This is not a well known part of the early history of man kind after the creation of man and man's fall (sin), but it does reveal a great deal about the development of human kind in this early period.
Mark Tronson is one of those theologians who believes the Bible and takes the text as being not only instructive for wholesome living, but it provides insight into the history of man.
He recognises that when the text provides one verse to describe the entire life and contribution of a person, there is obviously a whole lot more about that person's life wrapped up in that one verse.
Yesterday he gave the illustration of the famous swimmer Dawn Fraser who won Olympic Gold in the same 100 metres event at three successive Olympics, yet her life was much more than that one aspect.
So too in the Genesis account of the second half of chapter 4 where we read of people and what they were specifically engaged in what was the highlight of their life.
Jubal's father was Lamech whose father was Methusael, who was the fourth generation from Cain. In other words from Cain we read that he had a son named Enoch. Enoch's son was named Irad. Irad's son was named Mehujael and his son was Methusadel who in turn was Lamech's father and then came Jabal the first son, followed by Jubal the second son.
In Chapter 4 verse 19 we read that Lamech took two wives, one's name was Adah (who bore Jabal) and Zillah. Yesterday we saw this was the first instance of polygamy in the Bible, taking more than one wife, a wickedness that finally led to the full scale wickedness of men which the Flood was brought destroyed.
What is said about Jubal?
"He was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ." Genesis 4 verse 21.
There are a whole range of ideas as to the extent to all music.
I rather like the idea put forward by numerous writers that Jubal was
a) the father of musical talent
b) the father of musical creativity
c) pioneer of music technology
d) pioneer of the music score – pioneer of entertainment and joy for others
e) pioneer of the music industry – professional entertainment
What it certainly implies is that he was an historical figure who was wonderfully blessed with creative gifts and talents in music which over time grew into a wide variety of music instruments and creativeness of which we remain beneficiaries.
It was an expression of God's common Grace to humanity.
Moreover Jubal used wisely these gifts to full advantage, for himself, his immediate community and the wider society. Music remains a vital part of society as it does in Christian worship.
It also illustrates that God takes each person according to their own integrity regardless of the sin of their parents (in this case Lamech taking more than one wife Genesis 2 verse 24). This is a remarkable promise for all those born into situations inr which they had no say. God is a God of unfailing fairness and justice.
The Genesis story therefore in this capsule of time, and has a specific purpose in instructing us all today. Tomorrow we'll look at Tubal-cain.
