Moses 5

BOOK OF MOSES

CHAPTER 5
(June—October 1830)

Adam and Eve bring forth children—Adam offers sacrifice, serves God—Cain and Abel born—Cain rebels, loves Satan more than God, and becomes Perdition—Murder and wickedness spread—The gospel preached from the beginning.

[ Parallels Gen 4. Did Adam & Eve have any posterity before the Fall? — No, they couldn't. Did they need to subdue the animals before the Fall? — No, they did not need to do that. Did they have to have dominion over every living thing before the Fall? — No, they did not. When did that take place? Answer: Moses chapter 5! 1) Multiply & replenish the earth = having Posterity 2) Subdue the earth = from Latin: make belong to = have Inheritance 3) Have dominion = using Joseph Smith remarked that the “dominion” given to Adam & Eve was the Priesthood. Domo = God’s House; Dominion = God’s Power We now have the three elements: Priesthood, Posterity & Inheritance. What was in the original endowment at Nauvoo? It was what Joseph Smith restored in chapters 1 through 5! In order to condense it all down from a day and a half to an hour and a half, it had to be abridged over and over again. ]

1 AND it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, [ So after they have been removed from the Garden of Eden this takes place. We need to always remember to recognize where things happen. It the Garden out of the graden, before they partake of the fruit after they partake of the fruit... So God has no choice, God is consistent, he said that if you partake of the fruit you shall surely die. He does not wait around(there is a reson for that, so that there is not time to also partake of the tree of life) God moves immediately and keeps his word. In doing so what do you think that God is teaching Adam and Eve at this point? That choices have consequences and that God is going to hold you accountable for your choices. They were told that if they took the fruit they could no longer stay in his presence. There is a law here that Adam and Eve were not aware of. IT was too early in their progression to teach tham the law. The law is that no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God. By partaking of the fruit they were changed from the state where they could be in his presence to a state where they could not. So God moved their residence outside of the garden. This is not done in anger, God was not mad at them, they just could not stay in the garden anymore because they have changed. Can you try to imagine how you might feel if your were Adam or Eve. Adam and Eve are most like commenting on what in the world just happened? You have been in the presence of God and now you are not. What would you look to for hope? How would you feel? Dispair, discouraged, alone, lost left out, shutout. hopeless, What would you want to do? How are we like that today? How does God give them direction out of this state of misery? See verse 5 - he gives them the commandments. Also notice how Adam is very linear in his reponse to everything that has happened, he begins to state going forward here are all of the things that I will be able to do now. ] that Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, [ Domo = God’s House; Dominion = God’s Power". To till" is to Subdue. Notice they also had Dominion as they were instructed to do. The words “subdue” and “dominion” are tightly associated with rulership or kingship. So, it appears here as though God instituted not only his priesthood in the garden sanctuary, but also some sort of structure of civil authority, which was characterized by kingship and queenship. Here, God gave Adam and Eve the power to rule over the entirety of his earthly creation. So, in the Garden Sanctuary, God made Adam the first king-priest, and Eve the first queen-priestess. There were also a couple of the potentials(blessings given to Adam and Eve as God caused that... Moses 2:28; Abr 4:28) that Adam and Eve had in the garden, right along with be fruitful. But we do not see those potentials coming forth until after they are driven out of the garden. When they are outside of the garden then these become to be a reality. ] , and to eat his bread [ What he was able to earn on his own, it was no longer given to him or just provided by God. ] by the sweat of his brow, [ Through his own work. ] as I the Lord had commanded him. [ He was commanded by God that he would need to work to be responsible for himself and his family going forward. Abr 4:28; Mos 2:28 ] And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him. [ They had to work together as a team to survive. Here is a list of what they learned: 1) Prayer was the new way that they would have access to God; they were no longer in his presence. vs 4. 2) They were given new commandments. 3) They began to offer sacrifice according to specific detail. 4) They were taught of the plan of salvation and that God would provide a way for them to return to him. 5(They taught their children about the garden, about God and the gospel. 6) They learned what life was like to have satan among them spreading false doctrines. 7) They learned of the pain that comes as people do not follow the commands of God. 8) They learned things as testified by the power of the Holy Ghost and learned to live life under its direction. ]

2 And Adam knew [ In Hebrew, the word for "know" is the word yada, which means not only learning about something or someone but experiencing something or someone. It is not a superficial experience of God but a profoundly intimate experience. In the Israelite worldview, The Old Testament is the foundation of this experience. So this is after the fall. ] his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, [ Their first generation (their children). We are not given their names, but they are not Cain and Able as they will come later. ] and they [ Their children. ] began to multiply and to replenish the earth. [ To have posterity. As they were caused to, or blessed that they could in Moses 2:28; Abr 4:28. So at this point we have at least three generations(Adam and Eve; Their children, and their childrens children). They could not have had posterity until after the fall. It was an aspect of the creation and a blessing of that creation. They had the potential to subdue the earth, make it belong to them, to create an inheritance, and to have dominion in order to bless every living thing upon the earth. ]

