God’s Command Ignored- Tower of Babel (Genesis 10-11)
After the flood, the population of mankind began to increase again. Instead of filling the earth as God had commanded, people decided to live close together and make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). They chose their own glory over God’s. At that time, all the people on earth spoke the same language, making communication easy. Working together, they began constructing a magnificent tower at Babel. God came down to earth and confused the language of the people so they could no longer understand one another. The scattering that occurred was in line with God’s purpose to have mankind fill the earth so that He might one day receive worship from all peoples. Genesis 10 lists the 70 nations that were created. This was the beginning of nations and people groups as we know them today.
Bible: Read Genesis 11:1-8 with your family.
Family Activity 1:
Teaching Time: 15 minutes
Materials: Ritz/graham crackers, peanut butter/marshmallow fluff spread
Similar to how the builders of the tower of Babel used bricks and mortar, build a tower together using crackers and spread. As you build, talk about the tower of Babel. Discuss what it means to make a name for oneself? Discuss the heart attitude of pride that this reflects. Explain how building the tower at Babel demonstrated disobedience to God’s earlier command to scatter and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1).
- What are some ways that people in our day try to become famous or make a name for themselves? Read Isaiah 48:11. What does God refuse to give away to others? What is God’s glory?*
- How does our pride and disobedience fail to give God glory?
Family Activity 2:
Teaching Time: 12 minutes
Stand facing someone in your family. Try these ways of greeting each other.
- Japan – Bow with your hands in front, palms together, like you are praying. Say, “koh-nee-chee-wah.”
- Bangladesh – Salute with your right hand. Say, “sah-lahm.”
- Kazakhs (kah-zahks) of Central Asia – Put your right hand over your heart and bow slightly. Say, “sah-lehm.”
- Yao (yahw) of Africa – Clasping the bottom of your right elbow with your left hand, shake hands with your partner. Say, “soo-buh-yee-dee.”
- Maor (mah-ohr) of New Zealand – Press your noses together while closing your eyes. Say, “Kee-ohr.”
- Northern Mozambique – Clap your hands three times. Say, “sah-lah-mah.”
- Share about a time you heard someone speaking a different language or saw words written in a different language. How did different languages begin?
- Read Malachi 1:11. Why did God want people to spread out around the world? Even though the people at Babel refused to scatter willingly, how did God make sure that His plan was accomplished? How can our family spread God’s name and make Him famous?
Pray that people from every language will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
* God’s glory is the total of all that He is and does, the sum of His attributes and actions. God’s eternal glory is, has been, and will be forever. God’s glory is above all created things and exists whether of not they acknowledge of it. As believers, our faith should call attention to and magnify the glory of God.