Lesson 19 - Babel and the World's Family

Notes taken from Genesis 11:1-9

Before the tower was built, the whole world spoke one language. No one really knows for sure what language.  What is clear is that it was ONE common language that everyone knew.

What was wrong with building the tower?
Instead of building it for God, they were building it to make a name for themselves.  They wanted people to see this tower and praise them.

In Genesis 1:28, God wanted his creation to fill the earth and subdue it.  Building the tower was an act of defiance against God since one stated purpose was that they might not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.

This was the first "temple" in human history built by people trying to save themselves apart from the true and living God.

What did God to do stop them from building the tower?
God confused their language so they wouldn't understand each other.

The word "Babel" possibly means "confused."

What lessons can we take from this story and apply to today?  
We cannot build our own kingdoms and expect them to last.

Everything we build here on this earth should be built to the glory of God.