Genesis Chapter 11
In this chapter we read of the account of the tower of Babel. This section of scripture is like a parenthetical phrase in the middle of the recording of the genealogy of Noah’s sons. This account helps us understand exactly why Noah’s descendants dispersed throughout the world as they did.
It was in His great mercy that God stopped the prideful actions of men. I don’t think God had a problem with men wanting to peer into heaven, we all would love to do that, and God understands. But God has not ordained that we can see Him nor heaven of our own volition. It is God and God alone who decides when we can come before His throne.
Let's Reflect
1. The chapter begins with what statement about the languages of mankind? Isn’t it interesting that before this event and before the flood all the populations spoke one language.
“Language is so complex because languages exist as whole systems, not as small parts put together. Most modern linguists believe all languages come from one original language.” [Guzik]
2. Depending on what version you are reading, the Bible says that they made bricks from burning the sand and other elements in very hot fire and they used bitumen (some versions say asphalt) for mortar. The idea is they were making the tower watertight as well as very sturdy. They understood how firm they needed to make the foundation to achieve the height of the tower they desired. According to verse 4 what were all of their reasons for building this great tower?
3. The Bible says that the LORD came down to see the tower they were building. We are not told the reason that the LORD came down, but we know the result. What did God do?
4. The Bible says that there would be no stopping man and the things that he would do. Man will always do what he thinks will outsmart God and create life and bring him notoriety. Think about our modern time and the invention of AI (Automated Intelligence). Think about man’s attempts to clone DNA. The tower of Babel was just one of the first attempts of men to outsmart God. What happened to the building of the tower?
The tower was real and had to be left unfinished. Imagine being a part of a future generation that walked by this great, unfinished tower and wondering what it was all about. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus said the tower of Babel still stood in his day and he had seen it.
5. In verse 10 we pick back up with the genealogy of Shem. What do you notice happening to the life span? The genealogy of Shem is most important because it will become a part of the line that our Messiah would come from. See Luke 3.
6. In verse 26 we learn of the sons of Terah. Who were they?
7. Where did Terah and his family set out to live? Where did they end up settling?
8. What do we learn about Abram’s wife Sarai?
