MPV Commentary

1. The entire earth was united in language and culture. Despite God's command to fill the earth, Noah's descendants remained together, unwilling to separate. A large group, likely the aggressive horde mentioned earlier (Genesis 10:10), decided to settle in the most desirable region they encountered.

2. They chose the fertile valley between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers as their center of unity and power. This area was known for its rich soil and abundant water supply.

3. The people used bricks as their primary building material, since there were no stones available in that region. Archaeological evidence suggests that these ancient structures were made from sun-dried or kiln-fired bricks, often with bitumen mortar – a strong adhesive still used today in Assyria.

4. They built a tower that would reach the heavens, a common expression for an impressive structure (Deuteronomy 1:28; 9:1-6). However, their true intention was to prevent God's plan of scattering them across the earth from being fulfilled.

5. The people believed they could achieve anything without restriction, but this was not the case. Their attempt to defy God's will was ultimately unsuccessful.

6. When God intervened, he confused their language, causing a difference in dialect that only those within the same tribe could understand. This led to their dispersion and prevented them from achieving their goal of building a unified city.

7. The origin of different languages and nations is attributed to this miracle of tongues. It marked the beginning of humanity's gradual departure from true faith. Later, God would use another miracle to break down national barriers, ultimately bringing people back to their family in God.

28. Ur, now known as Orfa, was a city devoted to fire worship (Joshua 24:15). Terah and his family were deeply involved in this idolatrous practice.

31. Sarai, Abraham's daughter-in-law, was also the granddaughter of Terah. She was considered suitable for marriage to her uncle, Abraham, according to early customs.

The people then traveled to Haran, a two-day journey south-southeast from Ur, on their way to Palestine via the Euphrates River at Rakka.