- Scripture: Genesis 11:1–11:9
- The Anchor: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” – Genesis 11:4
Back when everyone on the earth had one language, everyone could communicate perfectly with one another. They all agreed to make a city and a tower for themselves with brick and bitumen (a part of asphalt), and that it should reach the heavens, lest they be dispersed over the face of the earth. This is ironic because God in fact did disperse all of the people after seeing what they were building. God talked to the other persons of the Trinity, and He decided to confuse the languages and disperse them. Babel means to confuse, and it is a good name, because God confused their languages.
The tower of Babel shows how the people did not trust God. God clearly promised Noah that He would never send a great flood like the one in the last few passages ever again, yet the people didn’t trust the promise, and they built a tower out of brick and bitumen, which are both water-resistant materials. They built it to withstand a future flood that was never going to come.
The people were disobeying God’s commands to go and multiply and fill the earth. The people all congregated in the land of Shinar instead of exploring the vast world that God had created. Their specific words were talking about exalting themselves and making themselves great in the world, while their true purpose was to glorify and obey their Creator.
It is very common for us to forget God’s promises sometimes. God’s promise of salvation for those who believe is such an important promise for our lives, and we often doubt God when things get hard. This passage shows us the consequences of doing things our own way instead of following God’s way. When we follow our own path, things won’t go well, but when we trust in God’s promises and in His plan, God will use everything for His glory. So let us live our lives in obedience, trusting that God will lead us through every step of the way even if we are afraid and unsure.
Reflection
- The people of Babel used water-resistant brick and bitumen because they secretly didn’t trust God’s promise to never flood the earth again. When things get difficult or stressful in your life, what “water-resistant” structures or backup plans do you try to build on your own instead of trusting God?
- The builders congregated in one spot to make a name for themselves rather than filling the earth to glorify God. Looking at your daily circles—like your time with parents, your small group (CGC sg), or hanging out with friends—how can you make sure your goal is to glorify God rather than exalting yourself?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I doubt Your promises and try to handle life through my own strength and backup plans. Help me to live in true obedience, trusting Your perfect track record and knowing that You will lead me safely through every single step. Amen.