I think I am looking at Genesis 4 in a rather broader way :-)
The descendants of Cain were a very capable group. They
developed all sorts of skills - no cultural backwater. The
skills of which we read should remind us that the "children of
God" should not be surprised when people who have turned their
backs on God excel. The reason is that even those who bear "the
mark of Cain" can build cities, and do other exploits: they still
carry God's image. Their creativity is a hallmark of being made
in God's image.
So, on these grounds, I would say the passage is doing more than
just telling us that there was a clan, descended from Cain, who
specialised in playing musical instruments. If we limit the
Scripture to a statement of fact like this, it becomes rather
"flat".
SJ: "From a two-"Adam" model perspective, I would have no problem
with the development of musical instruments in the genus Homo
(ie. Genesis 1 "man") which were then taken over and perfected
by the descendants of Genesis 2 "Adam" (just like other arts and
technology)."
The impression this makes on me, Steve, is that the two-"Adam"
model is getting rather contrived. What do we know about the
"culture" of Genesis 1 "man"? In what sense was Genesis 1 "man"
imaging God, and how did it differ from the way Genesis 2 "man"
images God? Anticipating your answer, does not this erode the
value of making any distinction?
Thanks for the comments.
Best wishes,
*** From David J. Tyler, CDT Department, Hollings Faculty,
Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
Telephone: 0161-247-2636 ***