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Answer
As a record of human history, the Bible frequently mentions the social structure of different civilizations. From early times, there was evident social stratification, distinguishing landowners from laborers, slaves, and foreigners within a community. In most ancient societies, widows and orphans were also considered among the lowest in the social hierarchy.
Ancient Israel, like other nations, was structured with a clear hierarchy of authority: Moses and Aaron led the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 4:27-31). Aaron was in charge of the priests (Exodus 29). Each clan or family had its own leaders «And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel: », (Numbers 36:1). There were appointed “officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens” «And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. », (Exodus 18:25). Subsequently, during the monarchy, the hierarchy included a king at the pinnacle «Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: », (1 Chronicles 28:4).
In addition to hierarchies of authority, the Bible makes references to hierarchies based on class, military rank, religion, and other aspects.
Regarding socioeconomic status, the Bible provides examples of class hierarchy. In Esther 1:16, there is mention of the king, the queen, the nobility, and “the peoples of all the provinces.” Later in the same passage, society is described as ranging from “the least to the greatest” (verse 20). The Bible is rich with examples of military hierarchy, such as the centurion in Matthew 8:9 who acknowledges himself as “a man under authority, with soldiers under me.” Religious hierarchy is also evident in the Bible, including the Levites, who were exclusively chosen to carry the ark of the covenant, as stated in 1 Chronicles 15:2. Additionally, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees are mentioned as those who “sit in Moses’ seat” in Matthew 23:2. Lastly, Jesus’ words in Mark 14:7 highlight a socioeconomic hierarchy, stating that “the poor you will always have with you.”
Social hierarchy is considered normal, natural, and essential for maintaining order. God established authority structures, as mentioned in Romans 13:1, where it is stated, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Furthermore, first-century Christians were instructed to “honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17; cf: Proverbs 24:21).In the millennial kingdom of Christ, a hierarchy will exist. Christ will be King, and the twelve apostles are promised to “sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” «that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. », (Luke 22:30). Therefore, there is nothing sinful about a hierarchy, per se.
It’s important to remember that a person’s place in a hierarchy is not indicative of his or her worth as a person. The Bible teaches that everyone, from a king down to the lowest servant, is created in the image of God. Humanity often confuses the issue, assigning a certain value or worth to those with more authority, more money, or higher rank. Such thinking is unbiblical. God is no respecter of persons «Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: », (Acts 10:34), and neither should we show favoritism (James 2:1-9).
Also, just because God establishes authorities doesn’t mean that all hierarchies are pleasing to Him. Some hierarchies in this world are the result of the fall of humanity and the broken, sinful state of the world. The caste system of Hinduism, for example, is a thing of evil. And just because the Bible acknowledges a hierarchy exists doesn’t mean God approves of everything that takes place within it. The Bible is clear that God does not approve of discrimination, exploitation, or the abuse of power.
The Bible acknowledges that social hierarchies exist, but it also repeatedly calls for the protection of widows and orphans «Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. », (Exodus 22:22). The Mosaic Law provided far more humane and just provisions for the vulnerable members of society.
Israel had more protective regulations regarding slavery than any other nation at the time (Exodus 21). Additionally, Israel was given a direct command to treat immigrants fairly: “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt” «Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.», (Exodus 23:9).
We should not confuse God-established authority with human-made social structures or hierarchies caused by sin. God’s structures are meant for our protection and provision, even as mankind tries to corrupt them; human hierarchies are meant to elevate some and subjugate, abuse, or exploit others.
One day, “every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low” «Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:», (Isaiah 40:4), and those who abuse their power, marginalize the weak, or in any way degrade human life will face justice (see Psalm 36:6; Revelation 19:11). We can rely on God’s righteous justice to set all things right when He fulfills His will at the end of the age.
