1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
2 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.
3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people [is] one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
10 These [are] the generations of Shem: Shem [was] an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:
11 And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.
12 And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:
13 And Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.
14 And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber:
15 And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.
16 And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:
17 And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters.
18 And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu:
19 And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.
20 And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug:
21 And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.
22 And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor:
23 And Serug lived after he begat Nahor two hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.
24 And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah:
25 And Nahor lived after he begat Terah an hundred and nineteen years, and begat sons and daughters.
26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
27 Now these [are] the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife [was] Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
30 But Sarai was barren; she [had] no child.
31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 11
Genesis Chapter 11 presents two significant narratives: the story of the Tower of Babel and the genealogy of Shem leading to Abram. This chapter illustrates themes of human ambition, divine intervention, and the origins of nations and languages.
The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)
This section describes humanity’s attempt to build a tower that reaches the heavens, symbolizing their desire for power and unity apart from God.
Key Themes
- Unity and Language: The chapter begins with all of humanity speaking a single language, which facilitates their collaboration.
- Human Ambition: The people decide to build a city and a tower to make a name for themselves, showcasing their desire for fame and self-sufficiency.
- Divine Intervention: God observes their actions and decides to intervene to thwart their plans, demonstrating His sovereignty over humanity.
Significant Verses
- Verse 4: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.” – This verse encapsulates the ambition of humanity to achieve greatness without reliance on God.
- Verse 6: “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” – God’s acknowledgment of human potential when united in purpose.
- Verse 7: “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” – This marks the divine response to human pride and ambition.
Consequences of the Babel Incident
The confusion of languages leads to the scattering of people across the earth, which results in the formation of different nations and cultures. The tower, which was intended to reach the heavens, remains unfinished, symbolizing the futility of human efforts to rival God.
The Genealogy of Shem (Genesis 11:10-32)
This section provides a genealogy from Shem to Abram, highlighting the lineage through which God’s covenant will unfold.
Importance of Genealogy
- Connection to the Covenant: The genealogy establishes the lineage that leads to Abraham, who is central to the biblical narrative of God’s chosen people.
- Historical Context: It provides a timeline and context for the events that follow, linking the past with the future of Israel.
- Divine Purpose: The mention of specific ages and descendants emphasizes God’s sovereignty in guiding history toward His purposes.
Key Figures
- Shem: One of Noah’s sons, whose lineage is significant for the continuation of God’s plan.
- Terah: The father of Abram, whose family background sets the stage for the call of Abram.
- Abram (Abraham): The pivotal figure in the covenant relationship with God, representing faith and obedience.
Theological Implications
Genesis Chapter 11 serves as a foundational text that emphasizes the following theological themes:
- Human Limitations: The attempt to build the Tower of Babel illustrates the limitations of human ambition when it seeks to operate independently from God.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter reinforces the idea that God is ultimately in control of human affairs, capable of disrupting plans that oppose His will.
- Divine Plan for Redemption: The genealogy points toward God’s unfolding plan for redemption through Abraham and his descendants, setting the stage for the rest of the biblical narrative.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 11 encapsulates crucial themes of human pride, divine intervention, and the establishment of nations and languages. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility before God and the importance of aligning human endeavors with divine purposes.
