BIBLE COMMENTARY/Genesis 11: 4

GENESIS 11: 4 – And they said: Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

– The Bible lets us know that from the ancient times, humans like to be famous.
– They wanted to make a name for themselves, so they dedicated time, resources and labor to build a tower instead of helping the poor to make their lives better, which is what God wants them to do (Matthew 19:21).
– Because humans want to be famous, they often cause conflicts and make life more miserable.
– People even want to be famous for crimes or debauchery. Bad reputation is not a problem with people nowadays.
– Arrogance is one of the reasons that made God confound their language (Genesis 11: 7).
– God does not want His children to desire glory in vain as unbelievers do (Galatians 5: 26). Christians should instead give good examples of a holy life in Christ to glorify God (Romans 14: 19).

QUOTED VERSES:

GENESIS 11: 7 – Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.

MATTHEW 19: 21 – Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

ROMANS 14: 19 – Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

GALATIANS 5: 26 – Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.