Babel, Unity & Thought

By Venessa Holtzhausen

The tower of Babel was build like a ziggurat, a pyramid style. God gave humans a command to spread and multiply. They decided not to do it. They will built themselves a tower and be one and not spreading over the face of the earth. This was enormous rebellion against God.

Gen 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

Language is ‘sapha’ (lip) and speech is the word ‘davar’ in Hebrew. Davar however is translated as ‘word, matter, thing’ in Hebrew. These people did not only have one language, they were united in thought regarding their plan to build the tower.

They walk, talk, ate building the tower. It was all they could think and talk off. They were so unified, that it caught God’s attention. They did not only planned to build the tower, but the purpose was to actually made war against God, when they reach heaven. This tower had floors dedicated to idol worship, thus it served as a temple as well. All false religions have their origin in the tower of Babel. What is the characteristic of false religions? Rebellion, idol worship and unity against the living God.

Also, Nimrod is called a mighty hunter before God. The Hebrew expression here are the same one used for Esau. It is the idea of a ruthless, cruel hunter. Nimrod was a hunter of men. He was a type of the anti-Christ. Here we can see the way anti-Christ will reign. Rebellion and united against God, making war against YHWH and ruthless, cruel to men and animals. He will lead the people into false worship, away from God. It is important that we guard our hearts against all forms of rebellion!

Amen!