Lexical Summary Yubal: Jubal Original Word: יוֹבָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jubal From yabal; stream; Jubal, an antediluvian -- Jubal. see HEBREW yabal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yabal Definition a son of Lamech NASB Translation Jubal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. יוּבָ֑ל proper name, masculine son of Lamech by Adah, and inventor of musical instruments Genesis 4:21 (J); ᵐ5 Ιωβαλ. Topical Lexicon Identity within the Antediluvian Genealogy Jubal appears only once in Scripture, in Genesis 4:21, as the son of Lamech and Adah and the brother of Jabal and Tubal-cain. He belongs to the line of Cain, highlighting that cultural achievements were already flourishing among humanity before the flood. Foundational Role in Human Music “His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute” (Genesis 4:21). Scripture credits him as the originator of both stringed and wind instruments, making him the archetypal musician. Later biblical music—whether the tambourines of Miriam (Exodus 15:20), David’s lyre (1 Samuel 16:23), or the Temple choirs (1 Chronicles 15:16)—traces its craft back to the creative spark embodied in Jubal. Cultural Grace amid a Fallen Lineage Jubal’s family line is stained by sin and violence (Genesis 4:23–24), yet God permits genuine artistry to flourish there. This illustrates common grace: even those outside the covenant can produce gifts that bless all humanity. Music, therefore, is not inherently sanctified or profane; its moral value depends on its use. Music and Worship in Redemptive History • Deliverance: Israel’s first national song follows the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:1–21). Jubal’s pioneering labor thus becomes foundational for both earthly and heavenly worship. Ministry Implications for Today 1. Legitimacy of Instrumental Praise: The very first musician predates formal worship structures, affirming that instruments are a natural, God-given medium for praise. Typological Echoes and Prophetic Overtones Jubal’s introduction of organized sound parallels later redemptive “firsts” (the first altar by Noah, the first covenant with Abraham). In Revelation, perfected music accompanies the Lamb’s triumph, hinting that the arts, initiated by Jubal, will reach their highest purpose in eternal worship. Key Related Passages for Study Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 16:23; 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 15:16; Psalm 33:2; Psalm 150:4; Amos 6:5; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2. Summary Jubal stands at the dawn of civilization as the father of instrumental music. Though rooted in a fallen lineage, his legacy testifies that God implants creative gifts in humanity for His glory. Every Psalm sung, every hymn played, and every future anthem around the throne ultimately traces back to the pioneering artistry of Jubal. Forms and Transliterations יוּבָ֑ל יובל yū·ḇāl yūḇāl yuValLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:21 HEB: וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יוּבָ֑ל ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה NAS: name was Jubal; he was the father KJV: name [was] Jubal: he was the father INT: name his brother's was Jubal he become |
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