Out Of Babel

Introduction:

In a new study just recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research supported the idea that multiple people groups had independent origins.  This would support the confusion of languages that happened at Babel.  The researchers analyzed 2,082 worldwide languages and 246 global people groups.  So this study matched up well with the dispersal of different people groups at Babel.  So let’s go to God’s Word to see what happened at Babel.

Body:

A Story of Firsts

In his book In the Beginning, Justin Rogers describes three firsts associated with the Tower of Babel episode in Genesis 11: 1-9.

• Human language was confused.  The Bible as well as other ancient records attests to the fact that all humans possessed one common language in the beginning of human history.  (Genesis 11:1)  “Now the whole earth had one language and one speech.”  NKJV  The Tower of Babel incident occurred earlier than some of the events in Chapter 10.  See Genesis 10:5. “From these the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.” (Genesis 10:20) “These were the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands and in their nations.”  (Genesis 10:31) “These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood.”  NKJV  Also note Genesis 10:25. “To Eber were born two sons; the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.”  NKJV  Peleg refers to the events at Babel in Chapter 11.

• This was the first attempt to build a city.  (Genesis 11:2-4). “And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there.  Then they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’  They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar.  And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”  NKJV  Nothing is wrong with building cities.  God later commanded the Israelites to build cities.  (Numbers 32:24)  What made the building of Babel sinful was timing.  Sometimes people can do the right thing at the wrong time.  For example, there is nothing wrong with going fishing.  But if you go on Sunday morning and miss church services, then it becomes wrong.  God had commanded mankind to “be fruitful and multiply” and “fill the earth.”  (Genesis 1:28) “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”  (Genesis 9:1) “So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them; ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.”  NKJV  Settling in one location [a city] prevented the people from obeying God’s command.  So the Lord caused them to scatter over the face of all the earth.  (Genesis 11:8-9) “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city.  Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.”  NKJV

• This was the first attempt to construct a skyscraper.  People in ancient times believed that a higher elevation put you closer to God.  Archaeologists have discovered a number of large structures from Mesopotamia called ziggurats.  These were constructed with rows of stairs built into them so people could climb to the top to be closer to gods and offer worship.  Note Isaiah 2:12-17. 

Reasons for Building 

1. To Make a Name for Themselves  (Genesis 11:4)  Read Proverbs 22:1. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.”  NKJV  Name – Reputation  They were self-centered and selfish.  They wanted to be the center of attention.  Note Luke 12:16-21.  The rich man‘s focal point was himself.  But Jesus taught very differently.  (Mark 10:45) “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  NKJV  Self-centered people believe their rules and opinions are the best.  (Romans 2:8-9)  It is difficult for them to submit to anyone or to consider others.  (Philippians 2:3-4) “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  NKJV  Instead of helping others throughout the world, the builders of Babel chose to serve themselves.

2. Psalms 10:4, "The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.”   It leads to ruin.  (Proverbs 16:18) “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”  NKJV

Conclusion:

Although the Tower of Babel no longer exists, the sinful behavior of its builders continues. 

Bobby Stafford 

March 22, 2015

 

Church of Christ Sermons
Speaker	Sermon/Lesson Title (Right Click to Download)	Audio   Video  Text    MS Word	Category
Bobby Stafford	Out Of Babel		Tower of Babel