In this chapter is recorded Shem’s genealogy or family tree. We also learn that the lifespan of humans decreases substantially after the flood.
Verses 1-9
Everyone in the world spoke the same language.
The people decided to build a tower which would be a gate to their god in the land of Shiner.
Verse 3 the word slime means tar - used for waterproofing. Nimrod teaches his people to mistrust God. To build this tower to keep God from destroying them ever again.
God divided their languages so they could no longer understand each other and they scattered all over the earth abandoning this project.
The city and tower became known as Babel (Babylon) which means confusion.
Verses 10-26
These verses begin with Shem dying at 600 down to Nahor who died at 148 years old. (Remember the ages of the families before the flood lived over 900 years old)
This family tree begins with Noah’s son Shem and ends with his descendant Terah.
Verses 27-32
Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran which is important to know going forward as we read the Bible.
According to this chapter’s genealogy of Shem we can set the date of Abram’s birth at approximately 1996 BC. Abram (Abraham) is known as the father of the Jewish nation. He is part of God’s plan to save mankind from their sin.
Abram’s brother Haran had a son named Lot.
Abram’s wife was barren which means she could not have children.
Terah took his son Abram, Sarai and his grandson Lot and moved to the land of Canaan.
The land of Canaan is now known as the land of Israel.
own man made religion. But Instead of destroying another society God gave them all other languages and they all took off and stopped the building of this tower.
When we get worried or stress over the wickedness around us and it seems daunting and out of control. Pray instead because we serve a God who is still in control.
John 14:27 says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
