Babylon -
Ancient Iraq
Babylon
is the site of many biblical stories. It was physically
located to what has become Karbala, Iraq today. This place was
an area where Jews were held in captivity for 75 years. The
Jews were also exiled to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar
ruled over Babylon. Daniel lived in Babylon.
So what
about Babylon continues to affect all of our own lives today?
The
answer to this question is found in one of the Old Testament's more
colorful stories and powerful reminders to obey the will of God.
GENESIS
11:1-9
details what happened.
In the
beginning, all humans on Earth spoke the same language.
Babylon changed all of that. A large group of people got
together and attempted to build a giant temple/staircase through
which to reach heaven. Most people recall this story as "The
Towel of Babel", which occurred in Babylonia. God came down to
see what the people had done, and was most displeased with what they
were trying to accomplish. To punish their deeds and confuse
their work, God caused them all to speak in various languages,
forever altering a characteristic of humans on Earth.