The Symbolism of the Tower of Babel

Understand the Symbolism of the Tower of Babel and how it Relates to Us Today

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
~ Genesis 11:4 ~

The account in Genesis provides further insight regarding the significance of the building of the tower. First, the impetus in building this temple was to make themselves a name (see Gen. 11:4). In other words, Nimrod was proposing that they build a temple to receive the name of God without making eternal covenants. Second, they wanted to build this tower-temple so they would not be “scattered” (Gen. 11:4). Latter-day revelation ties the sealing power to preventing the earth from being wasted at the Second Coming (see D&C 2:3). One meaning of the word wasted in Joseph Smith’s Day was “destroyed by scattering” (Webster’s Dictionary [1828]). Finally, the word Babel in Hebrew meant “confusion,” but in Babylonian, the meaning was “gate of God.” Nimrod and his people were building their own temple, their gate to heaven, without divine approval or priesthood keys.
~ Tower of Babel, Liahona March 1998 ~

In Word: Because of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in these last days – Temple worship and eternal covenants are now made in righteousness. The restoration of priesthood keys and authority rest upon those worthy to bear such responsibility. And yet – despite the restoration of the Gospel, there remains much confusion in the hearts and minds of mankind. Confusion as to whether or not sacred ordinances and covenants are meant for us today. Confusion concerning what scripture truly teaches. Some declare that the everlasting Gospel did not need restoration. Others declare that covenants are things of the Old Testament and man no longer needs to worship God through covenants. They deny the power and efficacy of priesthood authority needing to be restored. Instead, many hold to the idea that faith alone in Christ is all that the Gospel is about. There appears to be no harmony among many of our fellow Evangelical and Protestant brethren when it comes to the Everlasting Gospel.

In Deed: Our faith in Jesus Christ is predicated upon the nature and truth of covenants we make with Him. Through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father’s purpose to bring about our eternal and immortal lives rests upon the nature of covenants. With Adam, our Heavenly Father made covenants pertaining to the Everlasting Gospel and the promised Messiah in the Meridian of time. Through Noah, God’s judgment shall not require the destruction of the Earth by a flood. Through Abraham, the promised messiah and the infinite atonement is given so that all of humanity will have an opportunity to repent and enter into their own covenants. Through Moses, the covenant to walk faithfully in obedience to the laws of God is established. Through Jesus Christ – the promised messiah – savior and redeemer of humanity – our covenant is established through Grace as we take up our cross (Matthew 10:38-39, 16:24-26, and Luke 9:23-26) and follow Him. The invitation for us to place our faith in Christ, repent and seek forgiveness for our sins and trespasses, and willingly to deny ourselves and lose our lives for the sake of Christ is an invitation to enter into sacred covenants through those true ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Take a Moment to Ponder: What does it mean to enter into sacred ordinances and covenants with our Heavenly Father? How does this increase our faith and spiritual growth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What aspect of this do you find confusing?