19. God's Intervention against man's initiative (Gen 11:1-9)

As Noah's descendants increased, they again acted against God's will. They tried to build a tall tower for their names, but God did not allow it.

Read Gen 11:1-9 (NET) or Gen 11:1-9 (ESV)


Questions for Observation

What was the purpose of building the tower? (two, v4)

 

 

How did the Lord stop their building? (v7)

 

They tried to have a great name for themselves but got the name, (             ), which means confusion. They wanted not to be scattered though God had commanded them to spread. Therefore, (             ) confused their languages so that they were scattered all the more.

Any trial of seeking own glory and any plan against God’s words won’t (              ).

 

Meditation for Application

This episode shows how two kinds of initiatives clash with each other in history: man's initiative and God's initiative. Always God's initiative succeeds. 

A plan of man's initiative.

  • "Come let's" (verse 3,4): Building the tower was not from God's plan but man's initiative.
  • They wanted their name great. They wanted to be like God by building a tower that would reach heaven. 
  • They wanted security on their own, not trusting God's promise of the rainbow (no more flood) and against God's will of spreading.
  • Their enhanced technology (brick for stone) made this plan feasible.
The intervention of God's initiative

  • "Come, let's" (verse 7): God doesn't want humans to accomplish whatever they plan (verse 6) for their thoughts are evil. 
  • God didn't destroy the tower. Instead, He confused their languages and left a clear message to succeeding generations.
  • Divided languages made it difficult for them to take the initiative in their lives. 
Result
  • Not great name, meaning confusion, was left: Babel. 
  • They were even more scattered by different languages. God's will was accomplished.
Lessons

  • Without God's glory, there is no way for our glory. Only a shame comes.
  • No human initiative will succeed. You'd better obey His will voluntarily. Otherwise, you will be forced to do so.
  • Today is the same. Developed technology gives us more power to implement our thoughts. However, God keeps putting obstacles to prevent us from achieving sinful ends: disease, disasters, or wars. 
  • We all want our own initiative in our lives. Did God put any obstacle that would prevent you from taking the initiative? It is for your good.
  • You can ask, 'Isn't running for a good school and a good job building the Tower of Babel?' Yes, it may or may not depending on your motivation. Then, how do you know your motivation? You might not know. Therefore, you must read the Bible, pray, and walk with Him daily. Then, every decision of yours will be according to God's will.

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