3 And from that time forth, [ The time after the birth of the first children that directly belong to Adam and Eve were born. ] the sons and daughters of Adam [ At this point the brothers and sisters. First round. ] began to divide two and two in the land, [ They fell in love and got married, so that they could have posterity. ] and to till the land, and to tend flocks, [ Became labors on their own to take care of their own families. They subdue the ground and exercise dominion over their flocks. ] and they also begat sons and daughters. [ So from this we can concur that Cain and Able were not the first two that were born, as the story line already has children that are old enough to pair off with each other and are having kids on their own. So we are already have a least three generations before we heard of Cain and Able. ]

4 And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, [ If we go back to the Garden, before they were driven out God did a couple of things with Adam and Eve. 1st he made a coat of skin for them, to show them his love for them, the skins would have came from an animal so he would have shown Adam how to sacrifice. "if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination."(Teachings Of The Prophet Joseph Smith pg 157, 167-169) 2nd God put Adam and Eve under covenant, the covenant that they would be obedient. What did they was the first thing that they were comitted to do in order to be obedient? To offer up sacrifices(Hebrew that the word khatta’t, (which can either mean “sin” or “sin offering”)Genesis 4:3-4). This was given to them to be obedient, which meant that they were to offer sacrifices to God. The sacrifices that God showed them how in the garden and commanded them to make. They had no one else to turn to they were in a strange new world with no idea of what do do. The interesting thing here is that nothing happens until they ask God. There is an expression from the Zohar: “From an activity below there is stimulated a corresponding activity on high,” The Zohar is a collection of commentaries on the Torah, intended to guide people who have already achieved high spiritual degrees. Hugh Nibley translated this as “There must be a stirring below before there can be a stirring above.” Or the idea that God does not give us answers to anything until we ponder on them and then ask a question. So that we an answer comes we already know what to do with the information. So the doctrine here is that we have to ask in order to receive. It was that way for Nephi, it was that way for Joseph Smith, so it is for us. Do we ever find ourselves like that? How long had Adam been doing this before he heard the voice of God? We do not know, but it has been quite some time as Adam and Eve have been out of the Garden long enough to have children, those children become old enough to have their own children at least. (Moses 5:3) What does this suggest to us about prayer? Now if you will reflect for a moment before God sends the messengers with the truth to Adam and Eve - who arrives first, proposing to be a angel of light? Satan does. Satan come to them as an angel of light. I suppose we can gather from what happens next that Adam tests Satan with the signs. How do I suggest that well he does that with the messengers from God - the three chosen ones - so I assume that he did the same with Satan and found him to not be a messenger from God. So he continued to look for the messengers from God. This is a good test for us to remember. ] and they heard the voice [ Symbolic of our communication with the Lord - since Adam (mankind) was removed from the garden our means of communication is by listened for his voice - we are not in his presence anymore so they could not just see him and talk with him. ] of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, [ Notice that the voice was coming from the Garden of Eden - a place were Adam knew that the Lord was, this confirmed to Adam the source because he was familiar with the voice and being in God's presence in the garden. Now he was not in God's presence but he could still hear and recognize the voice. His memory of the experience in the garden was still there. Symbolic in the fact that the Garden of Eden was a source of authority that Adam knew - he knew that in the garden he had been in the Lord's presence. When we look for truth we must make sure that we hear it from a source from which the Lord would come. ] speaking unto them, and they saw him not; [ The scriptures are clear that they were no longer in his presence; they did not walk with him; they had to learn as we do today to communicate through listening to the spirit. ] for they were shut out from his presence. [ As a result of being removed from the garden; when their state changed they could not remain in his presence. ]

