Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
Comment: Although you wonder why people gave their kids such un-pronounceable names and it is hard for the minister to read out in public, it has several interesting aspects. a) Cain in spite of his having murdered his brother and being disciplined by God, went on with living. b) We have named here the first bigamist, and need to consider what that change in ‘one male, one female’ marriage definition ultimately led to as society grew and developed. c) ‘Father of’ is a way of saying introduced practices or developed skills as mankind began to increase in numbers. Thus Jubal lived in tents and was a herdsman; Tubal-cain developed the skill of forging musical instruments. d) Although roughly equal numbers of boys and girls are born, apart from Lamech’s wives, only one girl is mentioned. I guess that there is quite a history behind her, although it isn’t mentioned here! Some think that she was Noah’s wife!
Prayer: Thank You that our Most Holy Faith is based in history.
As I read it! 