Genesis 4:20

Jabal The meaning of this name is doubtful. Dillmann conjectures "a wanderer." Jabal, like Abel (see note, on Genesis 4:2), is a founder of the shepherd's and herdsman's life.

father of i.e. the founder, or originator, of nomad life. To the Hebrews, to live in tents was the alternative to life in the village or the town. It is strange to find that tent life is here placed later than the building of a town (Genesis 4:17).

such as dwell in tents, &c. Literally, "such as dwell in tents and cattle"; i.e. those who wander about, occupied in the care of flocks and herds, and pitching their camps at different places. The eldest brother represents the Bedouin chieftain, the second brother represents the arts of primitive pastoral life, the third brother represents the most necessary industry.