08_The two cities
Gen 11:1-9 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.
On April 15, 1912, the Titanic, a ship hailed as unsinkable, a marvel of human engineering, sank on its maiden voyage, disappearing into the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Designed to showcase human mastery, it went down, taking with it over 1,500 lives. This catastrophic event serves as a sobering reminder of the limitations of human effort, even at its peak. Genesis 11:1–9 gives us a far earlier illustration of the sheer scale at which God’s power surpasses the greatest efforts of mankind.
In the land of Shinar, a man named Nimrod, described in the Bible as “a mighty hunter before the Lord,” established a kingdom that included Babel. His name in Hebrew suggests rebellion, and the Jewish historian Josephus portrays him as a man defying God’s authority. Josephus writes that Nimrod vowed revenge against God for the flood, planning to build a tower so high that it would withstand any divine act. Though the Bible doesn’t confirm these specific intentions, the narrative in Genesis reveals a striking parallel—a people united in seeking godlike greatness without God.
As mankind spread out after the flood, a group journeyed eastward, settling on a plain in Shinar. Their decision to work together and build a city with a high tower that would reach the heavens seems admirable. It might even appear to be an example of collaboration and progress.
But a careful reading shows that the tower was motivated by their rebellion. They did not want to be scattered, but to make themselves a name and an identity. They desired to find their own security in their unity. They hoped to take pride and find fame in their achievement. Instead of spreading across the earth and settling it, as God had commanded, they wanted to settle down together in cities. They betrayed their lack of trust in God by their need to secure their own safety.
The Tower of Babel was more than a physical structure; it symbolized humanity’s attempt to achieve significance, security, and identity apart from God. They sought to ascend to heaven through their own means. They ignored their Creator’s will. This pattern is all too familiar. Even today, people strive for greatness and security through wealth, education, technology, or influence. The lesson of Babel reminds us that human efforts cannot thwart God’s purposes or replace His sovereignty.
As their rebellion progressed and the tower rose heavenward, God intervened. With a simple sovereign act, He confused their language. No longer could they work in unity. What they feared most came to pass. They were scattered across the earth. This fulfilled God’s plan for humanity to populate and steward the earth. However, mankind lost their shared language and the unity it brought.
Babel became a symbol of human pride and defiance against God. Centuries later, this spirit resurfaced in Babylon, renowned for its power and wealth. King Nebuchadnezzar, one of its greatest rulers, rebuilt this city into a magnificent city. But when he looked out over it, boasting of his achievements and glorifying himself, he was struck down to become like an animal for a season.
Graciously, God afterwards restored his senses so that he could acknowledge God alone to be sovereign. Then he was brought back to all his former greatness. But now he freely admitted his submission to the throne of heaven. His story stands as a stark reminder that the heavens rule the affairs of earth.
The Bible draws a sharp contrast between two cities—Babel (later Babylon) and the New Jerusalem. Babylon represents humanity’s quest for greatness and self-indulgence apart from God. It is described in Revelation as “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots,” a city that embodies corruption, competition, and commercialisation on the earthly and spiritual planes. Its ultimate destiny is destruction; John writes, “Babylon the great is fallen,” and its smoke will rise forever as a testimony to its downfall.
In contrast, the New Jerusalem is “the holy city,” adorned in righteousness as a bride prepared for her husband. It radiates God’s glory and is centered on him. Its builder and maker is God. It descends from heaven as the dwelling place for God with his people, filled with His healing, joy, and light. While Babylon seeks human glory, the New Jerusalem reflects God’s eternal purpose of dwelling with his beloved people forever.
These two cities represent two choices that every human must face. Babylon shows the path of self-reliance and rebellion. Meanwhile, the new Jerusalem symbolizes the path of righteousness through faith. Those who belong to Babylon seek their own kingdom, their own righteousness, and their own security. Those who belong to the New Jerusalem live by faith, trusting in God’s grace and obeying His commands.
How do we align ourselves with the New Jerusalem? The answer lies in following Jesus, who is its light and glory. He calls us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We are to lay down our selfish ambitions and fleshly desires, and embrace His purposes. His kingdom is not of this world. We need not fret and strive to win it. His kingdom is spiritual. It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is an eternal kingdom because it comprises those who do the will of God and abide forever. As followers of Christ, we are called to hear his voice and obey him so that he may work in and through us.
Let us examine our motives and priorities. Are we building our own kingdom, seeking recognition, security, or greatness apart from God? Or are we wise enough to recognize that our efforts apart from God are ultimately futile? Do we know that his ways are far higher and better than ours, and yield our heart and love to him? The choice between these two cities is not just a theological concept; it is a daily decision to follow Christ and live in obedience to Him.
The Titanic sank because its creators and passengers did not know enough to counter the power of the deep ocean. Their trust in human ingenuity was misplaced. The Tower of Babel failed because its builders did not realize God’s sovereignty. But the New Jerusalem stands forever because it is founded on God’s eternal purpose and grace. Let us choose to be part of the heavenly city, living through faith and obedience in the Spirit of God. Let us humbly seek His kingdom and His righteousness, for we will thus inherit a city that will never fall.