January 9--Morning
January 9—Morning "The Lord reigneth."
They would found a universal monarchy of which this tower should be the centre. They planned the tower that they might not be scattered, and they thus forgot the command to replenish the earth. Ambition was at the bottom of the plan; by centralising all mankind they hoped to build up an empire, which, like their tower, should defy heaven itself.
Genesis 11:5 To him their huge tower was a mere nothing; he is said, after the manner of men, to come down from heaven in order to see such a trifle.
How easily can God thwart our plans, and bring to pass his own purposes, despite all opposition. The scene has been very graphically sketched by Bishop Hall. "One calls for brick, the other looks him in the face, and wonders what he commands, and how and why he speaks such words as were never heard, and instead thereof brings him mortar, returning him an answer as little understood; each chides with other, expressing his choler, so as he only can understand himself. From heat they fall to quiet entreaties, but still with the same success. At first every man thinks his fellow mocks him; but now perceiving this serious confusion, their only answer was silence, and ceasing: they could not come together, for no man could call them to be understood; and if they had assembled, nothing could be determined, because one could never attain to the other's purpose."
Psalms 33:10-22 As a fit comment on the transaction at Babel we will read apart of
We have done with self-confidence which is but a vain tower of Babel, and we fly unto the Lord our God who is a tower of defence to save us.
In his providential reign, Oh, what various wisdom shines!
He confounds the pride of man, Blasts the people's vain designs;
Brings their counsels all to nought;
Only his abideth sure;
What the gracious Lord has thought Shall from age to age endure.