Genesis 11:2
Afrikaans 1933/1953
En toe hulle wegtrek na die ooste, vind hulle 'n laagte in die land S¡near; en daar het hulle gaan woon.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes the people who moved from the east and settled in a plain in the land of Shinar. It explains that they found a place to live and stayed there. There is no direct speaker, but the narrative is describing the actions of the people.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your friends moved from one playground to another. You found a nice, flat area in a new playground and decided to stay there to play. That's what the people did in this story—they found a nice place to live and stayed there.
Historical Background
Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was written for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting is one of nomadic people settling into new territories, reflecting the broader context of ancient Mesopotamia.
Living It Out Today
Today, when we move to a new place, we can think about this story and how the people found a place to settle. It reminds us to make our new homes a place where we can thrive and build community.
Topics
settlementmigrationcommunitygeographyancient historyBiblical narratives
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'land of Shinar' refer to?
The land of Shinar is believed to be the area around the Tigris-Euphrates river system in Mesopotamia, which is part of present-day Iraq. It was an important region in ancient times.
Why did they settle in Shinar?
The text doesn't specify the reasons, but ancient peoples often chose fertile plains for settlement because they provided good land for agriculture and living.
How does this verse connect to the Tower of Babel story?
This verse sets the stage for the Tower of Babel story, which follows in Genesis 11:3-9. The people who settled here in Shinar are the ones who built the tower.
What can we learn about community from this verse?
We can learn that communities often form when people come together in a new place and decide to stay, creating a shared space where they can live and work together.