Not long into the history of the human family, wickedness became so pervasive (Genesis 6:5) that God cleansed the earth by the flood. Humanity continued on with only eight people (1 Peter 3:20).
God clearly told Noah’s sons to “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 9:1). Unfortunately, men began once again to disregard their Creator’s loving directives. A plan was formulated to build a city and a tower to resist any dispersal into various regions of the earth (Genesis 11:3-4). At this time, “the whole earth was of one language and of one speech” (Genesis 11:1). The Hebrew literally has “one lip” and “one words.” This suggests that pronunciation was common and their set of vocabulary words was also the same for everyone.
Their tower project has been misunderstood due to our English rendering. “Come, let us build…a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven” (Genesis 11:4). They were not trying to literally get it to reach into God’s dwelling place. The Hebrew text does not have the words “may reach.” Building toward heaven simply means they intended a tall structure (cf. Deuteronomy 1:28).
“And Jehovah said, Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is what they begin to do: and now nothing will be withholden from them, which they purpose to do” (Genesis 11:6). God was not worried about being overpowered, but He did recognize that by their unity, they would be able to accomplish much. However, their plans were contrary to His will.
What do you suppose it took to thwart their aim? Unity is destroyed by communication breakdown. God said: “Come, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech” (Genesis 11:7). That’s all it took! The people dispersed.
Where good communication exists, great things can be accomplished. Consider applications of this principle. Husbands and wives should avoid the “silent treatment,” for such is devastating to unity. Parents must take time to listen as well as for speaking. Congregations ought to develop, by practice, the skills of clear communication.
