Genesis - In the Beginning

Genesis – In the Beginning

Chapter 11

By Carri Pratt

“Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves. . .” Genesis 11:4a

The Tower of Babel was being built to honor man. The builders had a blind ambition to make a name for themselves. Their desire was to remove God’s greatness and replace it with their own.

This is the same thing, we as a culture, still do today. After all, why do we still need God if we have technology?

The issue they were (and we are) facing was pride.

To erect a citadel was not in itself so great a crime; but to raise an eternal monument to themselves, which might endure throughout all ages, was a proof of headstrong pride, joined with contempt of God.

–John Calvin

The Bible is pretty clear regarding how God feels about pride:

“In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;

in all this thoughts there is no room for God.”

Psalm 10:4

“Where there is strife, there is pride,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Proverbs 13:10

“For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father

but from the world.”

 1 John 2:16

“We may build monuments to ourselves (expensive clothes, big house, fancy cars) to call attention to our achievements. These may not be wrong in themselves, but when we use them to give ourselves identity and self-worth, they take God’s place in our lives.” 

Life Application Study Bible

Let us then consider our own lives, our own pride,

and anything taking God’s place in my own life:

What is my Tower of Babel?

This week read Genesis Chapter 12: The Call of Abram

Read online at www.Biblegateway.com