And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
The Lord came down to see the city and the tower. Anthropomorphism is the characteristic style of this history, which frequently describes God as acting more humane. Thus, it speaks of Him as 'coming,' and 'coming down,' in cases where there is no reason for supposing that there was any visible descent; and this phraseology is especially employed in narratives of His proceeding to do or to execute any purpose of His will respecting man (cf. Genesis 11:7; Genesis 18:21; Exodus 3:8; Exodus 11:5; Exodus 19:18; Exodus 19:20; Exodus 24:5; Numbers 12:5; Numbers 22:9; Deuteronomy 32:2). It is important to notice the appropriate use of the divine name х Yahweh (H3068)], the Lord, in this direct interposition to counteract a rebellion against the scheme of grace which the Mediator was about to develop for the redemption of mankind.
Which the children of men builded - literally, the sons of Adam. This expression also is exceedingly significant, denoting either the folly and impotence of creatures who, though "dust," and destined to "return unto dust," yet, uuder the influence of pride, magnified themselves against the Most High; or their wickedness (Genesis 6:2) in resolving and encouraging one another to oppose the arrangements of Him who had divided to the nations their inheritance when he separated the sons of Adam (Deuteronomy 32:8). х baanuw (H1129), built, or had built, shows that the works were considerably advanced.]