5 And he [ So they are being obedient to what God has asked them to do - to offer sacrifice. So now after they have proved that they can be obedient God has the gospel taught to them. Which will include commandments, and how to worship God, and then eventually why they are offerring a sacrifice. Which we will see in verse 6. ] gave unto them commandments, [ So while they are at the altar sacrificing they heard the voice of God to them, giving them an additional commandment, to worship him. The Prophet Joseph Smith conveyed to the brethren, at these early times, that Adam-ondi-Ahman, the place to which Adam and Eve fled when cast out of the Garden of Eden, is where Adam erected an altar unto God, and offered sacrifices, and that Far West was the spot where Cain killed Abel. A passage from the Books of Adam and Eve implies that Adam and Eve practiced a form of sacrifice before they were cast from the garden. After the fall of Adam, the first man pled with the angels: "Behold, ye cast me out. I pray you, allow me to take away fragrant herbs from paradise, so that I may offer an offering to God after I have gone out of paradise that he hear me." (Books of Adam and Eve 9:3-4; cf. 29:4; Jubilees 3:27-28; Exodus 29:18; 30:34.) What were the commandments already given them in the Garden? 1) to be obedient - the Law of Obedience; 2) to sacrifice - the Law of Sacrifice. So we are three generations in and Adam and Eve are just now being taught the gospel. God taught them the Gospel in other words. There was no need for the gospel in the garden, also there was no need for a Savior until after they had partaken of the Tree of Knowledge. Remember that God says "if they partake of the fruit of the tree we will provide a Savior as we counseled in the beginning." Because Heaven Father wants us to return - the first thing that he does is give Adam and Eve commandments. Remember it was Adam and Eve that went to God v4 they called upon him. They wanted to know what to do in this strange new world, they needed help. ] that they should worship the Lord their God, [ To get further clarification as to what they were taught by the angel we need to go to Moses 6:51-68. In addition to the Law of obedience and the Law of Sacrifice, to do as the Lord has asked them to do is to worship him. At this point they do not understand the purpose of the sacrifices that they have been giving, now God is going to begin to teach them the reason for things, in other towards they will begin to be taught the gospel, and what it means to worship God. Interesting that one of the first commandments is to worship the Lord. Bible dictionary says - "we have no evidence of sabbath observance in patriarchal times. This is no doubt due to the scantiness of the record, for the Sabbath is an eternal principle, and would have existed from the days of Adam, whenever the gospel was on the earth among men." Why or what is the importance of such a commandment? What are we taught by and thru worship? ] and should offer [ Or have animal sacrifices(“sin offering”), and these sacrifices were under the Patriarchal Authority, not the Mosaic or Aaronic Authority at this point. ] the firstlings of their flocks , [ The law of sacrifice from God was to offer the firstlings of the flocks. This is what God asked them to do. He does not give them a list of other options - he says to be obedient you need to offer the firstling of the flocks. This will be important later as we will see. What are the firstlings of our flocks? Is it our cherished free time that we must put on the altar? Is it our love for sports, games, reading, shopping, clothes, or money that must be sacrificed? Adam was grateful to do this because he was taught that this Law of Sacrifice (Duet 15:19) was made so that he and his posterity could return to Father because a Savior would be provided. "Firstling does not mean oldest of the flock, but the firstling of it's particular mother. A "Firstling" is a male, the 'the first to open the matrix of its mother (Ex 13:2,34:19). This is significant for several reasons: 1) Knowing which were firstlings would require the Master to know his sheep, 2) Keep records on them so he would know which were firstlings, 3) To keep this commandment one needs to plan to keep it - you don't just wake up one day an decide 4) You must be diligent over time - consistent in keeping information and tending the sheep to know how to obey, 5) Shows great faith not only in the offering or sacrifice but in the preparation needed before hand in making the selections. ] for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient [Obedient to what commandments? The Law of Obedience and The Law of Sacrifice Note in the verse that follows Adam does not know why he is doing this but that does not matter to him; he does not need to know the why; He is good enough with the fact that he has been commanded and so he is just obedient. John Taylor quoted Joseph Smith as making this statement about sacrifice: You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God, and God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God. We cannot steal the fire of love from heaven. We must buy it with soul-stretching payments. ] unto the commandments of the Lord. [ In answer to their prayers, God gave them commandments to worship(show obedience) the Lord their God, and to offer the firstlings of their flocks as an offering, and they were obedient to that command. Adam was true and faithful to the light and knowledge he had received. He was seeking for further light & knowledge; he was seeking light & knowledge from the messengers from God's presence (Alma 12:29). ]

6 And after many days [ So, Adam is out in the world, making sacrifices, all the time asking, “Why in the world are we doing this?” This tells us very clearly that even after the fall (and before the fall) he had no idea why he was offering sacrifices as he worshiped the Lord his God. He did not know anything about the Gospel Plan. One day, “after many days,” three angels appear unto him to explain unto him what he has been doing. Meaning after Adam and Eve had begotten sons and daughters and they in turn had begotten ‘sons and daughters’. Elder Tad R. Callister Infinite Atonement. Symbolic that we too have to learn patience; time has to pass to see if we really will be obedient. How many days was it? Weeks, months, years? Well we do know that it was at least long enough to raise up some of his posterity—sons, daughters, grandkids and possibly great-grandchildren. ] an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, [ He says "I have no idea, no one has ever told me, I am looking to know more". He has been doing so for at least three generations without the knowledge of why. He does remember this however; He remembers that when God suggested that he should do something, or not do something that he needs to do as he was instructed or there would be consequences - last time he was kicked out of the garden and I suppose that he does not want something like that to happen again. Adam and Eve are still naive to things in general, They do not have the teachings of the Gospel yet, they "know not" why they are keeping the commandment to sacrifice other than the Lord said to do it. Hence the necessity of the Lord sending ministering angels to teach them principles of the gospel. None the less he is OBEDIENT showing an unwavering confidence and trust in the Lord - if he has asked there must be a reason and that is good enough for him. How about us? Is that a good enough reason for us? Notice how Adam and Eve will now receive additional knowledge based on the faithfulness and obedience. There is a pattern here for us. Faith and obedience lead in an upward spiral; while a lack of faith and disobedience lead to a loss of what we knew before. “Adam had forfeited the high privilege he once enjoyed—that of holding direct and personal association with his God; nevertheless in his fallen state he was visited by an angel of the Lord, who revealed unto him the plan of redemption:” Excerpt From: James E. Talmage. “Jesus the Christ. ] save the Lord commanded me. [ The interesting here to me is that Adam and Eve were exercising their agency, they had to make decision and they were choosing to follow the commands of God. According to Elder Holland. “By offering their own little symbolic lambs in mortality, Adam and his posterity were expressing their understanding of and their dependence upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Anointed One.” Why does the Lord wait three generations to introduce the Gospel to Adam? In short, they had to be true and faithful to the light and knowledge they received in the Garden of Eden; they had to be true and faithful to the commandments given them after they fell, and by continuously searching for light and truth, they were eventually taught the Gospel by the angels. The LAW of REVELATION states that Obedience precedes knowledge, and knowledge demands obedience in order to receive even further light and knowledge. See D&D 29:42 "that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten son." ]

