Here in chapters 10 and 11, we see a long list of names. Most of us can’t pronounce Hebrew, but it’s worth reading through these lists of names because God gave them to us on purpose. As we see in this text, Noah had three sons, but it focuses on the people that descended from his son, Shem.
Shem’s story is important because it describes where Israel came from. But these chapters also describe where language comes from. The story of Babel shows us how the different areas of the world became populated after the flood. It also tells us how they came to have different languages: in their pride and arrogance they planned to build a tower to God. This isn’t much different than Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the garden; in pride and arrogance, they wanted to be like God.
Shem or his descendants were part of the group that planned the tower. God confused their language, too. And yet, they would still become God’s chosen people.
Our sin is great, but God’s love for us is greater. He proved this when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Today, as we read about the confusion of language, let’s pray for those people who are translating the Bible into all the languages of the world, so that everyone can hear and understand the message of God’s love!
Prayer: Dear God, I thank you that my mistakes don’t stop your love for me. Please help those people who are translating the Bible into other languages. Give them wisdom. Protect them from harm. Bless the Bibles that are produced, and help them to get to the people who need to hear about your love! Amen.