Music is a part of all creation, from the songs of birds and whales to other animals, yet humans have developed the art extensively. The Bible gives us a piece of history on music through the life of Jubal.
Who Was Jubal in the Bible?
Jubal is a figure mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis. He is identified as a descendant of Cain, specifically as the son of Lamech and Adah. According to Genesis 4:21, Jubal is described as "the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe," indicating his significant role in the development of music in the early biblical narrative. This makes him an important cultural figure, suggesting that he was the first person to invent or significantly develop musical instruments and, by extension, the concept of music itself.
The name "Jubal" does not have a clear meaning in Hebrew, and its etymology is somewhat debated. However, it is often suggested that the name could be related to the Hebrew word "yabal," which means "to bring forth," "to carry," or "to flow." This connection could symbolize Jubal's role in "bringing forth" music and art into the world, acting as a conduit through which the joy and expression of music flowed into human culture.
Jubal's introduction as a pioneer of music and musical instruments places him as a key figure in the cultural and artistic lineage of humanity within the biblical tradition, highlighting the importance of music as a divine gift and an essential aspect of human life and culture from its earliest stages.
Who Was Jubal's Father?
Jubal's genealogy can be traced back to humanity's first generations, making him a part of the pre-flood biblical narrative. Jubal was the son of Lamech and Adah. Lamech was a descendant of Cain—Adam and Eve's firstborn son and Abel's brother.
Jubal's father, Lamech, is noted for his poetic and somewhat boastful statement in Genesis 4:23-24.
"Lamech said to his wives, 'Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.'"
In this passage, Lamech asserts his act of vengeance should be met with even greater retaliation than for his father, Cain. Cain was exiled and punished for murdering Abel and cried out to God. God promised sevenfold vengeance on anyone who killed Cain, a promise of protection. This declaration by Lamech highlights a growing sense of violence and a departure from the earlier spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness seen in the biblical narrative.
Jubal is mentioned in Genesis 4:21:
"His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe."
Biblically, Jubal is credited as the father of those who play musical instruments, particularly the lyre and pipe. In the context of the ancient world, this suggests that Jubal pioneered music and instruments.
What Did Jubal's Brother Do?
Jubal's brother is mentioned in the same passage in Genesis, and his name is Jabal. Although the Bible provides relatively limited information about Jabal, it does mention his contributions to early human civilization.
Genesis 4:20-21 tells us, "Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock."
Jabal's involvement in animal husbandry and pastoral life was key to early human society. Many early tribal societies used shepherding and herding before the development of agriculture. They moved their herds from place to place since staying in one area would deplete the grasses and vegetation, starving the animals. Guiding herds led to a nomadic lifestyle, which meant herders often dwelt in tents.
Larger settlements grew from the development of agriculture, which required staying in one place and could feed more people. Abram, who later became Abraham, was called by God away from these cities and to a more basic nomadic lifestyle. Even David herded sheep.
One of the biblical narrative's purposes is to explain where things came from and why things are the way they are. This pastoral element is an important theme in the Old and New Testaments, so the biblical writers mentioned this lifestyle's source or father.
What Did Jubal Contribute to Human Civilization?
Just as Jabal is recognized for pioneering the nomadic, pastoral lifestyle, Jubal is recognized for pioneering music. He was the father (the source, the pioneer) of all who played the lyre and pipe.
Jubal's work profoundly impacted ancient societies' cultural and artistic development. The lyre and pipe were among humans' earliest musical instruments. Jubal's contributions to music enriched early human culture by providing a means of creative expression, entertainment, and religious worship. Music was crucial in various aspects of ancient life, including celebrations, religious ceremonies, and storytelling.
By developing and promoting musical instruments such as the lyre and pipe, Jubal paved the way for future generations to explore the potential of music as an art form. His contributions planted the seeds for the evolution of music as a medium for conveying emotions, thoughts, and human experiences.
While other animals in creation may sing, humanity invented tools to create a more complex artistic expression. A few animals might use rudimental tools, and we can understand why humans need other tools for practical uses. But even early on, within the third generation of humanity, Jubal developed tools for sound musical instruments. This speaks to humanity's need to be creative and expressive.
Since we have been made in the image of God, and our first introduction to him is as the Creator in Genesis 1:1, and he created through speaking words, it should be no surprise creativity and expression are inherent to humanity. Jubal discovers a path of artistic exploration that countless generations have used to express our love for other humans, creation, and God.
Who Are Some Other Famous Musicians in the Bible?
While Jubal was the father of musical instruments and expression, the work didn't stop with him. The Bible mentions various musicians and musical events. These musicians often played important roles in their communities' worship and cultural life.
- David. Perhaps the most famous musician in the Bible, King David, is celebrated for his musical talents. He is credited with composing many of the Psalms, songs of praise and lament found in the Book of Psalms. David was known for playing the lyre and harp and is often depicted as a singer and songwriter. David was initially brought to King Saul's court to play music and sing on his harp when demons attacked Saul. David's worship drove the demons away.
- Miriam. Miriam was a prophetess and the sister of Moses and Aaron. She is mentioned in Exodus 15:20-21, where she led the women of Israel in a song and dance after crossing the Red Sea. This song, known as the "Song of Moses and Miriam," is one of the earliest recorded songs in the Bible.
- Asaph, Heman, and Ethan: These three musicians are mentioned in the Book of Psalms as choir leaders during King David's reign. They are traditionally associated with the composition of various Psalms (e.g., Psalms 73-83) and the organization of musical worship. David set up continuous, 24/7 worship in the Tabernacle of David. When he returned the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, he didn't take it to the Mosaic Tabernacle but an open tent erected outside his new capital, Jerusalem. These three men were leaders of this continuous worship.
- Solomon. King Solomon was known for his wisdom and artistic talents, just like his father David. He composed 1,005 songs, as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:32. While the Bible doesn't provide the texts of these songs, they reflect his reputation as a musical and poetic figure.
- The Sons of Korah. The Sons of Korah were a group of Levites responsible for musical duties in the Temple. They are associated with the composition of several Psalms, such as Psalm 42-49, known for their musical and liturgical significance. Here, we see how important music is to the worship of God. Chronicles particularly highlights the Levites' role in leading music in the Temple. They were responsible for various musical instruments and singing during religious ceremonies.
- Elisha and the Minstrel. In 2 Kings 3:15-16, the prophet Elisha called for a musician to play the lyre. As the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha, and he prophesied. This passage demonstrates the use of music in a prophetic context. With Elisha and others, notably Saul, music brought about prophetic words and the prophetic anointing.
- Daniel and the Three Hebrew Youths. Daniel and his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are noted for their musical talents. They are called upon to serve in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, and their abilities as musicians and wise men are mentioned.
How Can We Use Jubal's Gift of Music Well?
Music helps us express our hearts' deepest truths and longings. It is a universal language transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, evoking emotions and connecting people.
In religious worship, music plays a central role in expressing devotion, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing the worship experience. Hymns, chants, and religious songs often carry spiritual messages and serve as a means of praising and communicating with the divine. Music can uplift spirits, facilitate reflection, and create a sense of unity among worshipers.
Christians are told to sing and play instruments in loud and boisterous worship of the God of Creation, the King of all things who loves us intimately. There is a commandment to be creative, to sing a new song, re-expressing in new and imaginative ways the eternal and singular truths of who God is and our love for him.
From the Old Testament and even the New, we see how God has used Jubal's development of instruments for praise and worship, prophetic unction, and (in David's case) even spiritual warfare. Music has such power when it is redeemed and used by God.
Peace.
Photo Credit: created and edited using AI
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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