Weekly Study: Old Testament Lesson 6

Read and reflect on the account of the Tower of Babel found in Genesis 11:1-9 for class on Feb. 18. 

Questions: 
  • What was the purpose of reaching into Heaven?
    • Where do we go to try and reach Heaven? Compare.
  • What does it mean to make a name for oneself (found in verse 4)? 
    • Is this in conflict with taking upon yourself the name of Christ?
  • What is the practical purpose of this story to the Hebrews? 
    • What do we learn from it?


Comments

  1. Keith ShirleyFebruary 11, 2018 at 7:21 PM

    The people wanted to reach heaven by the physical method, because they did not understand that the only way is spiritual. They had the tradition of the city Enoch and may have believed it was up there close enough to reach with a tower. We do the same thing when we go to the temple or church and believe that is all that is needed, when in fact we need to travel spiritually as well - by helping others, keeping our covenants, praying, etc. Reaching into heaven can also mean trying to get personal revelation only by reading or studying and not doing the spiritual part - you have to bring your spirit along with your mind and body in order to get to heaven.

    Making a name for yourself in worldly things, scientific endeavors, great knowledge - this does not bring us closer to God, but we need to use our minds in conjunction with our spirits. We can comprehend worldly things through our physical efforts and study, but not eternal things. Those come from God (1 Cor 2:11) and "the world by wisdom knows not God" (1 Cor. 1:21)

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