As we wrote in our assessments, there are many similarities between the dor haMabul and the dor haFlaga. Both of them did something wrong in the eyes of Hashem and so were punished. In the dor haMabul the world was destroyed, and in the dor haFlaga their languages were changed and they were forced to spread throughout the world. Many people maintain that the punishment for the people of the dor haMabul was much worse, what with the whole world being destroyed. I think that they are pretty close. We learned that until the dor haFlaga’s sin Hashem had wanted the whole world to be “chosen”. After their sin, only one nation, the Jewish people were to be “chosen”. It is said that while building the tower of Bavel, the people had the greatest sense of Achdus ever seen in this world. Imagine working together with people, and getting along, and really enjoying them and what you’re doing, then all of a sudden you suddenly don’t understand each other. You are all speaking different languages with no way to communicate. The only thing you can do is slowly do exactly what you had been trying to avoid: leaving. I think that is much worse than just one day waking up in Shamaim. The people in dor haFlaga knew what they were missing, and had a chance to regret what they did, no matter that it was too late.
I totally agree with Alex. I also want to add that the Dor Hamabul was destroyed because they lacked morality. I am not saying that Dor Haflaga was not immoral, but I think it is important to note that this generation was united in their cause. As Alex said, they had the greatest sense of Achdus ever. If they were immoral beings, how could they feel united? I also agree that the punishments of the two generations were about even. The Dor Hamabul was killed because of their deeds. Dor Haflaga was dispersed because they were united in a cause that defied G-d. If I was one of the Dor Haflaga, I would probably wish to die rather than move away from my friends. In that regard, the punishments of these two generations were even in their severity.
ReplyDeletei think it is very interesting that dor haflaga seems to be one of the best examples of achdus. And like what Sarah said before,how could these people be so united even though they were immoral? i think it is because this trait, achdus, though usually seen as a good thing, can be used for bad. when people are so close and decide to do the wrong things, that makes their actions that much more powerful. The same is true if unified people do miztvot, it is that much more powerful.surprising as this may seem, however, almost anything can be used or misused in the same way.
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting that dor haflaga was worse. I actually think that is true. Now in the world everyone is being separated. At least after dor hamabul everyone was communicating, but now they can't even do that! I didn't thin of that until Alex brought it up (thanks).
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Alex and all of the comments above ^. If someone randomly asked me which punishment was worse, the first answer I would think of would be Dor HaMabul. The world was destroyed, everyone died, what could be worse? But, when you really think about it if everyone in our school just started speaking a different language, there would be total chaos. Everyone would be going crazy (except for the Solemans, because they basically speak every language anyway) and it would never end. At least when you die the chaos and confusion ends and you can have peace in Heaven.
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