What really happened at the Tower of Babel? Was it just about confusing languages—or something much deeper?

This episode of the Buried Bible Podcast wraps up the Tower of Babel series by exploring how Jewish and Christian traditions reinterpreted the story across centuries. Dr. Mark Chavalas discusses sources like Josephus, Jubilees, rabbinical commentary, and even connections to Acts 2, showing how Babel became a symbol of rebellion, pride, and divine judgment.

The conversation highlights how Babel contrasts with God’s call of Abraham—revealing that while humans sought to make their own name great, God’s plan was always to establish His name and bless the nations on His terms.

🔥 In This Episode:

➡️ Ancient Jewish traditions on Babel: apocalypse texts, Jubilees, and midrash

➡️ How Josephus linked Nimrod to the tower

➡️ Why the rabbis viewed Babel as ultimate rebellion

➡️ The surprising connection between Babel and Acts 2 at Pentecost

➡️ God’s response at Babel vs. His call of Abraham in Genesis 12

➡️ What this story reveals about sacred space, divine council, and human pride

The Tower of Babel isn’t just an isolated story—it’s the backdrop for God’s plan to call Abraham, form Israel, and ultimately bless the nations. Understanding the traditions surrounding Babel reveals how Jewish and Christian thinkers made sense of rebellion, pride, and God’s redemptive plan.

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Which tradition about Babel surprised you most—Josephus, Jubilees, or Acts 2?

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