Genesis 10—12, Matthew 4 • Key Verse: Genesis 11:4

The world was given a fresh start. Noah and his family survived because God chose to spare them and they had obeyed Him. In chapter 8 God gave His word not to destroy the world again by a flood. The changing of the seasons is a reminder of God’s unchanging faithfulness to His word (v. 22).

However, a pattern already seen in Genesis repeated itself again. Man continued to do those things that brought judgment. Noah’s drunkenness and Ham’s disrespect affected succeeding generations. The names of the nations that came into existence later would be identified with wrong and idolatry—names like Magog and Canaan, with cities named Sodom and Gomorrah.

By chapter 11 men were saying that they were ready to “make a name for [themselves]” (v. 4). In pride man is exalted and God is forgotten. Again a judgment came from God. This time He confused the language of the people and scattered them over the face of the earth.

Whenever we hear or read another language, it should remind us that pride is a sin that God hates. The seasons remind us of His faithfulness. The languages should remind us of the serious consequences of sin.

Pride is a dangerous sin, one that causes a person to exalt himself over others—sometimes over God. Examine your heart today. Remember that “when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Prov. 11:2).

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in