Genesis 11:5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building.
Today’s scripture is one of those instances where I must remember the character of God or I will misinterpret what’s happening. When I don’t keep in mind God’s character–the fact that He is sovereign, gracious, loving, compassionate–it looks like He is jealous and simply scatters humans just so that they can’t achieve all this without Him.
Genesis 11:6 The Lord said, “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.
But that’s not who God is. He’s not cruel. He’s not jealous. So what’s going on here? Commentary says that God’s actions separating the Babylonians is “more God’s mercy than His judgment.” He knows that if they achieve all these amazing things WITHOUT Him, that humans will forget that they NEED Him to live a full and balanced life, a life NOT centered just on just themselves, a life that glorifies Him.
Genesis 11:7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
Precious Savior, Thank You for saving us from ourselves. I have seen what happens when I have a little success on my own. I begin to forget how much I need You in my life. And I need You so very desperately. Thank You for who You are and who You are to me. Help me to live for You alone. Always. Amen.
Genesis 11:8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.
Have a blessed day.