7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing [ Which is what? The sacrifice that they were commanded - Know as the Law of Sacrifice. Also it is important to understand that Adam was not taught this until after he had been obedient. Commandment - faith to do to be obedient - revelation it is how we grow. From Elder Neal A. Maxwell “Deny Yourselves of All Ungodliness” April Conf 1995 “so it is that real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed! Such is the ‘sacrifice unto the Lord . . . of a broken heart and a contrite spirit,’ (Doctrine and Covenants 59:8), a prerequisite to taking up the cross, while giving ‘away all [our] sins’ in order to ‘know God’ (Alma 22:18) for the denial of self precedes the full acceptance of Him.” Full acceptance of the Savior allows us to fully receive His blessings—and that is worth every sacrifice. ] is a similitude [ Or "in" similitude. Symbolic of or a symbolism or type for. This is the place where God first teaches them reasoning behind the law of sacrifice. Now think of the beauty of the sacrificial animal that God used to provide Adam and Eve with the skins, the garments that covered them as they left the garden. So that sacrificial offering then, the lamb or the animal that's sacrificed there, covers them, Christ covers them. God puts the image of Christ upon them, the image of the atoning one to remind them who they are, to say, "This is who you're supposed to become. I'm going to put the image of God on you. I'm going to dress you with power and authority and protection as you leave the garden now." And then that serves as a reminder to them of their relationship with God and that they want to return back into the presence of God. ] of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, [ Here they Adam and Eve and the three generations of posterity that they have are taught about Jesus Christ, they are beginning to understand. “If they partake of the fruit, then a Savior will be provided”. Bible Dictionary - Thereafter, whenever there were true believers on the earth, with priesthood authority, sacrifices were offered in that manner and for that purpose. This continued until the death of Jesus Christ, which ended the shedding of blood as a gospel ordinance. It is now replaced in the Church by the sacrament of the bread and the water, in remembrance of the offering of Jesus Christ. Sacrifices were thus instructive as well as worshipful. They were accompanied by prayer, devotion, and dedication, and represented an acknowledgment on the part of the individual of his duty toward God, and also a thankfulness to the Lord for his life and blessings upon the earth (see Gen. 4: 3-7; Gen. 8: 20; Gen. 22: 1-17; Ex. 5: 3; Ex. 20: 24). The sacrifice that Adam is making is in similitude of the sacrifice of Christ, and is something that will cause him from this point forward to focus his mind, “looking forward for a remission of sin” (Alma 13:16). ] which is full of grace and truth. [ Adam is being introduced to the gospel and the concept of the atonement with Jesus Christ. Has the ability and power to bring us back to our Father In Heaven. Wow! So much truth in one verse! When we make sacrifices, we are following the example of the Savior, who sacrificed everything in order to rescue us. The making of holy sacrifices is full of grace and truth. The willingness to put our preferences on the altar in obedience to God and service of our partner is a sacrifice filled with grace and truth—goodness and eternal vision. Our sacrifices are the key to our growth and eternal possibilities. So it turns out that our sacrifices are not sacrifices, but purchases. We “sacrifice” our puny preferences and God rewards us with eternal joy. What a bargain! In Heaven’s economy, so much is gotten for so little! As Elder Dellenbach taught us: “Sacrifice is defined as ‘the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else more important or worthy.’ Sacrifice comes in many forms and may not always be convenient. Latter-day Saints make a covenant with the Lord to sacrifice. By doing so, we surrender our will to His, dedicating our lives to building up His kingdom and serving His children” (October 2002). ]

8 Wherefore, thou shalt do [ Note that the covenant is between me and the Father. I am to order my life, and no one else is to do it for me; the only judge of my behavior is the Father. Only the two of us know how I really qualify in this. We establish our agreement in the temple because it is a house of God. He takes over completely. It is in no sense an ordinary house. This should be borne in mind at all times, even to the forgetting of time and place. ] all that thou doest in the name of the son, [ Adam was taught from the start that there was only one plan for salvation - there is only one Savior the is only one who has the power to help us return. He is the one who made it possible through the atonement. We do it in the spirit of redemptiveness. We do it in imitation of His sacrifice. Why do we need to do all things in the name of the son? Because he is the one that we have to come to accept as our Savior, we have to come to the knowledge that he has the power to save us - we have to believe on him and in him if he has the power to save us. In the end he will be our judge. ] and thou shalt repent [ Adam is taught the doctrine of repentance, he is explaining to Adam and Eve what they need to do to take advantage of the atonement in their own individual lives, and the concept of Christ as the Savior for man, the gospel as we know it today. The Greek word for repentance is metanoia. President Nelson has taught that, and what it means is this, “Change of mind, knowledge, spirit, and heart, even breath.” ] and call upon God [ Adam was taught that we pray to our Father in Heaven. ] in the name of the son [ And we pray to the Father in the name of and through the son of God. So here the great plan of redemption was explained to Adam. That God would provide a son to save Adam from his sins if he would repent and call upon the name of the son on whom the redemption would come. This discussion is best taken up in Moses 6:51-68 then come back here. There Enoch was trying to establish Zion, so he Adam, quotes directly from the Book of Adam to his people. The proper scriptural sequence to see the chronological development of Adam's gospel education is first, Moses 5:8, we can see here that the detail of what Adam was taught is missing here that is because it is found in Enochs record which is found in Moses 6:51-68. Here Enoch teaches what Adam and Eve were taught as he teaches the gospel from the Book Of Adam. After that we then need to return here to pick up the story line - Moses 5:9. So this is the reason why Adam could not die up to this point. D&C 29:42 He needed a probationary period for him to understand and live the Gospel. ] forevermore. [ Moses 6:51-68 fits right in here. ]

