Keep Seeking: Chapter 6
“Broken Religions”
Exploring the deeper questions and themes behind Chapter 6.
Topics Covered in This Chapter
Topic 1 – Dividing the Nations
Exploring a little deeper how dividing the nations are tied to the the sons of God.
Topic 2 – TBD
Topic TBD
Topic 3 – TBD
Topic TBD
Topic 1 – Dividng the Nations
Author’s Notes
Most people familiar with the Judeo-Christian Scriptures have at least some understanding of the dividing of the nations at the Tower of Babel. Many also recognize the Bible’s references to “principalities and powers”—a hierarchy of fallen spiritual beings who, throughout much of human history, have exercised influence over the earth and its inhabitants.
What’s often missed, however, is that these principalities — these ruling hierarchies — seem to have come into being at Babel itself—when God divided the nations “according to the number of the sons of God” (Deuteronomy 32:8–9). This moment marked more than just the scattering of languages; it was a spiritual reordering of authority across the earth.
Over time, many have tended to view false gods simply as idols of stone, metal, or wood. I suspect that perspective grew partly from a well-intentioned desire to reject any idea of multiple deities. There is only one God. Yet Scripture also reveals a host of lesser, created beings—sons of God—some of whom rebelled and were placed over the nations. These fallen spiritual powers became the unseen rulers behind humanity’s false religions and corrupt systems, setting the stage for the long struggle between the kingdoms of darkness and the Kingdom of God.
Additional Research
For deeper study, spend time with the passages that frame this event — particularly Deuteronomy 32:8–9 and Psalm 82. Together, they reveal how the division of the nations at Babel carried both earthly and spiritual dimensions.
For a thorough and thought-provoking exploration of these ideas, see The Unseen Realm by Dr. Michael S. Heiser. Heiser’s work examines the “divine council” worldview and how the Babel narrative connects to God’s larger plan for redemption through Israel and ultimately Christ.
You may also find it helpful to review parallel passages such as Genesis 10–11, Deuteronomy 4:19–20, and Daniel 10:13, 20–21, which provide further glimpses into the unseen spiritual structure of the nations.