in the mightiness of His strength" (Ephesians 6:10).
     In the fear of Yahweh is strong trust, and His children have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26, The Scriptures)

     Blessed are all who fear Yahweh, who walk in His ways. You shall eat the labour of your hands. Be blessed, and let it be well with you. Let your wife be as a fruit-bearing vine within your house, your sons like olive plants all around your table. Look, so shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh. (Psalms 128:1-4, The Scriptures)
     When a man fears Yahweh, he has the wisdom to rule his house well (Job 28:28) and as he exercises Godly authority in his home, Yahweh will bless his work (Psalms 128). A man not only has the responsibility to bring up his children "in the instruction and admonition of the Master" (Ephesians 6:4), to be strong in this and not to leave a child to his own destructive ways (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:6,15), but he is also accountable before Elohim in how he deals with his wife.
     In the same way, husbands, live understandingly together, giving respect to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the favour of life, so that your prayers are not hindered. (1 Peter 3:7, The Scriptures)
     The man needs to understand that the wife is the weaker vessel, and that she is under a curse that particularly affects the marriage relationship (Genesis 3:16), and with this in mind, remember Proverbs 14:29 and 17:27.
     He who is patient has great understanding, but he who is short of spirit exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29, The Scriptures)

     He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is cool of spirit. (Proverbs 17:27, The Scriptures)
     A man who is understanding, a man who lives with his wife in an understanding way, is a man who is slow to wrath and is calm. In this gentle understanding, a husband submits himself in love to his wife (Ephesians 5:21,25), not in exchange of authority, or cowering down to her fleshly whims and desires (Romans 8:5), but in the strength and spirit of Elohim (Ephesians 5:16), he leads her into holiness and righteous living (Ephesians 5:23,25-29).

     1 Peter 2:18-21 tells slaves to submit, even in the case of being beaten (1 Peter 2:20). Then 1 Peter 3:1 tells wives to submit in the same way. Then He tells the husbands to live likewise, in the same way. If a man were to have such an abusive wife, he could live out Yahushua's words in Matthew 5:39, "But I say to you, do not resist the wicked. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." It takes a strong man to live this out!

Scriptural View of Women

     The Word of Elohim does not flatter women (or men for that matter). He tells it like it is, and it is often not the way people think it is. Women are not the same as men. Some, it seems, have not noticed this simple fact. But, the reality is, the Creator made two different kinds of human beings, one male and one female. The male was made out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7) in the image of Elohim (Genesis 1:26-27). The female was made out of the male's rib (Genesis 2:21-23). The male is the glory of Elohim, but the female is the glory of man (1 Corinthians 11:7). They are similar, but not the same. In fact, women were NOT created to be independent entities. The woman was created because Elohim saw that man had need of a helper and she was designed to perfectly fill that role.
     For man is not from woman, but woman from man. For man also was not created for the woman, but woman for the man. (1 Corinthians 11:8-9, The Scriptures)

     And Yahweh Elohim said, "It is not good for the man to be alone, I am going to make a helper for him, as his counterpart." (Genesis 2:18, The Scriptures)
     Elohim created the woman for the man's sake. Women are to be man's "helper", but that is often not the case. All mankind is under the curse of sin, but women are under a particular curse. Besides their pregnancy and labor being ill-fated, their relationship with men is also stricken by Elohim.
     To the woman He said, "I greatly increase your sorrow and your conception - bring forth children in pain. And your desire is for your husband, and he does rule over you." (Genesis 3:16, The Scriptures)
     When Elohim said "your desire is for your husband", He was not speaking of the woman's great love for man. On the contrary, Elohim was cursing the woman with the desire to control her husband. We know this, not only by the plain fact that this statement is made in the context of condemnation, but also by Elohim's use of the exact same phrase to Cain in Genesis 4:7.
     "If you do well, is there not acceptance? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should master it." (Genesis 4:7, The Scriptures)
     The same original word in Hebrew is used in both Scriptures. Sin desired to get Cain to submit and be controlled by evil. Sin desired Cain, but Cain was told that he should overcome sin's desire. Likewise, the woman was told that she will desire her husband. She will desire to get him to submit to her, but he shall rule over her nevertheless.

