Motivation Morsel - October 23, 2026
Genesis 11 The whole earth used the same language, the same words. 2 It came about that as they traveled from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shin‘ar and lived there. 3 They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them in the fire.” So they had bricks for building-stone and clay for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city with a tower that has its top reaching up into heaven, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth.”
5 Adonai came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 Adonai said, “Look, the people are united, they all have a single language, and see what they’re starting to do! At this rate, nothing they set out to accomplish will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let’s go down and confuse their language, so that they won’t understand each other’s speech.” 8 So from there Adonai scattered them all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 For this reason it is called Bavel [confusion] — because there Adonai confused the language of the whole earth, and from there Adonai scattered them all over the earth.
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The Tower of Babel Narrative
The Most High in Genesis 9 commanded Noah and his family to go forth, be fruitful, and multiply. The sons and their families began traveling to the areas they had inherited. Genesis 11 opens with everyone speaking the same language and opposite of what had been commanded by G-d, they decided as they were near Nimrod’s territory, Shinar (the broader region of southern Mesopotamia that includes Babylon) as verses 11:4-5 states, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city with a tower that has its top reaching up into heaven, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth.”
Once the Most High saw it, He confused the languages so they could not understand one another. Immediately construction of the tower stopped, the people dispersed to different parts of the world, and the location was named Babel—a Hebrew word linked to confusion.
Key Takeaways:
• Human Hubris: The story serves as a classic warning against human pride, self-glorification, and trying to reach G-d on human will rather than through obedience to the Most High.
• Etiological Explanation: It provides the answers to why humanity speaks different languages and lives in distinct cultures and nations.
• Historical Context: Many biblical and anthropological scholars note that the account explains the massive stepped ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, such as Etemenanki in Babylon.
Final point, Family!
We can learn from this account that mankind is not equal to G-d although we are made in His image and likeness. It is better to obey than to make decisions that will not please G-d or end well for others or ourselves.
Shabbat is approaching. I pray you have a blessed time with your family and the LORD.
“It’s Right and Good” by Walter Hawkins is in my spirit today. Enjoy!
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