v.1-9
Repeated phrases:
I. common language, common vocabulary v.1, 6, 7, 9
However, the problem is not the common language. Those are the tools that they are able to build this city and the tower:
v.4 Then they said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves."
The problem is the purpose of the city and the tower was to "make a name for ourselves." They were used as a military purpose to claim their territory (1 Maccabees 5:57 and 3:14).
II. spread/scattered v.2,4,8,9
v.4b "Otherwise we will be scattered across the face of the entire earth.”
Mankind wanted to make a name for ourselves and the ultimate purpose is not to be scattered. How can a tower prevent people from scattered? As mentioned above, it was not because of the height of the tower that people would be able to find the way home so that they would not be scattered. Rather, the tower was the symbol of their military power so that they would not be dispersed by their opponents (49:7, Numbers 10:35). In this case, their opponents was the LORD. See how God dispersed them in v.8 and 9.
Reflection:
(1) Man has demonstrated great advance in technology in building (making brick to replace stone v.3) and therefore, they thought they could build a tower v.4. Their accomplishment gave them pride.
(2) God has gave us many tools (technology or language) that could be put to good use, but we use that to build up our self. We think that we are strong and could do anything. Do you like to teach other people? Is it because of the pride in our heart and thinking that we know better than others?
(3) God never questioned the ability of man to do things v.6, but we are not necessary doing the right thing. Something we are so impressed with people ability to do things. Or women usually so proud of our efficiency over man. Does it matter? Only if we are doing the right thing, yes, it does matter.
v.10-32 we see the genealogy of Shem again. In Chapter 10, it traced after one of sons of Eber, Joktan 10:25. In chapter 11, it traced after another sons of Eber, Peleg 11:16 and then continued all the way to Abram (Abraham). Note the uniqueness of Abram than all his ancestors: He had no children v.30.
Audrey
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