This is not a well known part of the early history of humanity 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 reveals essentials for understand 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 in that one verse.
Yesterday he gave the illustration of the famous swimmer Dawn Fraser who won Olympic Gold in the same 100 metre event at three successive Olympics, yet her life was much more than that one aspect of her life.
So too in the Genesis chapter 4 where we read of people and what they specifically engaged in and the single highlight of their life's contribution.
Naamah'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 was Lamech's father and then came Jabal the first son, followed by Jubal, then Tubal-cain followed by Naamah a daughter.
In Chapter 4 verse 19 we read that he took two wives, one's name was Adah (who bore Jabal and Jubal) and the other Zillah (who bore Tubal-cain and then Naamah). This was the first instance of polygamy in the Bible, taking more than one wife, a wickedness that finally led to the whole scale wickedness of man which the great Flood was bought to destroy.
What is said about Naamah?
Genesis 4 verse 22: "and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah."
There are a whole range of ideas as to why Naamah is mentioned.
Some have suggested the following ideas – it's mentioned to detail that both wives (Adah and Zillah) of Lamech now had two children each, The Jewish midrash writings suggest that this Naamah was the wife of Noah, others suggest she was mentioned because she was a singer. Others suggest she was in fact Ham's wife, the son of Noah but again this is speculation.
Naamah is the first woman in this list and women have a special place in God's plan. She is followed by a great list of women who served God and mentioned through he Bible such as Sarah, Rebekah, Rahab, Ruth, Deborah and…
In Jewish writings, there is further consideration. This polygamous marriage had problems. There is consideration given that Adah was no where near as attractive as Zillah and given less attention by Lamech. Zillah's advantages in this polygamy relationship was provided added value when she gave birth to a baby girl who grew into a beautiful young woman and created horrible tensions between the two wives.
Whatever else we may consider, Naamah is listed in this text, so that her name might be remembered.
The Genesis story therefore in this capsule of time, has specific purposes in instruction to benefit to us all today. Tomorrow we'll look at Enos.