The dawn of human creativity brought forth the first musician and inventor of musical instruments, a descendant of Cain named Jubal [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Noted as the brother of Jabal, the two are thought to have been twins who shared a closely connected way of life [חזקוני, העמק דבר]. The original motive behind the invention of music, however, is a matter of distinct perspectives. One approach ties the birth of music directly to the pastoral world. Observing that flocks of sheep were naturally drawn to the sound of melodies, Jubal crafted the first instruments as practical tools to assist in herding [העמק דבר, חזקוני]. Conversely, another perspective traces music to a darker origin within a corrupt society. In this view, musical melodies were initially designed as tools for seduction to attract women, only evolving into a respected and refined art form in later generations [מלבי״ם].
Recognized as the father of this new craft, Jubal is understood to be the master and teacher of all future musicians, singers, and composers [קאסוטו, הכתב והקבלה, נתינה לגר]. His mastery involved the physical and precise act of playing, specifically the calculated gripping and plucking of strings with the left hand, guided by strict rules and measurements [רד״ק, מחוקקי יהודה, שד״ל]. The very first tools of this trade were two distinct types of ancient instruments [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר]. Though their names do not correspond to the modern instruments we know today, the first was an early stringed instrument [קאסוטו]. The second was either a flute-like wind instrument [קאסוטו] or another type of stringed instrument played from top to bottom [שד״ל]. Aligning with the view that early music was meant for temptation, the name of this second instrument may actually be derived from a word denoting lust and seduction [מלבי״ם].
These two foundational instruments were designed to affect the human soul in opposite yet complementary ways. The ancient stringed instrument had the power to induce a state of rest and sleep, while the second instrument was meant to awaken and excite the mind. A shepherd in the field would rely on both, using each one at its appropriate time [העמק דבר]. Beyond its practical uses, the invention of music introduced a profound and magnificent wisdom to the world. It is a discipline built upon strict mathematical foundations of measurement and calculation. Indeed, early thinkers viewed the wisdom of music as second only to astronomy, believing that earthly melodies reflect the grand harmony and the subtle sounds of the celestial spheres [אבן עזרא, מחוקקי יהודה].