In Chapter 11 of Genesis we read, “now the whole earth had one language and the same words” [v.1] and they said “let us build ourselves a city and a tower … lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” [v.3,4]
The Creators’ reaction to this is recorded as being, “Behold the people are one people, and they have all one language and this is only the beginning of what they will do.  And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” [v.6]
So the LORD confused the languages so that they could not understand one another. As a result they scatter “over the face of all the earth” [v.9] It is interesting that the Hebrew word for confused sounds like Babel (ESV footnote) and the Greek word for Babel is Babylon!
Now, as we have seen in Revelation, Babylon is the key word used to symbolise an evil power.   It is also interesting to note that the Name of God is apparently very similar in many languages, implying a common origin for this fundamental word.
We note that God said, having a common language would be ‘only the beginning of what they will do.’  Now, in this 21st Century, the world is extensively overcoming the language barrier..  The Internet provides automated translations, also education is world-wide and more and more in every country can read and understand basic English: when I was in Russia all the young people at the Bible School appeared to be able to do so.
Another challenging thought; just before the flood, “the wickedness of man was great … every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” [6 v.5].  How comparable is this with the situation today!  We should therefore anticipate eventual action by God again – as Bible readers know, the teaching of Jesus and his followers include such predictions.
They built a ridiculously high tower in Dubai that is 860 metres tall – a modern tower of Babel.  A comment has been  made that it is built near a fault line!  Such locations are more prone to earthquakes.  Note the prophecy in Isaiah 2 v.15 that “every high tower shall fall” at the time of God’s judgements? And how many high buildings are there now in the world?  Most are claimed to be built so as to withstand earthquakes!  Reflect on what you read in Isaiah 29 v.5-7 and Revelation 16 v.18 and similar passages..
Our Psalm reading today states,, “The fool says in his heart. ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds … The LORD looks down from heaven … to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” [14 v.1,2]  We pray that includes us and that all who read these words seek after God – and find him.