Mar 15 2009
A Threatening God – III
A third component of the primate threat display is the terminal or desired outcome: signs of subordination — the bowing down and/or backing off of the lesser to the greater. Sometimes it follows after the first component, the bluff or promise of violence, thus sparing the fright the second, the display itself. If the threat display itself fails to precipitate the a sign of submission/subordination . . . that social group has trouble. Upheaval is in the works.
The following Bible verses illustrate the importance of subordination to the supernatural alpha and the palliative effect expressions of it has.
That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. (Exodus 14:30-31)
Left unsaid is the matter of the LORD knowing they feared him. Among chimpanzees this knowledge comes via body language.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation. (Exodus 20:5)
Don’t attribute my greatness to another and show subordination to that agent. Or I may get angry and display my displeasure . . . not on you but another party.
For a clearer sign, we turn to this verse -
Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!” (1 Kings 18-38)
GOD’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches. We fall to our knees–we call out, “Glory!” (Psalms 29:9 – Message Bible)
From Merriam Webster online we find this definition of glory:
praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : renown
And finally (in terms of the limited selection of verses in my notes),
Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he will withdraw from us.” (Jeremiah 21:2)
The god of the Bible has often been referred to as capricious.
governed or characterized by caprice : impulsive , unpredictable
Unpredictable. Yes. Just as primate alphas tend to make their displays — So as to best generate a fright reaction from subordinates. And when the alpha sees he is still feared. He will rest. For awhile.
