421 – The Tower of Babel

SEMESTER 2

421 – The Tower of Babel

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  BIBLE SURVEY II LESSON # 21
THE TOWER OF BABEL

Read Gen. 10:8-12 and Gen. 11:1-9.

(For companion study, carefully cover lesson 19 in the book MAJOR BIBLE EVENTS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.)

INTRODUCTION:

1. Speculation about and the symbolism drawn from this historic structure is both vast and varied.
2. I will not, in this lesson, pose as either a critic of the speculation or an authority on the symbols.
3. I do feel there are some foundational truths here, which explain the account in the Bible and necessitate our careful study of it.

I. THE BUILDER OF THE CITY AND THE TOWER

1. It appears from Gen. 10:8-10 and Gen. 11:1-9 combined, that Nimrod was the chief builder.
2. Though it is not particularly said that Nimrod built Babel, it seems to be implied clearly enough by Gen. 10:10.
3. Let it be noted that he was not of the Semitic line. Thus, as you consider the conduct of all of Ham’s offspring, you may be relatively sure that all the religion which existed here was most idolatrous.

II. THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING THE CITY AND ITS TOWER

1. They purposed union, as opposed to scattering. (Gen. 11:4)
2. Note that this disobeys God’s commandment to Noah and his sons, when they came out of the ark. (Gen. 9:1)
3. Do not think this move was in ignorance, for both Noah and his sons were alive at this time.
4. The spirit and purpose of Nimrod and his cohorts is manifested today in a twofold direction.

i. The drive for a one-world government.
ii. The ecumenical movement.

5. Notice how many of today’s political and religious goals would be automatically destroyed by the action of God in Gen. 11:6-8.

III. THE PRACTICE OF THESE PEOPLE

1. It is supposed by some that the efforts of the builders of this city and tower, were self-efforts to reach God.
2. It is claimed by others that it was a place of idol worship which included orgies, paid indulgences, and prostitution, all as a part of their “worship.”
3. If you consider the religious insight and practices of the nation of Babylon, also in the plain of Shinar, and surely the same place, you will find abundant support for the second opinion. It was competition against God.

IV. GOD’S PLEASURE – (GEN. 11:5-8)

1. It seems to me that the very thing sought by the ecumenicists, universalists and one-worlders of today is precisely what God forbad and prevented.
2. They were not permitted to establish and maintain the purposed unity of Gen. 11:4.
3. They had their languages confused, causing divisions of nations and peoples. (Verses 7-9)
4. They had their purpose curtailed and restrained by divine interven­tion. (Gen. 11:6)

V. THE EFFECT OF THIS ON THE WORLD

1. The world has never had a successful world-wide leader.
2. They have dreamed of it as did Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 2.
3. They have attempted it as did Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 3:1-5 and Dan. 3:29, and as did the Persian, Greek and Roman emperors.
4. It shall not be, for the stone cut out without hands is alone ordained to this glory. Compare Dan. 2:45 to Psa. 2:1-12.