9 And in that day [ So this is the day that Adam is baptized. The detail is provided in Moses 6:64-65. Same phrase used in the garden, if he partook of the fruit - the Lord blesses him in the same day, he is thrown out in the same day - A day to the Lord. ] the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, [ Because he was baptized - Moses 6:65. We are taught that this is one of the functions of the Holy Ghost to bear record of the Father and The son. The Holy Ghost also is helping Adam to understand all of what he is being taught, his mind is enlightened and his understanding quickened by the Holy Ghost such that he is learning the doctrines of God - the keys to the kingdom so to speak. ] which beareth record of the Father and the son, [ Purpose of Holy Ghost. ] saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, [ "thou hast fallen" thou has been removed from my presence - however "thou mayest be redeemed" thou can return to my presence. Remember in the council in heaven that a plan was made that said :“If they partake of the fruit, then a Savior will be provided.” Adam and anyone else who will choose to accept the Savior, ask for forgiveness, obey the commandments and receive the ordinances. Notice the beautiful reassurance: We may be redeemed! So can EVERY person who is willing to pay the price. We pay our pennies and dimes. He provides mansions and glory. Wow! What a gracious Paymaster! Adam and Eve clearly understood the magnificence of God’s grace. Notice the majesty of their inspired testimonies. ] and all mankind, even as many as will. [ Those who exercise their agency to follow him, will receive eternal life with him. ]

10 And in that day [ Or in the day that God taught Adam and Eve the gospel. ] Adam blessed God [Why is Adam blessing God? He has been thrown out of the garden? He is blessing God because he has been taught the Plan Of Salvation - there is a way back for him. This is why he is so willing to offer up sacrifice - he understands the purpose. Adam and Eve express their gratitude for their new and treasured understanding of the plan and of their significant part in it. ] and was filled, [ With the Holy Ghost. Well how does that all happen? If we turn to Moses 6:51-58 we see how it all happens as Enoch begins to quote from the Book of Adam, providing the detail that fits right here. It happens after Adam and Eve are baptized. ] and began to prophesy [ One of the true measures of being filled with the Holy Ghost. What does he prophecy? He prophecies that because of their transgression the following will be available to them that was not before: (a) to have seed, (b) to know good from evil, (c) to know the joy of their redemption, and (d) to know "eternal life. In other words he came to understand that their transgression in the Garden of Eden was necessary for them to progress. ] concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my [ Adam takes ownership for his transgression. Even if Eve did so first Adam had to as well. We still are left as to whether it was a transgression for Eve or not I am still not sure on that one. But if you let the scriptures speak for themselves then it appears as if it was not for her. ] transgression [ "To go beyond established limits or conditions" - going beyond the limits that would have allowed them to stay in the garden of eden. Because of the Fall. ] my eyes are opened, [ Adam says it first here "If we did not transgress we would have never known about the gospel and the things that he has just been taught". Well that is correct because there would have been no need for them. He learned or gained knowledge. Interesting that Adam say's here my eyes were opened, and when Eve refers to the transgression she suggests that it was our transgression in the next verse. Maybe Adam, being the kind individual that he is; is saying here when he says, “My transgression.” Is taking a kind approach with Eve, he is not blaming, just stating fact, Yes Eve is the one who first took the fruit, however Adam had his choice and is therefore owning it as his own transgression, his decision. "But I chose, you didn't force me, you didn't manipulate me. It's my transgression." Because we do this badly in marriage at times. And you could come at it from a different angle and say, “Adam's modeling some ownership there that's really positive.” ] and in this life I shall have joy, [ They were taught by the power of the Holy Ghost to know that through the atonement they would receive eternal life(redemption from their sins) if they remained obedient that ultimately he can become like Father. (2 Ne 9:18; 2 Ne. 8:11; 2 Ne. 22:2-3) Again I think that this is at least in part what Adam was praying to know. How or if it was possible to return to God again after they had transgressed. ] and again [ The first time was in the garden where he walked with God. ] in the flesh I shall see God. [ While he lives on the earth. This teaches us that it is not beyond our scope in this life to see God. This is exactly what Moses was trying to do with the children of Israel when he tried to get them to worthily come with him to the top of the mountain. ]

