1 APRIL
Of one mind?
‘And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.’ Genesis 11:1–3
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Genesis 11:1–9
The tenth chapter [of Genesis] is a map of the origin of all nations as branching from the sons of Noah. It seems probable that Noah fixed his residence not far from where the Ark rested, and that as his posterity increased, they extended themselves and formed new settlements on every side. We have here an account of the spirit and enterprise of one branch of the people, which travelled eastward, and the confusion of tongues with which they were furnished (for till then, there was but one language spoken upon the earth). Note the occasion. This was twofold:
(i) they found a plain, a convenient place for building, and that afforded fit materials—brick and mortar. Thus God has been pleased to fill the earth with his goodness and furnished it in great variety for the accommodation of its inhabitants. And he has given a wisdom to men to avail themselves of what they find and to maximize all materials to their own use. They did not find bricks, but having clay, they were instructed to make them. That spirit of invention and improvement which is the spring of so many arts and callings in life, and applies the productions of the earth to many different uses, is the gift of God, though seldom acknowledged and thought of—and for the most part, as in this instance, the skill and ingenuity of men are employed in purposes of wickedness and in defiance of God who gave them.
(ii) they were unanimous—of one mind and one tongue. This encouraged and enabled them to undertake great things. Union where there is not the fear of God is but a conspiracy against him. But seldom anything considerable, either of good or evil, is done without it.
FOR MEDITATION: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain’ (Psalm 127:1, NIV).
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 21 [1/3], GENESIS 11:1ff.
