Basic HTML Version
Confused and Scattered, February 6
Genesis 11:1-9
So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the
earth: and they left off to build the city.
Genesis 11:8
.
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.... 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.
When the tower had been partially completed, a portion of it was occupied
as a dwelling place for the builders; other apartments, splendidly furnished and
adorned, were devoted to their idols....
Suddenly the work that had been advancing so prosperously was checked.
Angels were sent to bring to naught the purpose 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 needed material or other directions concerning the work. As messages were
thus passing from one to another the language was confounded, so that material
was called for which was not needed, and the directions delivered were often the
reverse of those that had been given. Confusion and dismay followed. All work
came to a standstill....
Up to this time all men had spoken the same language; now those that could
understand one another’s speech united in companies; some went one way, and
some another. “The Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of
all the earth.” This dispersion was the means of peopling the earth, and thus
the Lord’s purpose was accomplished through the very means that men had
employed to prevent its fulfillment
In our day the Lord desires that His people shall be dispersed throughout the
earth. They are not to colonize. Jesus said: “Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature” (
Mark 16:15
)
[44]
15
Testimonies for the Church 8:213, 214
.
16
Patriarchs and Prophets, 119, 120
.
17
Testimonies for the Church 8:215
.
43