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Genesis 11:2 - Rebellion's birthplace in Shinar.

Genesis 11:2 - בראשית 11:2

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בְּנָסְעָם מִקֶּדֶם וַיִּמְצְאוּ בִקְעָה בְּאֶרֶץ שִׁנְעָר וַיֵּשְׁבוּ שָׁם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shin῾ar; and they dwelt there.

Transliteration

Vayehi b'nas'am mikedem vayimtze'u vik'ah b'eretz Shin'ar vayeshvu sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֖י בְּנׇסְעָ֣ם מִקֶּ֑דֶם וַֽיִּמְצְא֥וּ בִקְעָ֛ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ שִׁנְעָ֖ר וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם׃
וַיְהִ֖י בְּנׇסְעָ֣ם מִקֶּ֑דֶם וַֽיִּמְצְא֥וּ בִקְעָ֛ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ שִׁנְעָ֖ר וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Geographical and Historical Context

The verse describes the migration of people from the east to the land of Shin῾ar (Babylonia). Rashi explains that "as they journeyed from the east" (וַיְהִי בְּנָסְעָם מִקֶּדֶם) implies they were moving away from Mount Moriah, the site where Adam, Kayin, Hevel, and Noach had brought offerings to Hashem. They deliberately distanced themselves from this holy place, indicating a rejection of divine service (Rashi on Bereishit 11:2).

Spiritual Implications of Their Journey

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 38:7) teaches that their journey "from the east" symbolizes a departure from the "Kadmono shel Olam" (the Primordial One of the World—Hashem). By settling in Shin῾ar, they sought to establish a society independent of divine authority, which ultimately led to the sin of the Tower of Bavel. Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that their choice of a "plain" (בִקְעָה) reflects their desire for uniformity and centralized control, contrary to Hashem's will for diversity among nations.

Why Shin῾ar?

  • Agricultural Fertility: The Sforno notes that Shin῾ar was a fertile valley, ideal for settlement, but their material comfort led to spiritual complacency.
  • Historical Significance: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) identifies Shin῾ar as Bavel (Babylonia), the location where Nimrod ruled and where the people later rebelled against Hashem by building the Tower.
  • Symbol of Rebellion: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Shin῾ar represents human arrogance, as it was where they attempted to "make a name for themselves" (Bereishit 11:4) rather than sanctify Hashem's name.

Lessons for Jewish Life

The Or HaChaim highlights that settling in Shin῾ar—a place of physical abundance but spiritual danger—warns against prioritizing material success over divine service. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that their collective dwelling (וַיֵּשְׁבוּ שָׁם) suggests a unified, but misguided, purpose, teaching that unity must be directed toward holiness, not rebellion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 109a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the generation of the Tower of Babel and their settlement in the land of Shinar.
📖 Avodah Zarah 53b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about idolatry and the origins of the nations that settled in Shinar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 11:2 mean when it says 'they journeyed from the east'?
A: Rashi explains that 'they journeyed from the east' refers to the descendants of Noah who migrated from the mountainous regions of the east (where the Ark had rested) to the plain of Shinar. They deliberately moved away from God's command to spread out and populate the earth (Genesis 9:1), choosing instead to settle together in one place.
Q: Why is the land of Shinar significant in Genesis 11:2?
A: The land of Shinar is significant because it became the location where the people built the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:4). According to the Midrash, they chose this flat plain specifically to rebel against God by building a tower to 'make a name for themselves' rather than fulfilling their divine mission to inhabit the whole earth.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 11:2 about human behavior?
A: The verse teaches us about the danger of unity for negative purposes. While unity is generally positive, here the people united to rebel against God's will. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah) emphasizes that human beings must align their actions with divine commandments rather than pursuing selfish or arrogant goals.
Q: How does Genesis 11:2 connect to the story of the Tower of Babel?
A: Genesis 11:2 sets the stage for the Tower of Babel narrative by showing how the people deliberately settled in one place (Shinar) instead of dispersing as God commanded. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) explains that their decision to 'dwell there' reflects their stubbornness and desire to centralize power, leading to their later punishment of being scattered.
Q: Why did they choose a plain to settle in according to Genesis 11:2?
A: Rashi comments that they chose a plain because it was ideal for building a city and tower—flat land made construction easier. The Midrash adds that they wanted to avoid another flood (though God had promised never to destroy the world again with water), showing their lack of trust in God's covenant.