Please explain Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7 when GOD SAID LET US GO DOWN. (Anon)

(Emailed into the Parsons Corner)

The Hebrew word used in both of those places for God is a very interesting word.  It is Elohim.  It is a plural word for God in the Hebrew Language, but in almost every single verse of scripture it uses singular pronouns.  The reason for this is that God exists as one God, but at the same time as three distinct persons.  This is the doctrine of the Trinity. 

In the case of creation, we have found that all three persons in the trinity were active in their separate roles, thus we see God refer to himself as "us."  This is in many ways a picture of what happens to us in salvation.  We experience a new birth, which is in effect a new creation with God the Father Commissioning the work, God the Son providing himself as a sacrifice for our sin and God the holy Spirit regenerating us through his power. 

As to why this phrase was used in this manner in Genesis 11:7, I don't honestly know.  It would seem that it was of such significance that he said that, but we may not know until we can ask him face to face, and then it may not be important to us.