Bible Question:
In Genesis 11:6,7 why was God upset with the people? Was it because they wanted to make a name for themselves, or because they thought they could reach Heaven? |
Bible Answer: Dear cjmpoet, Well, for one thing in Genesis 11:1-3 we see that the people all had one language and they united in rebellion against the mandate of God. God had told them from the time after the flood that they should multiply and spread out over all the earth [Genesis 9:1]. Here they specifically are written down as saying "Let us build a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make a name for ourselves lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth." [Gen. 11:4] 1. They decided they would penetrate heaven by their physical power and will - not by any spiritual means. 2. They were full of pride in their accomplishments thus far and in their rebellion was also lofty ambition, and 3. They were deliberately aware that God had told them to spread abroad and they deliberately intended to do no such thing in their quest. It seems to me that the Lord had more than one reason to be angry and why He intended to stop them in their tracks. It had not been very long since the Flood. He had promised not to destroy everything as He had done before and I believe this discipline was necessary to preserve mankind on the earth and keep it from being entirely corrupted again. If man were separated into different cultures and languages it would be easier to isolate evil and destroy it without the effect being on the entire earth and population in the future. Anyway, this is my opinion according to the Scriptures as I understand them. I hope this will be a help to you or someone. Itiswritten. |