The Tower of Babel: Problems in Family & Society
Genesis 9:18 - 11:32
Every generation has the problem of disrespect for authority - both divine and human. This attitude continues after the flood in Noah's family, then on a larger scale in society.
GROUP DISCUSSION. Where do you see a breakdown in family relationships reaping a harvest of problems in your community?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Where do you see a situatin in which a character flaw appears to pass from generation to generation?
We have seen that Noah's new commission from God is similar to the one given Adam. Now we see how sin again spreads from father to son in both private and public realms. Read Genesis 9:18-19.
1. Describe what happens in this brief story of Noah and his sons.
2. How does Ham's concuct dishonor his father?
In what ways does it contrast with the action of his brothers?
3. What are Noah's reactions to the conduct of his sons (9:24-27)?
4. In what ways do you think families today suffer from disrespect of parents?
5. How can we show respect to our parents regardless of their actions toward us?
6. Read Genesis 11:1-9. What actions do the people of Babel take and what is their motive (vv. 11:1-4)?
7. How does this project conflict with God's instruction to Noah after the flood?
8. What is the Lord's reaction in 11:5-9?
9. Why do you think all human efforts to achieve world unity fall short of what God desires?
10. As you come to the end of the first eleven chapters of Genesis (which comprise part one of this guide), how have these chapters helped you see God as a God of love, mercy and tender concern as well as a God of justice and judgment?
11. What in this section of study has been most meaningful to you in your understanding of God?
Thank God that he continually reveals himself to us.
Now or Later
Scan Genesis 10, which traces the descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth. What interesting facts does this chapter reveal about the spread of humanity after the flood? (Note expecially 10:5, 8-15, 25.)
Read Genesis 11:10-32. Why do you think the author shifts from writing about all the families of the earth to one family?
Every generation has the problem of disrespect for authority - both divine and human. This attitude continues after the flood in Noah's family, then on a larger scale in society.
GROUP DISCUSSION. Where do you see a breakdown in family relationships reaping a harvest of problems in your community?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Where do you see a situatin in which a character flaw appears to pass from generation to generation?
We have seen that Noah's new commission from God is similar to the one given Adam. Now we see how sin again spreads from father to son in both private and public realms. Read Genesis 9:18-19.
1. Describe what happens in this brief story of Noah and his sons.
2. How does Ham's concuct dishonor his father?
In what ways does it contrast with the action of his brothers?
3. What are Noah's reactions to the conduct of his sons (9:24-27)?
4. In what ways do you think families today suffer from disrespect of parents?
5. How can we show respect to our parents regardless of their actions toward us?
6. Read Genesis 11:1-9. What actions do the people of Babel take and what is their motive (vv. 11:1-4)?
7. How does this project conflict with God's instruction to Noah after the flood?
8. What is the Lord's reaction in 11:5-9?
9. Why do you think all human efforts to achieve world unity fall short of what God desires?
10. As you come to the end of the first eleven chapters of Genesis (which comprise part one of this guide), how have these chapters helped you see God as a God of love, mercy and tender concern as well as a God of justice and judgment?
11. What in this section of study has been most meaningful to you in your understanding of God?
Thank God that he continually reveals himself to us.
Now or Later
Scan Genesis 10, which traces the descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth. What interesting facts does this chapter reveal about the spread of humanity after the flood? (Note expecially 10:5, 8-15, 25.)
Read Genesis 11:10-32. Why do you think the author shifts from writing about all the families of the earth to one family?
posted by Christinewjc at
5:17 PM
1 Comments:
Genesis 9:18 - 11:32
Every generation has the problem of disrespect for authority - both divine and human. This attitude continues after the flood in Noah's family, then on a larger scale in society.
GROUP DISCUSSION. Where do you see a breakdown in family relationships reaping a harvest of problems in your community?
Children who so not come from intact, stable, mom and dad present families commonly have a host of difficulties and problems. Divorce, abortion, sexual sin, drugs, alcohol, adultery, internet porn, the negative influence of the radical homosexual agenda etc. do not help to keep families together...they are more likely to break them apart. This is especially difficult for the children. Single moms have the very difficult life as the single wage earner and provider for the kids. Non-existent fathers is also a huge problem. Unwed mothers leads to poverty and violence. Even step family situations can be very difficult to cope with. We have certainly made a mess of God's original intent for marriage.
