Genesis 11:1

Now: The events in 11:1–9 caused the nations to scatter, as shown in the family histories of 10:2–30. Although these events happened in a different order than they are written, the author arranged them this way to help explain things about God's actions and plans more clearly (see study note on 10:1–11:9).

The story of the unfinished tower continues themes from the Table of Nations (chapter 10). These themes include language and human unity. The builders wanted independence from God, which recalls the rebellion in the garden of Eden (chapter 3). This also helps show why Abram’s faithful response to God is needed (chapter 12) during a time of disorder among the nations.

The scattering of the nations also points forward to later warnings given to Israel. God warned that idolatry would lead to their being scattered, and that their cities would be ruined (see Leviticus 26:33; Numbers 10:35; Deuteronomy 4:27; 28:64; 30:3).

In the timeline of Genesis, this goes back to an earlier time. It explains how the nations spread out during the time of Peleg (see Genesis 10:25).

The fifth account (10:1) in Genesis (see study note on 2:4) unites the Table of Nations (10:2–32) and the Babel story (11:1–9) around the theme of scattering the nations (10:5, 18; 11:4, 8–9). The Table of Nations appears before the Babel story, but the Babel event explains how the nations and languages in that list came to exist.

By placing these events in this order, Genesis connects the filling of the earth with the blessing God gave to Noah and his sons (see 9:1 and study note). It shows that the growth of the nations comes from God’s blessing.

This order also prepares for Abram’s call (12:1–3). Abram’s call shows God’s answer to the problem seen at Babel (11:1–9), where humans were separated from God. Through Abram, God begins to restore that relationship.