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Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 11:5

Genesis 11:5. And the Lord came down to see the city This is an expression after the manner of men; he knew it as clearly as men know that which they come upon the place to view. Genesis 11:6-9 . And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, &c. And if they continue one, much of the earth will be left uninhabited. Let us confound their language This was not spoken to the angels, as if God needed either their advice or their assistance; but God speaks it to himself, or the Father... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 11:1-9

Rebellion against God at Babel (11:1-9)Babel was one of the cities founded by Nimrod in the land of Shinar, ancient Babylonia (see 10:8-12). The people of this region, proud of the society they had established, displayed the same anti-God spirit as had brought about God’s judgment through the flood. They joined together to build for themselves a new city that would make them famous and give them complete security. They decided to crown their city with what they considered to be a skyscraper, as... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:1

earth = people of the earth. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject). App-6 ; "earth" put for inhabitants. language. Hebrew "lip". Figure of speech Metonymy (of cause); lip put for language. The chapter begins with man's attempt to unify mankind, and ends with God's new provision to unify all in blessing with Abraham's seed. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:3

said. Sin with their tongues punished in the same manner (Genesis 11:7 ). burn, &c. Hebrew brick bricks, and burn a burning. Figure of speech Polyptoton , emphasizing their determination. Burning in fire, not waiting for sun. See note on "brick-kiln", 2 Samuel 12:3 . slime = bitumen. So tenacious to-day that detachment almost impossible. Compare the slime of Babel with the jewels of Zion (Revelation 21:19 ). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:4

may reach. No Ellipsis here. Hebrew "and its top with the heavens", i.e. with the Zodiac depicted on it, as in ancient temples of Denderah and Esneh in Egypt. a name. Manifesting independence of God. Nimrod being the rebel leader. See Genesis 10:8-10 , and Compare Genesis 12:2 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:5

came down. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia ( App-6 ). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:7

Go to, let Us go down. This is always in judgment (Compare Genesis 18:21 .Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:8 ). Here in contrast with Genesis 11:4 , to man's "Go to, let us go up". Figure of speech Anthropopatheia, App-6 . See Genesis 11:5 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:8

scattered. Septuagint same word as in Acts 8:1 (Isaiah 8:9 ). This was to preserve the revelation contained in the Zodiac and the constellations. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 11:9

Babel. Hebrew = confusion. Compare Job 5:12 , another application of the Hebrew word. scatter. Septuagint same word as in Acts 8:1 . Result of which was the conversion of the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26 ) of HAM. Saul (Acts 9:0 ) of SHEM. Cornelius (Acts 10:0 ) of JAPHETH. Tongues confounded in judgment (Genesis 11:9 ). Given in grace (Acts 2:4 ). United in glory (Revelation 7:9 ). read more

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