ESV Reformation Study Bible – Gen 11:1–9
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Gen 11:1–9

11:1–9 See note 10:1–11:9. Some scholars identify the tower in this narrative as the three-hundred-foot high temple ziggurat of Marduk at Babylon. The same arrogant pride that inspired rebellious Eve and Adam to rival God’s knowledge (3:5) and the ungodly Cain to build his city (4:17), now inspired “the whole earth” (v. 4). The mention of “Shinar” (v. 2; cf. 10:10) and “Babel” (v. 9; cf. 10:10) recall Nimrod’s rebellious kingdom (10:8–12 and notes).