Had sin not entered, this would undoubtedly have been the actual state of things, as it will become so in the final eschatological dispensation [cp. Gal. 3.28]. But for the present intervening period this is not the will of God.
Nationalism, within proper limits, has the divine sanction; an imperialism that would, in the interest of one people, obliterate all lines of distinction is everywhere condemned as contrary to the divine will. Later prophecy raises its voice against the attempt at world-power, and that not only, as is sometimes assumed, because it threatens Israel, but for the far more principal reason, that the whole idea is pagan and immoral.
Now it is through maintaining the national diversities, as these express themselves in the difference of language, and are in tum upheld by this difference, that God prevents realization of the attempted scheme. Besides this, however, a twofold positive divine purpose may be discerned in this occurrence.
In the first place there was a positive intent that concerned the natural life of humanity. Under the providence of God each race or nation has a positive purpose to serve, fulfilment of which depends on relative seclusion from others.
And secondly, the events at this stage were closely interwoven with the carrying out of the plan of redemption. They led to the election and separate training of one race and one people. Election from its very nature presupposes the existence of a larger number from among which the choice can be made".
- Geerhardus Vos commenting on Gen 10, Biblical Theology Old and New Testaments (1948)
"Then, as the customs of regions often express diverse interests and discernments, so persons born in these regions hold diverse patterns in their customs. Accordingly, they are unable to come together at the same time without some antipathy toward each other, which when once aroused tends to stir up sedition, subversion, and damage to the life of the commonwealth. …
The magistrate should know the nature and attitude of his own people, of neighbouring peoples, and of people in general. The nature, condition, and attitude of his own people, or the people subject to him, ought to be perceived, explored, and learned by him in order that he may know in what things and by what means he may lead, motivate, offend, and rule his people, and what sort of laws and manner of governing are consequently most appropriate. …
It is necessary that he know the nature, character, and propensities of neighbouring peoples because treaties, commercial arrangements, wars, and other transactions often develop with them, or because he has need of their services in social life. … Bad neighbours are inflicted by God upon some realm or other in order to reprimand and correct its vices, or to constrain it within its duties"
- Johannes Althusius, Politica, ed. and trans. Frederick S. Carney (1614; Indianapolis IN: Liberty Fund, 1995), 23.14-17. [Quote sourced from https://reformedcovenanter.wordpress.com/2024/08/07/johannes-althusius-on-the-failure-of-multiculturalism/].