Genesis 11:3

said. Sin with their tongues punished in the same manner (Genesis 11:7 ).

burn, &c. Hebrew brick bricks, and burn a burning. Figure of speech Polyptoton , emphasizing their determination. Burning in fire, not waiting for sun. See note on "brick-kiln", 2 Samuel 12:3 .

slime = bitumen. So tenacious to-day that detachment almost impossible. Compare the slime of Babel with the jewels of Zion (Revelation 21:19 ).