11 And Eve, his wife , [ Here we are given the testimony of mother Eve after they have been removed from the garden. This knowledge was not just revealed to Adam through the priesthood. We are herby taught that both the man and the women can and do receive their own individual revelation. 2 Ne 2:22-23. Alma 12:26-28. ] heard all these things and was glad , [ Heard what Adam had said about having joy in this life, as well as she heard what God had told Adam. Glad that there was a plan; a way for them to return; glad that they knew what the plan was and how becoming mortal was part of that plan. Glad that she was not cut off from God forever, glad that the choice ended up being a good one, glad that it was really a way to become just like our heavenly parents. So this is the first knowledge that Eve has of the gospel as well. So if someone teaches that Eve knew of the plan while she was in the garden they are mistaken. Because here we have Eve speaking for herself. 2 Ne. 2:25. When Adam and Eve received the first commandment, they were in a transitional state, no longer in the spirit world but with physical bodies not yet subject to death and not yet capable of procreation. (Elder Dallin H. Oaks https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1993/11/the-great-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng)] saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, [ Note that they are outside of the garden at this point and have been so for at least three generations. Eve verifies that they never would have had posterity, they would not have even known anything about it, it was not a matter of not being able to have seed, because they were blessed with that during the creation (Abr. 4:22,28; Moses ) - but they had no idea as to how to have seed because of their innocence, known good and evil, or the joy of their redemption or even known about eternal life. In essence, until they fell, there was no need for the Gospel to be taught. Were it not for our Fall. They would have not known anything about them. Children. Notice that Eve imply's that it is because of out transgression. They were in a state of “innocence” before the fall—that’s why they were not ashamed of their nakedness. Again, that is the reason that there was no command to have posterity before the fall. God “blessed” them, not commanded them, to multiply and fill the earth as an aspect of their creation. Eve made the decision for herself to partake and Adam did as well, each made their own decision, so mutually it became our decision. Eve as always thinking about the family and the relationship and Adam is, "Because of my transition, my eyes are open in this life. I shall have joy in the flesh. I shall see God." Eve heard this and said, "Were it not for our transgression. We never should have had seed. Never should have known good and evil and joy of our redemption." It reminds me of something President then Elder Oaks said in October 1983, he said, "Note the different perspective and special wisdom of Eve who focused on the purpose and effect of the great plan of happiness." And then quoted Moses 5:11. So yeah, they're looking at different things. And maybe that's another example of... What did we call it before? I keep thinking of the Elder Maxwell phrase, “Compensating competencies.” Complementary opposites. Yeah. Elder Maxwell, “Compensating competencies.” Adam sees it one way, Eve sees it another way but there are not one's right, one's wrong. They are together. ] and [ Were it not for our transgression we. ] never should have known good and evil, [ We could not have used our agency to learn to recognize the difference between the two, this is really why we are here right - to learn and grow to become like our Father in Heaven while we are not in his presence. ] and [ Were it not for our transgression we should never have known. ] the joy of our redemption, [ This is Eve's own words of how she felt joy. And again Eve says we would not have known the Joy of redemption had we not transgressed. If there was not good and evil there would have been no joy - joy is an emotion that comes as part of mortality - they would not have known pleasure or pain, or any other emotion. And they would have never known this because there would have been no need for it. ] and the eternal life [ The kind of life that God has - the Celestial kingdom; so without becoming mortal they could not have gained bodies; they could not have learned to exercise their agency and become like God; ] which God giveth unto all the obedient. [ They could not have been obedient without choice, so what they; we receive then is through our obedience to the laws of God - submitting our will to his. Adam and Eve blessed the name of God. Under the inspiration of heaven they recognized His perfect wisdom that placed them in this troubled world and invited them to follow the map of in order to win partnership in God’s heavenly enterprise. ]

12 And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known [ So when Adam and Eve start to teach their posterity we already have three generations of posterity. We are taught what he tried to teach his children in Moses 6:51-68. God imparts to them the richness of the gospel. The gospel includes the theology which human beings needed to know and needed to understand if they were to reach their fullest potential. What is the state of men before Satan comes along?Adam and Eve are teaching their children the gospel, but the adversary is among them as well. What is the importance of making all things know to their children? What things do you suppose they were talking about here? ] unto their sons and their daughters. [ Adam taught the gospel to everyone - his children for some 930 years Moses 6:12. Remember Adam is one that can teach all of this first hand - he was there in the garden, he was there when he was kicked out, he could remember everything. He lived it! Why did the Lord wait three generations to introduce the Gospel to Adam? An aspect of the law of revelation is that you have to prove yourself true and faithful to the light and knowledge you have received before you are prepared to receive further light and knowledge. We see this with Moses. He is in the presence of God; he is declared to be a son of God; he is told that he has been created in the Image of the Only Begotten son and that God has a work for him to do. Moses receives a quick view of the eternities (worlds without number) and then “he is left unto himself” to see if he is going to be true and faithful to what he knows. And then Satan comes along in Moses 1 and says, “Worship me, I am also a son of God.” ]