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Where do you see a situation in which a character flaw appears to pass from generation to generation?
The poverty that results because of single moms who don't have monetary support from the man who mated with them is a problem that goes from generation to generation. The welfare system didn't help either. It encouraged these women to have more out-of-wedlock babies to get more money.
We have seen that Noah's new commission from God is similar to the one given Adam. Now we see how sin again spreads from father to son in both private and public realms. Read Genesis 9:18-19.
1. Describe what happens in this brief story of Noah and his sons.
Noah got drunk and was laying naked inside his tent. Ham told shem and Japheth. They covered Noah with a garment.
2. How does Ham's conduct dishonor his father?
Ham's mocking attitude revealed a severe lack of respect for his father and God.
In what ways does it contrast with the action of his brothers?
They showed honor to their father by not looking at him (walked in backwards) and covered his nakedness.
3. What are Noah's reactions to the conduct of his sons (9:24-27)?
He cursed the land of Canaan (Ham's land) but he blessed Shem and Japheth's territories and made Canaan the slave of Shem.
4. In what ways do you think families today suffer from disrespect of parents?
Even though Noah was a poor example of godliness in this incident, his two sons still showed him respect and honor. This doesn't happen very often in today's world. Children may use their parent's former bad behavior as an excuse to do the same. such bad influence disrupts family life and the pattern and cycle of bad influence can continue through the generations unless the family turns to Christ and faithfully follows Him.
5. How can we show respect to our parents regardless of their actions toward us?
Realize that even godly people can still sin at times and we need to still show respect to them. We need to pray for their salvation and take the time to share Christ with them even if we might be rejected. We shouldn't demean them because of their bad choices (or influence) but attempt to redeem the situation (if possible).
6. Read Genesis 11:1-9. What actions do the people of Babel take and what is their motive (vv. 11:1-4)?
They built a monument to the people themselves rather than to God.
7. How does this project conflict with God's instruction to Noah after the flood?
This tower was meant to give not only identity and self-worth to the people, but it was also meant to replace God in their lives. When God is replaced by other things, identities and achievements (rather than thanking God for these things) then the logical conclusion people reach is the attitude that they no longer need God in their lives.
8. What is the Lord's reaction in 11:5-9?
He confused their language so that they will not understand each other.
9. Why do you think all human efforts to achieve world unity fall short of what God desires?
Because of sin and the barriers that it causes between people. Also, many people work for their own selfish reasons and "built their tower" as a monument to their own greatness, something for the world to see and recognize. Self-pride is dangerous when it takes first place on the "throne" of someone's life rather than placing God who is worthy of all honor and praise there.
10. As you come to the end of the first eleven chapters of Genesis (which comprise part one of this guide), how have these chapters helped you see God as a God of love, mercy and tender concern as well as a God of justice and judgment?
God gives us second chances, third chances etc. He is patient with his rebellious people. However, because He is holy and righteous, hates sin, and His character also is one of justice and judgment towards sin, He punishes the people for their wrongdoing. When will we ever learn?
11. What in this section of study has been most meaningful to you in your understanding of God?
I can see the many "towers" that have been built by mankind as "monuments" to their own greatness. Often, such achievements are done through sin, rebellion, selfishness and self-pride. God is merciful, though, and slow to anger. He STILL gives us time to repent and turn to him. The trials and tribulations within our lives are meant to nudge and turn us toward God's saving grace which was established through Christ Jesus. His mercy and grace is new every morning! Praise His Holy Name!
Thank God that he continually reveals himself to us.
Now or Later
Scan Genesis 10, which traces the descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth. What interesting facts does this chapter reveal about the spread of humanity after the flood? (Note expecially 10:5, 8-15, 25.)
The people spread out into their territories by their clans within their nations, each with its own language.
Read Genesis 11:10-32. Why do you think the author shifts from writing about all the families of the earth to one family?
This account shares the line of Shem's descendants, who were blessed. From Shem's line came Abram and the entire Jewish nation, which would eventually conquer the land of Canaan in the days of Joshua.
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Christinewjc, at 6:49 AM
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