Genesis 11:1-9
Read Genesis 11:1-9
Helpful Background Information:
In Daniel 3, we see King Nebuchadnezzar make a golden image or statue of himself. This statue was to be worshipped, to display the “greatness” of the one who built it, and served as an idolatrous symbol of unity in the Babylonian Empire, which controlled all of the ancient world at that time. However, this story in Daniel bears a strong resemblance to the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.
Before discussing these similarities, let’s note the context of Genesis 11. In Genesis 1 and 2, God created mankind to be active and productive, not static. Adam and Eve were to be fruitful and multiply, work and till the garden, and even expand the garden’s boundaries through their work. It was the LORD God who was to be obeyed and given all the glory. That all changed in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and introduced sin and death into the world.
Chapters 3-10 of Genesis, then, show the world’s increasing descent into wickedness. God, seeing the great wickedness of the human heart, commanded Noah to make the ark and sent a flood in judgment upon wicked humanity. However, sin still exists after the flood, which is where we come to our text for today.
Here, we find humanity attempting to build a great tower. Interestingly enough, the building location was “The Land of Shinar”, which was the exact same location Daniel was brought to when he was brought to Babylon in exile (See Daniel 1:2). Many Bible commentators even theorize that Nebuchadnezzar’s statue was a futile attempt to undo the curse of Babel.
Reflection Questions:
What are some similarities and differences between the stories of the Tower of Babel and Nebuchadnezzar? (Note the similar purposes of the Tower of Babel and Nebuchadnezzar’s statue)
What do you think motivated Nebuchadnezzar and the people in Genesis 11 to build what they did? Compare their motivations to those of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King (See Philippians 2:1-11).
Both Babel and Nebuchadnezzar’s statue were human attempts to create meaning, identity, and legacy apart from God. Where are you tempted to find the same things outside of your relationship with God? What are some passages that teach you about your identity and position in Christ?