13 And Satan came among [ As is always the case, as soon as God reveals a principle by revelation - Satan reviews it and try's to figure out a plan to prevent it. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.” (TPJS. p. 365.) When Adam taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to his children, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God” and Adam’s posterity refused to believe their father Adam. Don't believe Adam. You can see me ( he appeared as an angel of light; 2 Ne. 9:9; Alma 30:53). You cannot see the God Adam is telling you about, but you can see me. I am also a son of God. Don't believe your father.” Satan convinced the posterity of Adam to reject their father’s teaching, with the result that they “loved Satan more than God”. As this passage in Moses teaches, Satan was there when the gospel was introduced and explained to Adam. In like manner, Satan was there when Adam’s sons received their ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ enabling him to set up (through Cain) his ‘secret oaths and combinations’ using the same signs, tokens, and penalties with which Cain was familiar. You see Satan does not comprehend the entire plan so moving as he sees God move is his strategy, at least in the beginning. Now if we compare this to the Genesis account there is no mention of Satan after he is mentioned in the Garden of Eden. Gives us a little clue of how the scribes helped Satans cause whne they translated the bible. ] them, [ Reference to a scene from an older Temple narrative in which Satan hires a preacher to teach “the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture” to the posterity of Adam and Eve. When questioned by the messengers on how this teaching was being received by these people, the preacher responds, “Very well, except for these two (referring to Adam & Eve).” ] saying: I am also a son of God ; [ Satan identify's himself as a “son of God”, so was he trying to pass himself off as a righteous mortal, or as a being with divine authority, perhaps even as a glorified angel or a member of God’s divine council. He is counterfeiting Gods ways, and will try to lure the sons of Seth to do the same. After the introduction of the Gospel to Adam, Satan declares that he is also a son of God. With the introduction of the blessings of the endowment now given to Cain, Satan sets up his priesthoods as well, and then the oaths and combinations to mimic the priesthood of God, not only the Gospel, but the endowed blessings and covenants of exaltation. If he is implying that he is righteous per Moses 7:1 where "sons of God" means righteous then he is lying. If he is implying that he was born as a spirit of God then he is right as he was in the war in heaven we know as our brother. Satan appears to Adam and Eve in an effort to prevent them from performing washing ordinances for forgiveness of their sin: Satan was angry and transformed himself into the brightness of angels and went away to the Tigris River to Eve and found her weeping. And the devil himself, as if to grieve with her, began to weep and said to her, “Step out of the river and cry no more. Cease now from sadness and sighs. Why are you and your husband Adam disturbed? The Lord God has heard your sighs and accepted your repentance; and all we angels have entreated for you and interceded with the Lord, and he sent me to bring you up from the water and give you food which you had in Paradise, and for which you have been lamenting. Now therefore come out of the water and I will lead you to the place where your food has been prepared.” (Life of Adam and Eve 9. Translation taken from M. D. Johnson, “Life of Adam and Eve,” in The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, ed. James H. Charlesworth, 2 vols. (Doubleday, 1983–85), 2:260.)] and he [ Satan. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.”(TPJS. p. 365.) When Adam taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to his children, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God” and Adam’s posterity refused to believe their father Adam (Moses 5:13). They could not see the Son of God that Adam taught about. Satan declaring himself a son of God and appearing as an angel of light (2 Nephi 9:9) convinced the posterity of Adam to reject their father’s teaching, with the result that they “loved Satan more than God” (Moses 5:13). As this passage in Moses teaches, Satan was there when the gospel was introduced and explained to Adam. In like manner, Satan was there when Adam’s sons received their ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ enabling him to set up (through Cain) his ‘secret oaths and combinations’ using the same signs, tokens, and penalties with which Cain was familiar. ] commanded them, [ Since to this point God has been the one making commandments to Adam. So here is Satan in a subtle way trying to replace or be a supplement for God. Is this not what he tried to do all the time? For evil to exist there must be an opposition in all things. One must not only have a choice, but also an understanding of the consequences. These things could only be understood in mortality. That’s why Adam and his posterity could not die until they received the Gospel. Until then they had no true choice between good and evil. Seen in this light, the Fall actually takes place after Adam and his posterity receive the Gospel. Adam and Eve and their posterity could not have a knowledge of good and evil until the Gospel is taught to them, which is long after Adam is cast out of the garden. All these things show up in the scriptures, but we generally accept the traditions we have been taught without examining what the scriptures truly say. After being cast out, Satan doesn’t even show up on the scene until after Adam and Eve receive the Gospel. Joseph Smith taught that Satan sets up his counterfeit kingdom the same time the Lord establishes his. This is evidenced by the fact that Satan shows up and tells the posterity of Adam to “believe it not.” They “believed it not” only after they had been taught the plan of salvation by their father and mother. They could only become carnal, sensual, and devilish once there was a real choice between good and evil. Remember, Satan has two goals which he was trying to accomplish right from the beginning: 1) to destroy the nature of God; and 2) to do away with the necessity of the Atonement, thus doing away with the necessity of Christ. His “gospel” consists of stopping us from coming unto Christ, or having faith in Christ, or repenting. His other teachings do away with the doctrine of exaltation: the knowledge that men can become sons of God and thus receive all that the Father has as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. ] saying: Believe it not; [ He gave them a different message, one that did not require faith - you know the one that has