FEB 12
Genesis 11:1-6
Memorise Genesis 11:6
“let us build us a city and a tower… and let us make us a name”

About a hundred years had passed since Noah and his family had stepped out of the ark into the new world. They had obeyed God’s command to go forth and multiply, and had begun to replenish the earth. At that time, all the inhabitants of the world spoke one single language (Genesis 11:1), and that was Hebrew, the same language that God used to speak to Adam in the Garden of Eden. As the population expanded, people had started to migrate to the regions around, moving further and further to find lands to establish their homes. One particular group of them journeyed to the east, to the plains of the land of Shinar, somewhere in the region of Mesopotamia, modern day Iraq. Nestled between two large rivers, it would have been a popular place, for its fertile lands would be ideal for their farming activities. As they gathered and grew, the wicked sin of pride began to enter into their hearts. Under the leadership of a mighty hunter named Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-10), they were organised into a kingdom known as Babel. They developed the technology to produce bricks, which were the building blocks of the strong permanent structures of a city.

It is not that there was anything wrong with building a city or a tower. However, the motivation behind it was the main issue which provoked God’s reaction. As their city grew, they proudly declared “let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4). Clearly, their problem was one of pride, and a disregard for God. God’s will for them was to go forth and multiply and replenish the earth, and not to congregate in just one locality. This, they defiantly disobeyed. Furthermore, their desire was to build a high tower to make a name for themselves. In their arrogance, they thought that in building something so impressive and grand, they would be great in the eyes of man, and that brought them satisfaction. They wanted to be independent from God’s rule, and tried to establish a kingdom whereby man and not God, would be the one in charge. Basically, they were trying to establish an ecumenical one world government on earth, contrary to God’s commands. If they were allowed to continue on in their ways, mankind would very quickly descend into the wickedness that was rampant before the flood!

Thought: What is more important to me: My name or God’s name?

Prayer: Lord, may I learn to always humbly submit to Your will.