Guiding Questions: Genesis 11

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. How does Genesis 11:1 continue or contradict Genesis 10?
  2. What intent is ascribed to the builders of the city and a massively tall tower?
  3. Is this intent (Genesis 11:4) considered good/bad or, simply, stated?
  4. How to understand “God came down to see?” (Genesis 11:5)
  5. While not so stated, could the phrasing in Genesis 11:5 be a mandate for emulation, i.e. – do not judge/conclude until you are quite familiar with all the evidence?
  6. “So this is what they have done”! Is the “tone” condemnatory – and, if so, why?
  7. Why (in Genesis 11:7) the change of tense to plural “let us”?
  8. How does this (unlike Genesis 10) explain language variations?
  9. Or is the purpose of the narrative to explain the founding of Babylonia?
  10. How is this divine action of scattering to be understood in terms of justice and judgement?
  11. And how does it relate to the mandate to humanity in Genesis 1:27–30? Does it?
  12. What is the relationship of Shem’s genealogy as set forth in Genesis 10:21 – 31 to the genealogy here in Genesis 11:10–27?
  13. Is there any indication of any “special” characteristics of Avram in this chapter?
  14. Was Avram (and family) on the way to Canaan in this chapter’s narrative?
  15. If so, is any reason given?

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  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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