January 4, 2025 - Genesis 10-11

The opening verses of chapter ten and the naming of generations give a good idea of the time following the flood.  “These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood. . . . From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations” (10:1-5).  The world’s population was growing and spreading throughout the globe.  We might think, on the heels of the flood, the peoples would have learned much and would prioritize following after the Lord.  Here’s the situation, though:  “Now the whole earth had one language and the same words, [and the people] said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves’” (11:1-4).  Rather than honoring their Creator, the peoples set out on their own path and exalting themselves above God.  One might question, “Will it never end?  Will man’s rebellion ever come to a halt?”  The situation certainly seemed dire and, indeed, God scattered the peoples.  As happens over and over, however, God graciously intervened.  In Haran, as Terah and his family made their way out of Babylon, God spoke to Abraham.  And, now, the story gets really good.

Father eternal, Ruler of creation,

Spirit of life, which moved ere form was made;

Through the thick darkness covering every nation,

Light to man's blindness, O be Thou our aid:

Thy Kingdom come, O Lord, Thy will be done.

Races and peoples, lo! we stand divided,

And sharing not our griefs, no joy can share;

By wars and tumults Love is mocked, derided,

His conquering cross no kingdom wills to bear:

Thy Kingdom come, O Lord, Thy will be done.   -- Laurence Housman (1919)