Theological Reflection on THE TOWER OF BABEL

Reflection: Further understanding on the meaning of the story of the Tower of Babel?

This question was posed for those studying the Old Testament in Year One of Education for Ministry (WK 7).

The Sacred Tools of Discernment indicated that the answer to this question may be obtained by reflecting on the primary influence of the tribe of SIMEON and the secondary influence of the tribe of ISSACHAR; that is,  Knowledge + Work = Understanding.

Binah (bee-naw’) in Hebrew signifies “discernment”, “truth” or “understanding.”

The text associated with Binah in the Hebrew Scriptures is associated with the story of Ezra summoning the people to obey the law (see Nehemiah 8:1-10).

This story appears in the Action section of the reflection cycle, which means that it is just beginning. The inference we can draw from this is that the story of the Tower of Babel is an ongoing saga.

REACTION

Traditionally, the Tower of Babel is another type of creation story explaining the reason why the world has multiple languages and not just one language. Nevertheless, in the text from Nehemiah, Ezra is reading the laws of Moses, which had been lost for many generations, to all who could understand. This signifies that communication and agreement through understanding the law is at the heart of the lesson to be learnt by all nations.

EXAMINATION

Ezra stands on a platform so all can see him. The Tower of Babel and the Twin Towers are similar in this respect. The Word Trade Centre in New York was not just the most conspicuous symbol of US capitalism, it was also intended to be a symbol of human unity and human greatness.

CHANGES

The terrorists flew the airplanes into the World Trade Center because it was the symbol of Babel, which was in the heart of Islamic Mesopotamia. Now, for all nations, 9/11 is a day to remember, similar to the day when Ezra read the law and the governor commented on its meaning: on 9/11 the Governor of New York, "Rudi" Giuliani, led the people from the towers out of the danger zone.

OUTCOME

In the story of Ezra he tells the people not to grieve for YHWH is their joy and their strength.

TODAY’S WORLD

This is the story of the many heroes who gave up their lives rescuing people trapped in the towers: may their sacrifice and courageous acts be remembered forever.

With respect to the law, new immigrants agree to follow the laws of the land when they swear allegiance to their new country. The laws of Moses can be found in almost every system of law throughout the world. In a multicultural country containing multi-faiths, communication, tolerance, and understanding are necessary for justice to be available to every citizen pursuing their God given right of freedom and happiness.

References:
See Bibliography: Sacred Tools of Discernment by Jonn Lavinnder