Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 11:1-4

"And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Come, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. And they said, Come, let us build us a city, and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven, and let us make us a name; lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." — Genesis 11:1-4 (ASV)

How soon people forget the most tremendous judgments and go back to their former crimes! Though the desolations of the deluge were before their eyes, and though they sprang from the lineage of righteous Noah, yet even during his lifetime, wickedness increases exceedingly.

Nothing but the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit can remove the sinful lusts of the human will and the depravity of the human heart.

God's purpose was that humankind should form many nations and populate all lands. In contempt of the Divine will, and against the counsel of Noah, most of humankind united to build a city and a tower to prevent their separating.

Idolatry was begun, and Babel became one of its chief centers. They made one another more daring and resolute.

Let us learn to provoke one another to love and to good works, as sinners stir up and encourage one another to wicked works.