In archeology, a fragmented text was found in the ancient world of Mesopotamia called Eridu Genesis. It is part of ancient mythology that describes the goddess Nintur’s desire for man to build cities and to congregate in one place. She desired that mankind be sedentary and not nomadic. Could it be that the Tower of Babel is in response to this ancient goddess’ desire? Yet, Yahweh, our God wants man to be nomadic and He wants them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:7). God wants man to populate the earth.
So, man comes together and builds this tower in opposition to what God wants. Man with his resources and technology builds a tower (Genesis 11:3). Man wants to make a name for himself because he doesn’t want to be dispersed over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:4). Once again, man doesn’t want to do what God desires for them to fill the earth (Genesis 1:22; Genesis 1:28; Genesis 9:1; 9:7). Now this tower was part of an ancient city and a typical ancient tower, known as a ziggurat, was square at the base and had sloping, stepped sides that led upward to a shrine at the top. These ziggurats were dedicated to gods. The idea is that a god would come down to his temple and be worshiped and then he would bless his people. The problem in this story is that the real God (Yahweh) came down (Genesis 11:5) and He was not pleased. So, the text uses a word play connects the name of the city (babel) with a verb confuse (balal), God confused Babel (Genesis 11:9).
I don’t know if you see the connections with man’s constant desire to make a name for himself…to take control of life…to be independent of God…but I do. Despite our science, technological or economic advancement, I see continued confusion in the world today, God continues to remind us that He is in charge and we are not. However, God did send His Spirit down on the day of Pentecost and “unbabel” His people (Acts 2:5-12). Peter stands up and preaches about what God has done in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:36). I think we might ought to come down off our towers and focus on Jesus. What do you think?
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