Monthly Devotional – October 2024

The First Known Artificer

Who was Tubal-cain? The 4th Chapter of Genesis tells us that he was the son of Lamech and Zillah, that he was “an instructor in every artificer of brass and iron”, that his stepbrother Jabal first devised living in tents and raised cattle, and that his stepbrother Jubal created music by inventing the harp and organ. Jewish tradition indicates that Tubal-cain’s sister Naamah invented weaving. One of the oldest Masonic writings, the Cooke manuscript which dates to 1450, claims that these four siblings feared the destruction of the earth by fire and water and inscribed all their knowledge onto a marble pillar which would not burn, and onto a brick pillar which would not sink. Supposedly, Noah’s sons discovered these pillars after the Great Flood and thus the knowledge of these important skills continued unimpaired. Early versions of the Master Mason degree contained the legend that, after Noah’s death, his sons raised his body to find important secrets. This has been superseded of course by our present Masonic legend of Hiram Abif.

Even though Tubal-cain was a descendant of Cain, who slew his brother Abel, he and his siblings contributed important cultural discoveries to mankind. Why would God choose the offspring of a discredited family to have such special gifts? Why does He choose any of us, as imperfect as we are, to carry out His will? One of the great saints once said that “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines” and the scripture says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Just as Tubal-cain was called for a special purpose, so are we Masons. And what is our special purpose? The closing charge tells us to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need our assistance, to do good unto all, and to live in peace. We are called to act in brotherhood and harmony, and to assist each other in doing good and being better. Despite our feet of clay and many weaknesses and errors, God loves us unconditionally and will continue to work His will through us when we seek Him. I encourage you to continue to walk in His ways and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you.

Please direct any comments or questions about this message to tvarner536@aol.com.

Thomas L. Varner Jr.
Grand Chaplain

This monthly devotional has been approved by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Jack Kayle Lewis. It is the latest in a series discussing Biblical references in our ritual.