Dispersed
(Genesis 10:1-11:9)
Genesis 10:1-11:9 wrestles with the profound questions of identity and value, challenging the prevalent notion of defining ourselves through tribalism and globalism. In a world where politics infiltrate even the most mundane aspects of life, from sports arenas to public restrooms, from kindergarten classrooms to the battlegrounds, the text confronts the consequences of forsaking our true identity in relation to God.
Tribalism, often fueled by identity politics, has clouded our understanding of authentic humanity. We have been misled to believe that our worth is contingent upon our hyphenated identities, whether they be racial, ethnic, or cultural. However, the truth is that there is no such thing as a hyphenated bearer of God’s image. Our identity as bearers of the divine image is not qualified by our external characteristics or affiliations. Instead, we are all images of God—period (Gen 1:26-27). Value does not lie in being a black image-bearer or a white image-bearer; value is found in being an image-bearer.
Though we are all in the image of God through Adam we are not all in the image of God through Christ. Globalism, with its emphasis on a universal citizenship and interconnectedness, falls short of providing true unity. While it strives to promote equality and a sense of belonging for all, it neglects the core reality that every person has fallen short and stands in need of redemption. Globalism fails to acknowledge the brokenness within each of us and the transformative power of Christ’s redemptive work.
Genesis 10:1-11:9 presents a resounding message: true value and unity cannot be attained through tribalism or globalism. Instead, they are found in Christ alone. Christ transcends the limitations imposed by tribal divisions and cultural barriers. In Him, we discover our ultimate identity and worth. Our unity as believers goes beyond the superficial boundaries of global citizenship, as we are united in the profound reality of being one in Christ.
True value is not found in tribalism—it is found in Christ
Genesis 10:1-32
Genesis 10:1-32, known as the Table of Nations, provides us with a detailed account of the descendants of Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This genealogical record highlights the diversity and vastness of the nations that emerged after the flood. As we examine this passage, we are reminded of the implications of the Table of Nations in light of a world often divided by race.
The sons of Japheth, representing Europe, include Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras, along with their respective descendants. The sons of Gomer, for example, are Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah, while the sons of Javan include Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. From these descendants, various coastland peoples spread out, each with their own language, clans, and nations.
The sons of Ham, representing Africa, include Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan, along with their descendants. Cush fathered Nimrod, who is described as a mighty hunter and the founder of several significant cities, including Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh. Nimrod’s kingdom extended into Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and Resen. Egypt, another son of Ham, fathered diverse nations such as Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorim.
Shem, representing Asia, is identified as the father of all the children of Eber, including Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram, along with their respective descendants. Arpachshad fathered Shelah, who then fathered Eber. Eber had two sons, Peleg and Joktan, with Peleg’s name signifying the division of the earth during his time. Joktan, on the other hand, fathered numerous sons who became the ancestors of various peoples.
As we explore this extensive list of nations and their origins, it becomes evident that despite our diverse backgrounds and racial distinctions, we are all part of the same human family. The genealogies presented in Genesis 10 underscore our shared ancestry and the fact that we all bear the image of God. Regardless of our racial or ethnic differences, we are united in our need for the same salvation and the same redemptive work of God.
In Christ, the tribalistic divisions generated by Noah’s descendants find their resolution. Our identity is no longer defined by our earthly lineage, but by our spiritual adoption as heirs of God. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Thus, for the Christian, true unity is not found in tribalism—it is found in Christ.
True unity is not found in globalism—it is found in Christ
Genesis 11:1-9
Genesis 11:1-9 presents the account of the Tower of Babel, a striking illustration of the false unity humanity sought to establish in rebellion against God. In examining this passage, we are confronted with the sobering truth that the unity of man, when separated from God, leads to unity against Him.
At that time, the entire earth shared a common language and vocabulary. As people migrated eastward, they discovered a plain in the land of Shinar and decided to settle there. With a shared desire for self-glorification, they devised a plan to construct bricks and build a city and a tower that would reach the heavens. Their intention was twofold: to consolidate their power and to make a name for themselves, thus avoiding dispersion across the face of the earth.
The people of Babel, driven by their shared ambition, sought to establish a city and a tower that would reach the heavens. Their purpose mirrored the temptation in the Garden: to elevate themselves and make a name for themselves, thereby defying the boundaries established by God. It was a concentrated and magnified manifestation of the same rebellion against God’s authority.
In response to this rebellious act, God, in His mercy, intervened. He saw the unity and shared language of the people and recognized that if they were allowed to continue on this path, their collective rebellion would know no limits. Therefore, as an act of both judgment and grace, the Lord confounded their language, causing confusion and scattering them across the face of the earth.
The Lord descended to witness the city and the tower that humanity had erected. Recognizing their rebellion, He remarked, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same 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” (Gen 11:6). Understanding the destructive potential of their unity rooted in rebellion, God decided to confound their language, ensuring that they could no longer understand one another.
