This week is a renewed look at a study I undertook four years ago on the early Patriarchs from the book of Genesis, following on from Adam and Eve taking into account the second half Genesis chapter 4 verses 16-24, through to Chapter 5.
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.
Yesterday I 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 these Genesis accounts, we're only given a single aspect is highlighted.
Jubal
What is said about Jubal? "He was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ." Genesis chapter 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 and it is to this that he can attest from the Psalms that people sang and worshipped the Lord. Even in the upper room the Scriptures tell us a hymn was sung. John and Charles Wesley's hymns were sent around the world.
Our worship today is evidence that the Lord has gifted such talent to generations upon the generations.
Tubal-cain
What is said about Tubal-cain? "An instructor of every artificer in brass and iron." Genesis chapter 4 verse 22. There are a whole range of ideas as to what extent this might refer.
I rather like the idea put forward by a number of writers that Tubal-cain was
a) the father of teaching
b) the father of brass instrumentation
c) pioneer of iron and brass technology
d) pioneer of the engineering workshop
e) the forerunner of heavy industry
No, there is no joke here, that Jubal-cain's parents were the pioneers of the high-hyphenated name! Rather, Jubal-cain was a remarkably industrious person, who recognised the core elements of the earth, was able to find ways to turn that into brass and metals, create a technology of the day that assisted in construction and such industrious matters.
What it certainly implies is that Tubal-cain was an historical figure who was wonderfully blessed with creative gifts and talents in relation to brass and iron which over time grew into a wide variety of artefacts and industry in which we are still beneficiaries.
Moreover Tubal-cain used he gifts wisely and to full advantage, for himself, his immediate community and the wider society. Brass and iron remains a vital part of society.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html