Midrash sur La Genèse 11:5

It is written of the generation of the separation: And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech (Gen. 11:1), but later they sought to ascend into the firmament, as is said: Come, let us build us a city and a tower with its top in heaven (ibid., v. 4). Hence it is written: The Lord came to see the city and the tower which the children of men had builded … so the Lord scattered them (ibid., v. 5). What a strap from such a hide!²⁶A popular proverb expressing the thought: Such a poor product from such good material.

And when Abraham was ninety years old and nine (Gen. 17:1). Scripture says elsewhere in reference to this verse: Thou art fairer than the children of man; grace is poured upon thy lips; therefore, God hath blessed thee forever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, thy glory and thy majesty (Ps. 45:3–4). Concerning whom did Korah’s sons sing this song? They sang it about Abraham, the fairest of Adam’s descendants. Who were the descendants of Adam? They were: Seth, Cain, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuseleth, Lamech, Noah, and his sons. Whence do we know that Noah’s sons were called the sons of Adam? It is said: And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of Adam builded (Gen. 11:5).

And the Lord came down to see the city (Gen. 11:5). Was it necessary for Him to descend to see it? Is not everything patent and revealed to Him, as it is said: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him (Dan. 2:22)? He descended in order to teach men never to render a decision against another man or to testify concerning any matter unless he has witnessed it.