#13. The Tower of Babel.#--In this period we there is a great advance in civilization, as may be seen by a careful reading of Genesis 10:1-32. Cities are built and nations are founded by the descendants of the Patriarch Noah. But the evil tendency of the human heart again shows itself, and the pride of man's achievement fills the heart of the descendants of Noah. Then comes the story of the tower of Babel, and in this we read most significantly, "And they said, Come, let us build." To this God's reply is "Come, let us confound." Man's pride is to be abased, and put to confusion. So the human race is scattered abroad and its cherished plans are broken up. For the second time, man is seen to be a failure, and there is call for another way of dealing with the race if the truth is to be preserved. This third beginning is to be found in Period Three, with which our next lesson will deal. Test Questions State how the Gospel of John has a sweep farther back even than Genesis 1:1. What beginnings may we find in the book of Genesis? How does man act toward God, as soon as he transgresses his law? Where do we find the beginning of the story of redemption? Give the names of the chief actors in this first period of Bible history. Give the divine estimate of the moral condition of man before the flood. Where does the Bible place the story of the beginnings of the human race? Give the story of the building of the ark and of the flood. In the second period, what may we say of civilization? How did its magnitude show itself? Give the record of the scattering of the human race. Was the second trial of man any more successful than the first, regarded from the religious standpoint? Lesson 3 From Abraham to Jacob Old Testament Division--Third Period LEADING PERSONS #Abraham.#--Lived in Ur of the Chaldees. Called by God to leave country and home and kindred to go to Canaan, the promised land (Gen. 12:1 to 25:11). #Isaac.#--Son of Abraham (Gen. 21). Proposed as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-19). Married Rebekah (Gen. 24). #Esau.#--Son of Isaac. Sold his birthright to his brother (Gen. 25:27-34). #Jacob.#--Son of Isaac. By a trick secured his father's parting blessing, to which Esau was entitled (Gen. 27:1-45). Journeyed in search of a wife, and married (Gen. 28:10 to 31:16). Returned and was forgiven by Esau (Gen. 31:17 to 33:20). His name changed to Israel and he became the father of the Jewish nation (Gen. 35:9-15). Had twelve sons, who become the heads of the Twelve Tribes of Israel (Gen. 35:23-27). #TIME.#--1928 B. C. to the birth of Joseph, 1752 B. C. #PLACES.#--Ur of Chaldees, Canaan, Egypt. [Illustration]