     What do we see in society as a result of this curse? Women desiring to rule over not only their husbands, but other men as well.
     And I found more bitter than death, the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are shackles. He who pleases Elohim escapes from her, but the sinner is captured by her. (Ecclesiastes 7:26, The Scriptures)
     Snares, nets, shackles, escaping, and being captured...all describe a wicked woman's drive to control a man.

     In the salvation of Elohim, no distinction is made between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, for all the children of Elohim are one in Messiah Yahushua (Galatians 3:26-28). But when it comes to Elohim's established order of authority, there is a difference between slave and free, between male and female.

     Women who are married are to be homemakers and they are to obey their husbands. The husband is their authority (head) and they are to be as subject to their husbands as believers are to Messiah. In other words, they are to obey their husbands as they would obey Messiah, in every respect (Ephesians 5:24).

     This submission is so intense that "Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him master" (1 Peter 3:6), and she is given as an example to follow. Moreover, it doesn't matter if the husband is a believer or not (1 Peter 3:1). The wife is still to submit to him, even if he beats her.
     Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked ones. For this is favour, if because of conscience toward Elohim anyone bears up under grief, suffering unrighteously. For what credit is there in enduring a beating when you sin? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure, this finds favour with Elohim. For to this you were called, because Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps...In the same way, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that if any are disobedient to the Word, they, without a word, might be won by the behaviour of their wives (1 Peter 2:18-21; 3:1, The Scriptures)
     In the context of slaves submitting to being beaten, and how taking such beating patiently is "favour toward Elohim", Peter tells the wives to "in the same way" submit to their husbands as "Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example". So likewise, slaves and wives are to submit themselves to their authority, as Messiah submitted Himself to Elohim's authority in His suffering.

     Please note that we're not suggesting for a minute that women should be abused in any way. Verbal and physical abuses are wrong. The husband is to love his wife as his own flesh, treating her with respect and cherishing her in all things.

Symbol of Authority

     In 1 Corinthians 11, the Bible teaches that a woman is to have her head covered when praying or prophesizing. Some might think that this is a cultural matter, but Paul reveals otherwise. It is a spiritual matter.
     Because of this the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the messengers. (1 Corinthians 11:10, The Scriptures)
     The term "messengers" here is usually translated "angels" in most English translations. Why, and in what way, angels are affected or concerned about a woman having her head covered is more than we can address in this article. Suffice to say that women ought to have authority on their head, because of these spiritual beings.

     What is the authority on their head? It is something covering her head. It can either be long hair or something else. Either way, whether it be long hair or some other covering, her head is to be covered when she prays or prophesies, indicating her submission to her authority, man.

     This man could either be her husband (Colossians 3:18) or her father (Ephesians 6:1; Romans 1:30). As 1 Corinthians 7 illustrates, unless they get married, daughters are to be under their father's authority, whether they are young or old.
     And if anyone thinks he is behaving improperly towards his maiden (daughter), if she is past the flower of her youth, and so it should be, let him do what he desires, he does not sin - let them marry. But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, and has authority over his own desire, and has so decided in his heart to guard his own maiden, does well. So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better. (1 Corinthians 7:36-38, The Scriptures)
     This is describing a man keeping his daughter from getting married! Paul calls this the better way, and in this better way, the daughter stays under her father's authority (1 Timothy 5:8). The daughter can be an unmarried homemaker (Titus 2:4-5). But they are to be submissive, both to their husbands and their fathers.

Spiritual Deception

     In church, when believers have gathered together for the mutual edification of the body and the time has come for one person to be addressing the entire assembly of believers, women are not to teach or even ask a question, but to keep silent. This silence even extends to asking their husbands a question in church, because Paul says, "let them ask their own husbands at home".
     Let your women be silent in the assemblies, for they are not allowed to speak, but let them subject themselves, as the Torah also says. And if they wish to learn whatever, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in an assembly. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35, The Scriptures)
     But why is such an order of silence placed upon the women? Because Adam was not deceived, but the woman was.
     Let a woman learn in silence, in all subjection. But I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, rather, to be in silence. Because Adam was formed first, then Hawwah (Eve). And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been deceived, fell into transgression. (1 Timothy 2:11-14, The Scriptures)
     Now catch this point! Adam was not deceived! He knew full well what he was doing. If you read Genesis 3, you can see that Eve was deceived by the serpent, but Adam was NOT deceived, neither by the serpent or by Eve. He simply made the choice to follow Eve instead of Elohim in this matter.

