Genesis 11:4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
The story of Babel serves as an ancient explanation of why different languages exist, and it is a moral story of how we humans can misuse God-given gifts. Language is a gift, without a doubt. Because of language we have been able to write poetry, sing songs, and share our stories with each other.
We have also used our words to diminish each other and to speak words of hate. Using our words for selfish, prideful means leads to discord and disunion.
God, however, also uses words. And on this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes upon those gathered and gives them inspired speech, unifying humanity in our varied languages. God’s words, spoken in love, unify rather than divide. Pentecost redeems our babble.
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