The entire earth had one
language with uniform words.
Genesis 11:1
The entire world had one
language, common speech and a common counsel. They spoke the Holy Tongue, the
language with which the world was created.
Targum Yonatan ben Uziel
Until God “confused their speech” [v.
7], the universal language was the Holy Tongue, the language of creation.
Common language united all mankind; however the generation of the Tower of
Babel ignored the aspect of sanctity within their language and used the unity
endowed by common speech to rebel against God. As punishment, the nations of
the world lost their connection to the Holy Tongue. However, due to its
inherent nation sanctity, the People of Israel maintained its connection with
the Holy Tongue.
Rabbi Yehonatan Eybschutz quotes our Sages’
comment that idolaters have no connection to the Holy Tongue, and explains that
even if an idolater speaks Hebrew, the language lacks sanctity. Conversely,
when Israel speaks Hebrew, the sanctity of the language is manifest. Based upon
Rabbi Yehonatan’s comment, it is clear that the inherent sanctity of the People
of Israel is the necessary condition for connection to the Holy Tongue.
Nonetheless,
the nations’ disconnection from the Holy Tongue is temporary. Zephaniah [3:9]
prophesized: “For then will I restore to the people a pure language that they may
all call upon the name of God to serve Him with one shoulder.”
Our
classical commentators understood “a pure language” to be the Holy Tongue. Thus
the content of Zephaniah’s prophecy is that the nations of the world will
return to serving God and then the world will return to the use of the Holy
Tongue exclusively. [Maharsha, Avoda Zara 24a]
Zephaniah’s
words fit Maharsha’s explanation, since they imply a connection
between “a pure language” and service of God. Indeed, through dedication
to God’s service, the entire world will return to “true unity and great
perfection.” [Sidduro shel Shabbat]
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