     Most people don't realize that man's first idol was a woman. Adam followed Eve, idolizing her, rather than obeying Elohim. Anything we place ahead of Elohim is an idol. Although Adam had passed the test of the forbidden fruit before Eve was made, he failed the test of who he was to remain loyal to, when he had to choose between Elohim and Eve.

     The first woman was deceived when the first man was not, and this depicts a reality about both men and women. Women are more easily deceived. They are the weaker vessel and should not be teaching or speaking in the church.

     Now, in the past, women have rightly spoken (prophesied) in the midst of believers and unbelievers (Acts 2:5-18), but it was not in the same context as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 14. In Acts 2, everyone was speaking and it was a unique event. Women are not forbidden to speak under all circumstances. They are only commanded to "learn in silence" when it is time to be quiet and learn. In this, they are to "keep silent".

     On an individual basis, women can certainly speak to one another (men or women) as the Word of Messiah dwells in them "richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing with pleasure in your hearts to the Master in psalms and songs of praise and spiritual songs" (Colossians 3:16). They are not forbidden to do this. Actually, they are commanded to do this. Not only are they commanded to fulfill Colossians 3:16, but other verses as well that include speaking to their fellow believers (Ephesians 4:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Titus 2:3-4; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25; James 5:16). Women are indeed to be silent, but this does not mean silent all the time. There is "a time to be silent, and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

A Proverbs 31 Woman

     A wise woman would submit herself to the truth, and not fight her circumstances.
     Every wise woman has built her house, but the foolish breaks it down with her hands. (Proverbs 14:1, The Scriptures)
     The way a wise woman would build her house is by submitting herself to the authority in her life as she loves Elohim and fears Him, and serves those around her. Proverbs 31 describes such a virtuous woman whose "worth is far more than rubies" (Proverbs 31:10).
     The heart of her husband shall trust her, and he has no lack of gain. She shall do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She shall seek wool and flax, and with delight she works with her hands. She shall be as the ships of Tarshish, she brings in her food from afar. She also rises while it is still night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her girls. She shall consider a field and buy it; from her profits she shall plant a vineyard. She shall gird herself with strength, and strengthen her arms. She shall taste when her gain is good; her lamp does not go out by night. She shall stretch out her hands to the distaff, and her hand shall hold the spindle. She shall extend her hand to the poor, and she shall reach out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is dressed in scarlet. She shall make tapestry for herself; she is dressed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She shall make fine linen and sell them, and shall give girdles for the merchants. Strength and splendour are her garments, and she rejoices in time to come. She shall open her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the Torah of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children shall rise up and call her blessed; her husband too, and he praises her. Many daughters have done nobly, but you have risen over them all. Loveliness is deceptive and prettiness in vain, a woman who fears Yahweh is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:11-30, The Scriptures)
Conclusion

     It is important to understand that true Biblical Patriarchy doesn't seek to undermine or destroy woman, but instead seeks to uphold and love her, to the extent that if necessary, the man would be willing to lay down his life for her. The husband is to nourish and cherish his wife as his own flesh, but he does not submit to her, she submits to him.

     Any woman who believes Elohim's Word and submits herself to His ways is very precious to Elohim. Typically, women rebel against Elohim's order of submission, which is a serious matter. Such rebellion is rampant today, because it is ingrained in women to attempt to control men (Genesis 3:16). Holy women are submissive (1 Peter 3:5).

     At the same time, it is imperative that men love their wives and care for their precious children in the authority of Elohim. Men are ordained by Elohim to boldly direct, protect and provide for their families in the face of today's destructive cultural forces. All these duties is what true Biblical Patriarchy is all about.
     And if it seems evil in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves this day whom you are going to serve, whether the mighty ones which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the mighty ones of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But I and my house, we serve Yahweh. (Joshua 24:15, The Scriptures)

 
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