The term "antediluvians" refers to the people who lived before the Great Flood, as described in the early chapters of Genesis. The Bible provides limited but insightful information about the occupations and lifestyles of these early inhabitants of the earth. The antediluvian period is characterized by a rapid expansion of human civilization, marked by the development of various skills and professions.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

The earliest mention of human occupation in the Bible is related to agriculture. In Genesis 2:15, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it" . This indicates that from the very beginning, cultivation of the land was a primary occupation. After the Fall, the ground was cursed, making agriculture more labor-intensive (Genesis 3:17-19). Despite this, farming remained a central occupation, as seen in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain is described as "a tiller of the soil" (Genesis 4:2), indicating his role as a farmer.

Animal husbandry is also highlighted in the antediluvian era. Abel, the brother of Cain, is described as "a keeper of sheep" (Genesis 4:2). This suggests that raising livestock was an established occupation, providing food, clothing, and other resources necessary for daily life.

City Building and Metallurgy

The Bible also records the development of urban life and metallurgy among the antediluvians. Cain, after being cursed and driven from the presence of the Lord, built a city and named it after his son Enoch (Genesis 4:17). This act of city-building indicates a shift towards more complex societal structures and the establishment of permanent settlements.

Further advancements in technology and craftsmanship are noted in the descendants of Cain. Tubal-Cain is mentioned as "a forger of every implement of bronze and iron" (Genesis 4:22). This reference to metallurgy suggests a significant level of skill and knowledge in working with metals, indicating that the antediluvians had developed sophisticated techniques for creating tools and weapons.

Music and Arts

The antediluvian period also saw the emergence of music and the arts. Jubal, another descendant of Cain, is described as "the father of all who play the harp and flute" (Genesis 4:21). This indicates that music was an established form of cultural expression, with instruments being crafted and played for entertainment or possibly religious purposes.

Conclusion

The occupations of the antediluvians, as recorded in the Bible, reflect a society that was rapidly advancing in various fields. From agriculture and animal husbandry to city-building, metallurgy, and the arts, these early inhabitants of the earth demonstrated a remarkable capacity for innovation and adaptation. Despite the brevity of the biblical account, these references provide a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic nature of antediluvian life.Genesis 4:2,3,20-22
And she again bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
Nave's Topical Index

Index of Subjects. Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414.
... Antediluvians, longevity of, [84]246; the good, [85]405. ... Augustin, occupations of,
[104]217; not author of original sin, [105]292; development in doctrine, [106 ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/index of subjects abel 124.htm

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