Genesis 11:1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.
Commentary helped me to understand what’s going on in these first four verses. The survivors of the flood were told to “fill the earth” (meaning spread out), they choose to stay together. They were told that God would not flood the earth again. They chose to build a tall, waterproof tower that could withstand another flood. That doesn’t sound like trust and obedience.
Genesis 11:2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
Honestly, it sounds like a child or a stubborn fool: I know what’s best, and I can do it myself. Unfortunately, I have been guilty of thinking or saying or acting in this manner more than once. When I make my life about me–my ideas, my hopes and dreams, my goals, my wisdom–I will fall short every single time.
Genesis 11:3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the independent streak You have given us. Help us to use that independence to bring You praise and glory, to comfort Your people, and not to draw separations between us and You, between our goals and Yours for us. Help us to root ourselves in You. First and always. Amen.
Genesis 11:4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
Have a blessed day.