Go to, let us build, &c.— They proposed to build a magnificent city with a tower, either for defence or for religion, though for the latter most probably; whose top, says our translation, may reach unto heaven. There is nothing in the Hebrew for may reach; it is only said there, and its head, or top, to heaven: nevertheless, as almost all the versions supply, may reach, the passage may be understood as a vaunt in these builders, expressing the very superlative height to which they would exalt their tower. See Deuteronomy 9:1. It is however very probable, that this tower was originally destined to idolatrous worship; to which, it is well known, it served in after-ages; as we have accounts of the idols, &c. found there; particularly, of a stupendous image of the sun. It was repaired and beautified by Nebuchadnezzar, and called the Temple of Bel, or Belus, or Lord: of this an exact account may be read in Prideaux, vol. 1: In this sense we may well understand the passage, and its top to heaven, or the heavens, as expressing its dedication to the heavens and their hosts, the sun, moon, &c. which were, perhaps, the first objects of idolatrous worship. This agrees nearly with Archbishop Tennison, who supposes, that this tower was consecrated by the builders of it to the sun, as the cause of drying up the waters of the deluge. The Jerusalem Targum, and some of the great Jewish Rabbies, seem to be of the same opinion. Thus this temple was to be the centre, and their idolatrous worship the cement, of their union. For my own part, I cannot but think, "a tower with its top dedicated to the heavens and their hosts," the best interpretation of the passage, especially as antiquity assures us, the top of this tower was dedicated to Bel, or the Sun.
And let us make us a name, lest, &c.— Their intention in building the city and tower, was to make themselves a name, and to prevent their being scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth, as God probably declared [but certainly designed] they should. The scheme was to keep together, and very likely under one head. Let us, say the heads or leaders of this design, make us a name, a monument or token of superiority or eminence; to signify, I conceive, to all succeeding generations, that they were the true original governors to whom mankind ought to be in subjection; lest other leaders starting up should carry off parties, so break the body, and set up separate governments. It seems to have been a piece of state-policy to keep all mankind together, under their present chiefs and their successors. And the lofty tower was, probably, intended (among other purposes) to command every part of the city, and to keep off any body of men who should attempt to break in upon them. To this let it be added, that the giants are called men of name, or renown, ch. Genesis 6:4. like whom, these Babel-builders seemed desirous to procure glory and a name, by strengthening themselves in their city, which they would make the metropolis of the world, and there preserve the seat of universal empire, thus keeping their colonies united, in opposition, as it were, to God and all his designs of peopling the earth by their dispersion.
REFLECTIONS.—Observe here, the original corruption still operating, and manifesting itself in the daring design and attempt of this generation. Note; 1. They who seek a great name, and make this their ruling motive, will often find at last their conduct stamped with infamy. 2. When presumptuous sinners, or the self-sufficient, build up their hopes of heaven highest, their confusion is nearest, and their ruin inevitable. 3. There is no counsel or might against the Lord: they who attempt to disappoint his determination, only in the end cover themselves with shame.
A spacious plain in the land of Shinar, where they dwelt, afforded them means; and unity of language united them in their designs. Note; many a worldly heart is so pleased with its accommodations on earth, that here it would fain build its abode; and putting its name in this Shinar, look no farther.
Observe also, the methods they pursued. 1. They encouraged each other:—Go to. When people are unanimous, what can they not accomplish. 2. They provided themselves durable materials, and therefore promised themselves success in their undertaking. Learn hence, (1.) The great help of united efforts: shall the children of this world unite, and shall the children of God be divided? (2.) Nothing is so promising as to resolve, and do they set about the work immediately. To die only resolving, as is the case with too many, is never the way to build the tower which can reach to heaven.