Ambition: The Builders of Babel
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The account of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:1-9, serves as a profound illustration of human ambition and its potential to lead to rebellion against God. This narrative, set in the post-Flood world, highlights the collective desire of humanity to assert its independence and achieve greatness apart from divine guidance.

Context and Setting

Following the Flood, Noah's descendants began to repopulate the earth. Genesis 11:1-2 describes a unified humanity with a single language, journeying eastward and settling in the land of Shinar. This region, later known as Babylonia, becomes the backdrop for one of the earliest recorded acts of human ambition.

The Ambition of the Builders

The builders of Babel, driven by a desire for self-glorification, sought to construct a city and a tower "with its top in the heavens" (Genesis 11:4). Their ambition was not merely architectural but symbolic of a deeper yearning for autonomy and renown. They declared, "Let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the face of the whole earth" (Genesis 11:4). This statement reveals their intent to establish a legacy and resist the divine mandate to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1).

Divine Intervention

God's response to the builders' ambition underscores the futility of human endeavors that oppose His will. Observing their actions, the Lord said, "If they have begun to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they devise will be beyond them" (Genesis 11:6). Recognizing the potential for unchecked human pride and rebellion, God intervened by confusing their language, causing them to be scattered across the earth (Genesis 11:7-8).

Theological Implications

The account of Babel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition divorced from divine purpose. It illustrates the inherent sinfulness of seeking greatness apart from God and the inevitable consequences of such pursuits. The builders' desire to "make a name" for themselves contrasts sharply with the biblical call to glorify God's name above all else.

Lessons for Today

The narrative of the Tower of Babel continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about ambition and human achievement. It challenges believers to examine their motives and align their aspirations with God's will. The account reminds us that true greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in humble obedience to the Creator.

In summary, the account of the builders of Babel provides a timeless reflection on the nature of ambition and its potential to lead humanity away from God's intended path. Through this account, Scripture warns against the prideful pursuit of self-glory and calls believers to seek fulfillment in God's purposes.
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Genesis 11:4
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad on the face of the whole earth.
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Library

The Catholic System.
... Ambition, doubtless, soon began to operate; but their elevation was not so much
the result of any deep-laid scheme for ... The builders of Babel still continue ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the catholic system.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... system divested of its hateful tyranny and political ambition and entanglements ... the
beast, blind watchmen, dumb dogs, new Babel-builders, antichristian mushrumps ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Asa, his gout a punishment for sin, [117]132. Babel, an example of mischievous
agreement, [118]206. ... Discontent, comes of ambition, [805]231. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
The Kingdom of God is within you. <. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.org

What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

How can a church achieve a true, biblical unity? | GotQuestions.org

Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Ambition

Ambition: Aaron and Miriam

Ambition: Abimelech

Ambition: Absalom

Ambition: Adam and Eve

Ambition: Adonijah

Ambition: Ahithophel

Ambition: Antichrist

Ambition: Builders of Babel

Ambition: Christ Condemns

Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness

Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty

Ambition: Connected With: Pride

Ambition: Diotrephes

Ambition: Eve

Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses

Ambition: God Condemns

Ambition: Haman

Ambition: Korah

Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators

Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention

Ambition: Lucifer

Ambition: Miriam and Aaron

Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating

Ambition: Punishment of

Ambition: Saints Avoid

Ambition: Sennacherib

Ambition: Shebna

Ambition: Sons of Zebedee

Ambition: The Builders of Babel

Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Ambition: Vanity of

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Ambition: Sons of Zebedee
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