Genesis 11:1-9: "1 Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. 3 Then they said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. 4 And they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.' 5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the LORD said, 'Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.' 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth."
The narrative of the tower of Babel tells us the history of the development of the many languages that are in use in the world. Before the tower of Babel, which means confusion, everyone spoke the same language. There was a unity and bond, everyone worked together, because they understood each other. The question has to be raised, "Why is that such a bad thing, that our Lord has to put an end to it?" There are many people who believe that everyone was united there would be peace. Surely this cannot be a bad thing. There are at least two reasons the Lord causes the confusion of languages at Babel.
One is stated in the pericope, that now mankind will be able to anything it puts its mind to. We hear this, and think, surely this can't be a bad thing. Think of all the technological advances that could be made. We could cure poverty, world hunger, bring about world peace, etc., etc. The problem with such a view is that it fails to take into account that man is corrupt from his birth to the core. This is the stain of Adam, whose sin caused all mankind to become sinful from generation to generation. Such unity of purpose from a corrupt race, would only lead to the propagation of evil, and then the evil would grow and increase. I suppose there are those who would say, "That would never happen." But history itself bears this fact to be true. Just think of all the countries throughout history, which have been united in an evil purpose. Nazi Germany certainly comes to mind. And if you're thinking that is an extreme example, just think of the slave trades, or prostitution rings, or drug cartels. All these things come about because the evilness that is innate in all mankind, has bubbled to the surface, and become prevalent. The truth of the matter is that corruption, greed, envy, strife, murder, and so on, could be easily found even the so-called good governments.
And so, in His Divine providence, the Lord, causes confusion in language, so that they might not trust in themselves, but rather search after Him, and trust in Him to provide all necessary and good things for this life.
The second reason is that the people at Babel were not fulfilling the commandment of God, which was to be fruitful and multiply, in order that they might fill the whole Earth. Here they planned to stay for generation after generation. However, the Lord, in His divine mercy, causes them to be confused, so that they might leave that place and go and enjoy the whole of His creation. The Lord God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, has given us His creation to enjoy. These people at Babel were missing out on all the good things that God created for us to use. It would seem silly for someone to make us a birthday cake, and then only eat one slice of it, and then throw the rest away. And so, the Lord God, gives them a push in the right direction to use His wonderful gifts.
The Lord God continues today to be abundant with His gifts. The city of Babel was a poor representation of the City that God had planned for us. He brings us into that holy city by baptism. In this City the stain of sin and corruption is washed away, and since it is done away with, the Lord God, unites us together with one language, that is the language of salvation and grace. It is the language of His holy Word, wherein He tells us what He promises to give to us. In this City, which is the Church, He gives us His holy gifts, of forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation. This City is perfect and holy, and it is built by Him. This is a City which we can rejoice over, and desire. This City is scattered abroad over the face of the whole Earth. Come to this City, and see what great things it has to offer.
God be with you!
Deacon Dulas
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