Chapter 10—Tower of Babel
Some of the descendants of Noah soon began to apostatize. A
portion followed the example of Noah, and obeyed God’s command-
ments; others were unbelieving and rebellious, and even these did not
believe alike in regard to the flood. Some disbelieved in the existence
of God, and in their own minds accounted for the flood from natural
causes. Others believed that God existed, and that he destroyed the
antediluvian race by a flood; and their feelings, like Cain, rose in
rebellion against God, because he destroyed the people from the earth
and cursed the earth the third time by a flood.
Those who were enemies of God felt daily reproved by the righ-
teous conversation and godly lives of those who loved, obeyed, and
exalted God. The unbelieving consulted among themselves, and agreed
to separate from the faithful, whose righteous lives were a continual
restraint upon their wicked course. They journeyed a distance from
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them, and selected a large plain wherein to dwell. They built them a
city, and then conceived the idea of building a large tower to reach unto
the clouds, that they might dwell together in the city and tower, and be
no more scattered. They reasoned that they would secure themselves
in case of another flood, for they would build their tower to a much
greater height than the waters prevailed in the time of the flood, and
all the world would honor them, and they would be as gods, and rule
over the people. This tower was calculated to exalt its builders, and
was designed to turn the attention of others who should live upon the
earth from God to join with them in their idolatry. Before the work of
building was accomplished, people dwelt in the tower. Rooms were
splendidly furnished, decorated and devoted to their idols. Those who
did not believe in God, imagined if their tower could reach unto the
clouds they would be able to discover reasons for the flood.
They exalted themselves against God. But he would not permit
them to complete their work. They had built their tower to a lofty
height, when the Lord sent two angels to confound them in their
work. Men had been appointed for the purpose of receiving word
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