Genesis 4:20 tells us about Jabal, the nomad son of Lamech and Adah; Genesis 4:21 tells us about his brother. It says, “His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.” According to one ancient commentator, these guys were twins. He says, “Notice that it does not say that ‘she conceived and bore’ him; obviously they were twin brothers.”[1] “Jubal’s name bears an etymological connection with Israel’s delightful concept of Jubilee and with words that indicate joy and happiness.  Indeed, Jubal’s name also corresponds with the melodic ram’s horn (the yôbēl), which in later Israel was used to joyously announce the Year of Jubilee. Jabal and Jubal made quite a pair. Bring on the lamb chops and the music!” After saying this, Hughes warns his readers to beware of looking for too much in the names of individuals, but then he concedes that in this case it appears to be intentional. He writes, “The exegete must be very careful in interpreting such names. We must not make too much out of the meanings of names if there is no convincing evidence. In this passage, however, there may be some etymological connection with words that indicate joy and happiness.”[2]

There are some discussions concerning what these two musical instruments were. The King James Version calls the pipe an “organ.” Of course, as we know it, the organ didn’t exist until thousands of years later. The translator’s handbook describes these two musical instruments: “Lyre refers to a small stringed instrument of rectangular shape whose strings are all of the same length. The strings are plucked with the fingers as for the harp. Pipe, which is often translated “flute,” refers to a wind instrument made of reed, metal, wood, or ivory. These two instruments are mentioned together in Job 21:12; 30:31; Psa 150:4.”[3]

Music is often seen as a positive and joyous thing in the Bible. Holman’s Bible Dictionary says, “The joy taken in music is evidenced by its prominent role in the celebrations of life. A farewell might be said ‘with joy and with songs, with timbrel and with lyre’ (Gen. 31:27 NASB); a homecoming welcomed ‘with tambourines and with dancing’ (Judg. 11:34; cp. Luke 15:25). Work tasks of everyday living enjoyed the music evidenced by the songs or chants of the well diggers (Num. 21:17–18), those who tread grapes (Jer. 48:33), and possibly the watchman (Isa. 21:12).” But it’s sometimes associated with evil. The article says, “Under certain circumstances, the musical celebration brought condemnation. The account of Moses’ return from the mountain to be confronted by the singing and dancing of the people around the golden calf (Exod. 32:17–19) symbolized a condition of broken covenant. The Prophet Isaiah’s rebuke of the idle rich who have ‘lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine’ at their feasts is cast against their failure to take notice of the deeds of Yahweh (Isa. 5:12 NRSV). Both the scorn of mockers (Job 30:9) and the acclamation of heroes (1 Sam. 18:6–7) were expressed in song.”[4] Most things in life are like that. Music is neither good nor bad in and of itself. Like a knife or a gun, the hand of the wielder determines its nature.

[1] Carasik, Michael, ed. 2018. Genesis: Introduction and Commentary. Translated by Michael Carasik. The Commentators’ Bible. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society.

[2] Hughes, R. Kent. 2004. Genesis: Beginning and Blessing. Preaching the Word. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

[3] Reyburn, William David, and Euan McG. Fry. 1998. A Handbook on Genesis. UBS Handbook Series. New York: United Bible Societies.

[4] Queen-Sutherland, Kandy. 2003. “Music, Instruments, Dancing.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England, Steve Bond, E. Ray Clendenen, and Trent C. Butler, 1159. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.