Questions of the Tower of Babel for EC

[Christy (Christy Hemphill)]

There was some good discussion and I typed out my take on the narrative on this thread:

Is the Tower of Babel a polemic?

Here is how I understand the narrative. As you noted, the function of ziggurats in the ancient world was to facilitate a deity coming down from heaven and dwelling with people. This was a good deal for the deity because they were believed to have needs like clothing, food, and a place to sleep, which the people were offering to attend to. This was a good deal for the people because if the deity lived among them they could expect blessings and protection. So when the people of Babel decided to …

I think it is important to read the story as an intro to the covenant with Abraham, not as something meant to stand on its own.