The tower of Babel story in Genesis chapter 11 gives us a biblical explanation for the way mankind spread throughout the world and the variety of languages that have emerged. It presupposes that, beforehand, people spoke just one language – most likely, scholars think, a form of Hebrew. After the flood God intended mankind to form several tribes and to set off in different directions. Thinking they were wiser than God, mankind was loath to disperse and decided that more was merrier.

So, they gathered in Babel to build a city and, rather presumptuously, a tower that would reach to heaven. On the face of it this cooperative venture seems to be a good thing and in keeping with our current predilection for team work and harmony. But the activity clearly angered God. Why? There seems to be three reasons:

1. It says in verse 4 that the tower would reach close to heaven. This was an affront to God. It suggests a defiance or rivalry to his supreme position. They thought that by working together they could become as supreme and powerful as God.

2. Verse 4 also tells us that they hoped to make a name for themselves and to be recognised throughout the world for their selfish pride and ambition. These attributes are not in God’s design for human behaviour.

3. They thought the tower would prevent their dispersion. Probably the powerful and ambitious Nimrod was at work here. He was aiming for universal monarchy and keeping everything under his control. He failed to recognise that universal dominion of all creation is God’s prerogative and to attempt to be all powerful was bound to be offensive to God.

Verse 6 outlines God’s concern that abuse of co-operative purpose in this way would lead to all manner of trouble. So he put a stop to it by, as we are told in verse 7, confusing the language so that they could not understand each other. This led to the dispersal.

The story has many verifiable aspects but the key interest for us today is the message it brings to our own lives. I briefly suggest three and tentatively offer a rounding off for us to ponder on. The tower of Babel story teaches us:

1. The quest for supreme power and control is unacceptable to God. This message is as relevant for us today, faced with continuing attempts at dictatorship and megalomania, as it was to the builders of Babel. This applies just as much to small group behaviour as it does on the grand scale of nations.

2. Pride and blind ambition running contrary to the will of God is offensive and unacceptable. We need to check that our activity is in line with God’s will and purpose and not a function of our headstrong self will.

3. The tower was never finished. Once God confused the issue the work stopped and their spirits were dampened. We need to see the wisdom of not proceeding with activity uncondoned by God.

The rounding off to this story is found in chapter two of the Acts of the Apostles which deliberately presents the Day of Pentecost as the antithesis of Babel. The arrival of the Holy Spirit led folk to ask how it was that they could, once again, hear and understand each other in their own language. It was Peter who replied and what he said is well worth reading.