Then there is what they think a 'patriarchy' is and try to use the Bible as an excuse to hate on men. The real truth is that a patriarch, especially in the Old Testament, is a thankless job with very few rewards.
Now - The oldest son can inherent a few million dollars from his father and use that money wisely or foolishly.
Then - All the money the oldest son inherited goes right back into the household to keep the finances flowing.
Now - Got a relative you can't stand or want nothing to do with, then you can pretend like that relative doesn't exist and can even disown that relative on the spot.
Then - Got a relative you can't stand or want nothing to with then tough! You're stuck with the relative unless the relative does something incredibly wrong and stupid like anger God to the point of personally dealing with the relative or having the law of stoning be enforced.
Now - In today's military a person joins as a volunteer. Family expectations is a personal thing and not a military thing.
Then - Got a relative that's in trouble a hundred miles away. Then you are to be the at the head of the family's fighting force and travel a hundred miles to help that relative out while hoping you can make it time 'cause if not then may just be seen as a sign of inept and piss-poor leadership skills.
It can said that how the patriarchy was done was reflective of what God does on a daily basis for anyone who believes. God will even welcome a 'black sheep of the family' via Jesus Christ and as seen in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Even when Israel acted like a black sheep, God still welcomed them back when they repented of their sins. When person is beset by enemies that want the person deader than dead, then that person can call upon God for help. Also a lot of generals and others who won battles and wars credited God for their victories more than their own skills and efforts.
