Genesis 11:1-32

Based on the genealogy given in Chapter 10 (and given timelines throughout the Bible), it can be assumed that there was around 100 years between the Flood and the Tower of Babel. Assuming large families from this time, there could reasonably be 1,000 people by this time.

11:2 | Shinar, in the region now known as Iraq, was the location of the ancient kingdom of Babylon. The mighty leader Nimrod was the one who decided to draw all peoples together to form a powerful society and secure their unified might by constructing a massive tower - a symbol of human pride.

11:3-4 | Here the tower builders use the word us repeatedly, yet they never mention God. Their attitude resoundingly echoed Satan’s unholy ambition as expressed in the words of the Babylonian king: “I will ascend into heaven… I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;… I will be like the Most High” (Isa. 14:13-14). The people were driven not only by rebellious pride (make a name) and self-sufficiency but fear (lest we be scattered).

11:5 | Of course God could see the Tower of Babel from the moment of its inception, but for the writer to mention that He came down to see the city humorously emphasizes how far above their tower the Lord was. The people could never reach the heavens or attain God’s greatness no matter how high they might build.

11:8-9 | Nimrod’s attempt to move all people to Shinar directly opposed God’s command to multiply and fill the earth, so God scattered the people. From this point on, human diversified into distinct linguistic, ethnic, and societal groupings - all in need of the message of God’s grace.

11:26-27 | Joshua 24:2 says of Terah - Abram’s father - that he and his fathers “dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods.” So Abram (who becomes Abraham) grew up in a family of idolaters as well as an idolatrous nation. Yet the one true God would call him out of that environment into a relationship with Himself.