Tongues, Confusion of The Biblical account of this is given in the usual anthropomorphic style of Scripture in Genesis 11:1-9, and has been the occasion of much discussion and speculation. To inquire into the date of this part of Genesis would lead us into a long discussion it may be sufficient to express an opinion that the indications of 10:12 perhaps (strangely ignored by most writers), and ver. 18 certainly, seem to point to an age mulch before that of Moses. See below. We propose under the present head to treat the subject under two aspects, the historical and the linguistic, referring the reader to other and kindred articles for further details on this disputed question.
I. The Event. —The part of the narrative relating to the present subject thus commences: “And the whole earth [or land, אֶרֵוֹ] was of one language [or lip, שָׂפָה] and of one speech [or words, דּבָרַים].” The journey and the building of the tower are then related and the divine determination to “confound their language that they may not understand one another’s speech.” The scattering of the builders and the discontinuance of the building of the city having been narrated, it is added, “Therefore is the name of it called Babel, because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth, and [or for] from: thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11:1-9).
1. Character of the Infliction. — An orderly and peaceful distribution and migration of the families descended from Noah had been directed by divine authority and carried into general effect. But there was a part of mankind who would not conform themselves to this wise and benevolent arrangement. This rebellious party, having discovered a region to their taste, determined to remain in it. They built their houses in contiguity, and proceeded to the other method described for guarding against any further division of their company. This was an act of rebellion against the divine government. The omniscient and righteous God therefore frustrated it by inflicting upon them a remarkable affection of the organs of speech, which produced discord and separation.
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Author: McClintock and Strong Cyclopedia
Keywords: Tongues Confusion, confusion of tongues, confounding of languages, tongues, languages, foreign languages, tower of Babel
Bible reference(s): Genesis 11:1, Gen 11:7-9
Source: John McClintock and James Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature.
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