Lessons from the Past
Centralization
It was God’s design that after the Flood, in fulfillment of the com-
mand given to Adam, men should disperse themselves throughout the
earth, to replenish and subdue it.
But as Noah’s descendants increased in numbers, apostasy mani-
fested itself. Those who desired to cast off the restraint of God’s law
decided to separate from the worshipers of Jehovah. They determined
to keep their community united in one body and to found a monarchy
which should eventually embrace the whole earth. In the plain of
Shinar they resolved to build a city, and in it a tower that should be the
wonder of the world. This tower was to be so high that no flood could
rise to the top, so massive that nothing could sweep it away. Thus they
hoped to secure their own safety and make themselves independent of
God.
This confederacy was born of rebellion against God. The dwellers
on the plain of Shinar established their kingdom for self-exaltation, not
for the glory of God. Had they succeeded, a mighty power would have
borne sway, banishing righteousness and inaugurating a new religion.
The world would have been demoralized. Erroneous theories would
have diverted minds from allegiance to the divine statutes, and the law
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of Jehovah would have been ignored and forgotten. But God never
leaves the world without witnesses for Him. At this time there were
men who humbled themselves before God and cried unto Him. “O
God,” they pleaded, “interpose between Thy cause, and the plans and
methods of men.” “And the Lord came down to see the city and the
tower, which the children of men builded.”
Genesis 11:5
. Angels were
sent to bring to nought the purposes of the builders.
The tower had reached a lofty height, and it was impossible for the
workmen at the top to communicate directly with those at the base;
therefore men were stationed at different points, each to receive and
report to the one next below him the orders for the needed material, or
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