InstaStudy

From Babel to Blessing: A Study of Genesis 11-12

This study explores humanity's rebellion and God's judgment at Babel, followed by God's sovereign call to Abram and the foundational promises that would impact all nations. We will examine themes of human pride, divine intervention, faith, obedience, and God's unwavering protection.

1. Human Rebellion and Divine Judgment

1.1 The Unity of Humanity and Prideful Ambition

Verses: Genesis 11:1-2
  • Humanity's initial unity in language and purpose.
  • The desire to make a name for themselves, not for God.
  • The move eastward, away from God's intended path.

1.2 The Tower of Babel: A Symbol of Self-Exaltation

Verses: Genesis 11:3-4
  • The project's goal: 'reach unto heaven' and 'make us a name'.
  • A direct challenge to God's sovereignty and authority.
  • Building a city and tower as a monument to human achievement.

1.3 God's Intervention and the Confusion of Languages

Verses: Genesis 11:5-9
  • God's singular observation of human pride and unity in rebellion.
  • God's decisive action to scatter humanity and confuse their language.
  • The judgment prevented further unified rebellion against God.

2. The Sovereign Call of God

2.1 God's Unilateral Initiative

Verses: Genesis 12:1
  • God's direct and singular command to Abram.
  • The call to leave his country, kindred, and father's house.
  • A divine summons requiring complete separation and trust.

2.2 The Promises to Abram: Land, Nation, Blessing

Verses: Genesis 12:2-3a
  • God's promise to make Abram a great nation and bless him.
  • The promise of a great name, reversing the Babel ambition.
  • The assurance of God's singular blessing and protection.

2.3 The Universal Scope of God's Blessing

Verses: Genesis 12:3b
  • The promise that 'in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed'.
  • God's plan extends beyond Abram to all humanity.
  • This singular blessing points to a future spiritual redemption.

3. Faith and Obedience in Action

3.1 Abram's Immediate Response

Verses: Genesis 12:4a
  • Abram's prompt obedience to God's word.
  • Leaving Haran without knowing the destination.
  • A testament to his trust in the singular God who called him.

3.2 Journeying by Faith

Verses: Genesis 12:4b-6
  • Abram took Lot and all his possessions, demonstrating commitment.
  • His journey through the land of Canaan, then inhabited by Canaanites.
  • Arriving at Shechem, the first significant stop.

3.3 Building Altars: Worship and Acknowledgment of God

Verses: Genesis 12:7-9
  • God's singular appearance and reaffirmation of the land promise.
  • Abram's response of building an altar and calling on the name of God.
  • Establishing places of worship as he journeyed, acknowledging God's presence.

4. Challenges to Faith and God's Protection

4.1 The Famine and Descent into Egypt

Verses: Genesis 12:10
  • A severe famine in the land of Canaan.
  • Abram's decision to go down to Egypt for sustenance.
  • A test of his faith in God's provision in the promised land.

4.2 Abram's Fear and Deception

Verses: Genesis 12:11-13
  • Abram's fear for his life due to Sarai's beauty.
  • Instructing Sarai to say she was his sister.
  • A moment of human weakness and lack of trust in God's protection.

4.3 God's Intervention and Deliverance

Verses: Genesis 12:14-20
  • Pharaoh took Sarai into his house, unaware of the deception.
  • God's singular judgment upon Pharaoh and his household with plagues.
  • Pharaoh's discovery of the truth and Abram's expulsion, protected by God.