That the Tower of _Babel_ was erected against a second Deluge.
An opinion there is of some generality, that our fathers after the flood
attempted the Tower of _Babel_ to secure themselves against a second
Deluge. Which however affirmed by _Josephus_ and others, hath seemed
improbable unto many who have discoursed hereon. For (beside that they
could not be ignorant of the Promise of God never to drown the world
again, and had the Rain-bow before their eyes to put them in mind
thereof) it is improbable from the nature of the Deluge; which being not
possibly causable from natural showers above, or watery eruptions below,
but requiring a supernatural hand, and such as all acknowledg
irresistible; must needs disparage their knowledg and judgment in so
succesless attempts.
Again, They must probably hear, and some might know, that the waters of
the flood ascended fifteen cubits above the highest mountains. Now, if
as some define, the perpendicular altitude of the highest mountains be
four miles; or as others, but fifteen furlongs, it is not easily
conceived how such a structure could be effected. Although we allowed
the description of _Herodotus_ concerning the Tower of _Belus_; whose
lowest story was in height and bredth one furlong, and seven more built
upon it; abating that of the Annian _Berosus_, the traditional relation
of _Jerom_, and fabulous account of the _Jews_. Probable it is that
what they attempted was feasible, otherwise they had been amply fooled
in fruitless success of their labours, nor needed God to have hindred
them, saying, Nothing will be restrained from them, which they begin to
do.
[Sidenote: _History of the world._]
It was improbable from the place, that is a plain in the land of
_Shinar_. And if the situation of _Babylon_ were such at first as it was
in the days of _Herodotus_, it was rather a feat of amenity and
pleasure, than conducing unto this intention. It being in a very great
plain, and so improper a place to provide against a general Deluge by
Towers and eminent structures, that they were fain to make provisions
against particular and annual inundations by ditches and trenches, after
the manner of _Egypt_. And therefore Sir _Walter Raleigh_ accordingly
objecteth: If the Nations which followed _Nimrod_, still doubted the
surprise of a second flood, according to the opinions of the ancient
_Hebrews_, it soundeth ill to the ear of Reason, that they would have
spent many years in that low and overflown valley of _Mesopotamia_. And
therefore in this situation, they chose a place more likely to have
secured them from the worlds destruction by fire, then another Deluge of
water: and as _Pierius_ observeth, some have conceived that this was
their intention.
Lastly, The reason is delivered in the Text. 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 whole earth; as we have already
began to wander over a part. These were the open ends proposed unto the
people; but the secret design of _Nimrod_ was to settle unto himself a
place of dominion, and rule over his Brethren, as it after succeeded,
according to the delivery of the Text, the beginning of his kingdom was
_Babel_.