Genesis

The intent of this question is to continue the flow of history following the flood into the next phase of man's existence.

The flood that destroyed all life outside the Ark began to subside. Noah, his family and the animals leave the Ark and begin to repopulate the new world. This new world would be vastly different than the world Noah left. The terrain, environment and weather patterns would be completely changed. God promises that He will not destroy life by flood again and places a rainbow in the sky as a symbol of His promise.

Noah plants a vineyard and becomes drunk from the wine he produced. He falls asleep naked in his tent. His youngest son, Ham, sees him and rather than covering Noah, speaks about it to his brothers. The others cover Noah. As a result of Ham's dishonor, Noah pronounces judgment against him stating that he and his descendants will be servants to his brothers.

The chapter ends at this point with a statement of the death of Noah after 950 years.

Adam's genealogical listing focuses on people. Noah's genealogical listing focuses on people, nations and civilizations. We also see the characteristics of the people. This is a wider survey of how the nations were formed.

As man's population grew, they all spoke the same language. Instead of dispersing and populating the earth, they chose to settle in the area of Shinar. They decided to build a city and tower. This went against God's intent for them to disperse and populate the earth.

God sees the people's unified rebellion and as a result confuses their languages. This results in a stoppage of their efforts to build the tower and forces a dispersion.

Note: God uses language to drive them apart. Later, in Acts 2, God will use language to bring man together with an understanding of His will for our salvation.

The remainder of Genesis 11 continues with the further record of key ancestors of the lineage of Shem that would lead to the birth of Jesus, the promised redeemer.

There are several significant elements to this biblical account.

Note: There may be other items noted by students. Encourage them to add to this list what they see as additional items of significance.

• God puts down their rebellion by destroying their unity but not by destroying them. There is no record of anyone being destroyed but rather they are dispersed.
• Languages and associated cultures are established.
• The world-wide population begins.
• The lineage of Jesus through Abram (Abraham) is recorded.

The event of the Tower of Babel is just another example of how man fails to do God's will. God had promised not to destroy man again by flood and for man to move out to populate the earth. Man chose instead to use his own knowledge and skills to prevent God's will. In this case, a tower to "reach into the heavens". Throughout our history we have tried to go against God's will or to impose our efforts to take control.

The use of this information shows that try as man might, God remains in control and remains faithful to His promises. Even though man continues to rebel, God moves us toward His plan. We must seek God's way in all things thus showing our faith in Him and love for Him by our submission and obedience. God knows what is best for us in both the end result and the process to achieve it.