Articles
Babel Reversed
Reading: Genesis 11
Before the family tree of Abraham is established (vv. 10-32), the Bible tells us that there was originally a common language. During this time, people settled in the plain of Shinar and united there with a singular purpose: to build a city with a monumental tower to reach to the heavens. Their goal was to “make a name for [themselves]” (v. 4), thereby establishing physical roots and social renown. The Lord responded by confusing their language in order to halt the work and disperse the people. From one tongue came many, and their unity dissolved.
While we clearly read of the prideful motivation of these ancient people of Babel, there may have been a religious motivation in the construction as well. Later ancient people would build temple-towers called ziggurats in order to access the realm of the gods, inviting the gods to dwell at the top of the tower as an in-between space, thus “bringing heaven down” to earth.
In time, God Almighty would reverse what happened at Babel: on the day of Pentecost, the apostles would speak in various tongues and proclaim God’s glory, attracting a diverse audience and leading Peter to preaching the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:5-36). This sermon would make it plain that no construct of man’s design could help humans reach God; instead, God came down to earth as Jesus Christ and built His own dwelling place. Those present at Pentecost, though many, were made one in Jesus Christ, added to His church and united with one another (Acts 2:37-47). Praise God that our unity today is not based on prideful striving or worldly accomplishments, but the truth of the gospel!
