[note to readers: due to the length of this study, I've divided it into two parts, both have been posted in this one article.]
PART ONE of CHAPTER 11
Early on in the book of Genesis we see the development of two cities: Jerusalem (formerly Salem) and Babel (later, this abandoned city-state becomes an empire, Babylon). These two serve as the dual themes in the Scriptures that portray the work of God – Jerusalem and the work of man and Satan – Babylon.
It’s important to note that in the book of Revelation; both cities are in view, having a longevity that spans nearly the whole of human history. But only one work endures beyond this present reality of creation: Jerusalem, in the form of the eternal New Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven, but is nonetheless the habitation of all the “seed of Abraham” which numbers as “the stars of heaven and the sand on the seashore” (GEN 22:17; HEB 11:11-13) – that is, the seed of believing Israel (the sand on the seashore, referring to the earthly kingdom of the Messiah) and the church (the stars of heaven, referring to that heavenly kingdom of the LORD Jesus Christ, the Head of the church and His bride); ROM 10:11-13.
