19 Lamech took to himself two wives : the name of the one was Adah , and the name of the other , Zillah . 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal ; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock . 21 His brother's name was Jubal ; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe . 22 As for Zillah , she also gave birth to Tubal-cain , the forger of all implements of bronze and iron ; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah .
23 Lamech said to his wives , "Adah and Zillah , Listen to my voice , You wives of Lamech , Give heed to my speech , For I have killed a man for wounding me; And a boy for striking me; 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold , Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 4:19-24
Commentary on Genesis 4:19-24
(Read Genesis 4:19-24)
One of Cain's wicked race is the first recorded, as having broken the law of marriage. Hitherto, one man had but one wife at a time; but Lamech took two. Wordly things, are the only things that carnal, wicked people set their hearts upon, and are most clever and industrious about. So it was with this race of Cain. Here was a father of shepherds, and a father of musicians, but not a father of the faithful. Here is one to teach about brass and iron, but none to teach the good knowledge of the Lord: here are devices how to be rich, and how to be mighty, and how to be merry; but nothing of God, of his fear and service. Present things fill the heads of most. Lamech had enemies, whom he had provoked. He draws a comparison betwixt himself and his ancestor Cain; and flatters himself that he is much less criminal. He seems to abuse the patience of God in sparing Cain, into an encouragement to expect that he may sin unpunished.