As a consequence of their disobedience, the Lord dispersed them across the face of the earth, abruptly halting their construction efforts. The city became known as Babel, symbolizing the confusion that ensued due to their distorted unity. God’s intervention shattered their false unity, reminding humanity of the limitations of their rebellious aspirations.
God’s dispersal and confusion of languages can be understood as a merciful intervention to restrain the natural inclination of humanity to unite in rebellion against Him. By disrupting their ability to communicate effectively, He created a natural barrier that hindered the magnitude of their collective rebellion. It was a necessary step to prevent the full realization of their destructive intentions, and to preserve the order and diversity He had intended for humanity.
In considering the narrative of the Tower of Babel, we can also reflect on the present reality of our interconnected world. The advent of the internet and digital communication has brought about a new form of unity—a global village where information flows freely and barriers of language and distance are diminished. In many ways, the internet can be seen as a modern-day Tower of Babel, where the world is united in a virtual space and language becomes less of a barrier.
While the internet has tremendous potential for good, enabling communication, knowledge sharing, and cultural exchange, we must remain mindful of the human inclination to use it as a platform for rebellion against God. Just as the people of Babel sought to reach the heavens and make a name for themselves, there are instances where the internet is used to promote godlessness, spread falsehoods, and foster rebellion against divine truth.
Therefore, as we navigate this digital age, we must approach virtual connectedness with discernment. We should use it as a tool for good, spreading the message of the gospel and building up one another in love and truth. Simultaneously, we must guard against the allure of false unity, where the internet becomes a breeding ground for rebellion and the distortion of God’s intended order.
This narrative serves as a cautionary tale, revealing the pitfalls of unity detached from a right relationship with God. The Tower of Babel exemplifies the false unity born out of human pride and defiance. It exposes the dangers of pursuing collective goals rooted in rebellion, where mankind seeks to exalt itself apart from God’s authority.
In our own time, we must be vigilant against false unity that disregards God’s divine order. When unity is divorced from God’s truth and righteousness, it becomes ripe for rebellion and the elevation of human agendas. We witness the consequences of such false unity throughout history, where movements and ideologies driven by human pride and godlessness have wreaked havoc and brought suffering.
As believers, we are called to discern the difference between true unity in Christ and the deceptive allure of false unity. Our unity is not found in rebellion against God, but in our submission to His lordship. It is only in Christ that we discover genuine unity, transcending cultural, racial, and social barriers (Gal 3:26-29).
True unity is found in the Gospel
Genesis 10:1-11:9 presents us with profound insights into the nature of true Christianity, the concept of citizenship, and the complexities of geopolitics. These passages reveal important truths that are relevant to our understanding of faith and our place in the world.
One significant theme that emerges is the idea of dual citizenship. In 1 Peter 2:9-17, we are reminded that as believers, we are part of God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood. Yet, we also have a temporal existence as citizens within earthly nations. This duality calls us to navigate the tension between our heavenly identity and our earthly responsibilities.
Central to understanding true Christianity is the recognition that our faith is not hyphenated. In other words, our unity in Christ surpasses any divisions based on nationality, ethnicity, or cultural backgrounds. Instead of identifying ourselves with hyphenated affiliations, we are called to embrace our common identity as followers of Christ. This unifying bond transcends all human-made divisions and fosters a deep sense of kinship among believers.
Furthermore, these passages teach us that true Christianity is not bound by geopolitical boundaries. While we are called to be good citizens of the countries we reside in, our ultimate allegiance lies with God and His kingdom. Our primary identity is found in Christ, and it surpasses any national or geopolitical identity. This understanding challenges us to rise above the limitations of earthly divisions and seek unity in our shared faith.
Practically applying these principles, we can turn to the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:15-22. He teaches us to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens within our respective nations while maintaining our devotion to God. This means actively participating in our communities, upholding the laws of the land, and contributing to the well-being of society. At the same time, we are called to render to God the things that are His, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance lies with Him.
In light of these teachings, it is crucial to reject the notion of unpatriotic citizenship, where our faith is used as an excuse to disregard our earthly responsibilities. We are called to be exemplary citizens, demonstrating love, integrity, and compassion in our interactions with others. At the same time we are called to embrace the truth that our identity in Christ transcends any earthly affiliation, fostering unity and genuine fellowship among believers.
Ultimately, the church, as the body of Christ, transcends geopolitical boundaries. This means that the gospel we preach must do so as well. The gospel we proclaim must transcend the confines of identity politics. It is must be a dividing message, dividing truth from error, sin from salvation, while at the same time be a unifying message that brings people from all nations and cultures together under the banner of God’s love and grace.
View all Genesis commentary posts