as it's law - eat drink and be marry. Satan gets the children of Adam to not listen to not believe what Adam is teaching them. Again we see agency here. Adam does not just terminate their life when they choose another path, no he let's them move forward. While he may not agree, while he may very well know better he still let's them make their own decisions. ] and they believed it not,[ The people. Adams posterity accepted the teachings of the devil. Now that Adam has taught his posterity the Gospel, Satan comes among them with all of his teachers and ministers teaching them not to believe in the son of God, and they reject what their father Adam had taught them. Now that there is a choice between good and evil, the posterity of Adam can use their agency to choose. There had not been any choice before, and that's why the record says, “from that time forth, men began to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.” This is also why the posterity of Adam could not die as to a temporal death up to this point— they had to have the opportunity to be taught the Gospel! (D&C 29:42) The "it" is what Adam was teaching them. It required faith, repentance and prayer. Is there a cause relationship here. Because they did not believe they were able to be lead away until they did not love God - but loved Satan. Without the spiritual connection that we have with God we can drift away very quickly to a place were we only think for ourselves, we do as we want what is fun for us. ] and they loved Satan more than God. [ In other words it may be in very small ways but man became less loyal to God; they choose to make choice not according to the way that God would want them to go - hence the loyalty or love for Satan. We might put it another way as well. That is that they loved the ideas that Satan introduced to them more than Gods plan. Remember God said that you will need to work for what you get, Satan was like no; you can lie and change the facts for your gain, you can take by force for your gain, you can have sex without marriage - you can do all of these things and as far as I can see there is no difference to those who choose to follow God and those who choose not too. It seems like at least some of Adam's posterity would have listened to the Gospel. From earlier days, there was a dialogue in the Temple narrative where the angels ask Satan how his teachings are being received, and he answers, “Very well, except for these two” (pointing to Adam & Eve), signifying that all of Adam's posterity had rejected the Gospel Adam had taught them. This is what is being taught right here. Satan had come along and corrupted men by getting them to accept the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. This narrative is found in the Book of Moses because the Book of Moses was used as the Temple narrative. ] And men began from that time forth [ Only after they are taught the gospel does Satan come among them. And after the gospel has been preached do they become "carnal, sensual, and devilish". They now have choice, and exercising their own agency, they choose not to believe the Gospel their father has taught them. This implies that Adam, Eve and humans in general are not intrinsically "carnal, sensual and devilish" but are drawn to be as such by the adversary. Think about it - Do you not have to have gospel law in order to sin against the gospel? Now that they have the Gospel, Adam chooses to believe it. His posterity reject it, and now things are set up for the effects of the fall to take placem that is that they can now die, because with a real distinction between good and evil, they are in a position to choose, making this life a true probationary period (1 Ne. 15:33: Alma 12:16, 32; Hel. 14:18). Adam and Eve did not fall as soon as they partook of the fruit; they did not suddenly understand the Gospel or the difference between good and evil. But now that they have been taught the Gospel and a real distinction is placed before them, they can choose, and the real Fall takes place. ] to be carnal, [ The state inherited by all accountable persons on this earth - as a result (all men) are subject to the lusts, passions and appetites of the flesh. They are no longer in the presence of God and as a result are in a state of worldliness with the inclination to gratify the flesh. This is because they deliberately choose to walk the path that lead away from God had given them instruction to do - or they were rebellious. ] sensual, [ Meaning carnal and base: it relates to the body in stead of the spirit. Thus sensuality embraces free indulgence in the pleasures of the flesh - since we are flesh it is only the natural state of the flesh. So with the knowledge of good and evil now that they have had the gospel taught to them they can now sin - or as they do sin they become more carnal, sensual and devilish. Knowledge is the key to understanding good and evil, right from wrong. There was no sin until after they received the Gospel because you cannot be disobedient until you make a covenant to be obedient (Baptism). ] and devilish. [ They believed the lie and thus chose to live without the Gospel. So Satan was trying to do was persuade Adam's posterity to not believe Adam's teachings about Christ. This remember was the first temptation given to Eve was that she did not need to trust or believe the words of God. Joseph Smith taught that Satan sets up his kingdom at the same time God establishes His Kingdom. “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God” (TPJS p 365). ]

14 And the Lord God called upon men [ How does the Lord respond to Satans activity? by calling on all of mankind to repent and be saved or suffer damnation (v. 15). Despite all of this adversity, Adam and Eve remain faithful and continue to call on the Lord (v. 16a). ] by the Holy Ghost [ Teaches us more about the Holy Ghost that one of his roles is to bear witness of truth, righteous principles - to bear witness that we are not right with God and need to repent. ] everywhere and commanded them that they should repent; [ If the Gospel was not introduced unto Adam and his posterity for those three generations, then was Satan not present either? One cannot sin against the Gospel unless one has been taught the Gospel. One cannot be disobedient unless one has made a covenant to be obedient. This verse explains that Satan sets up his kingdom at the same time the Lord sets up His. ]

15 And as many as believed in the son, [ Notice that we have changed tense here - we get to see the reward for those who do repent, as well as what will happen to those who do not. ] and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; [ Their progress stopped. Why because if you do not believe in Jesus that he atoned for our sins then you will not even believe that you have sinned, and certainly not feel that you have the need to repent. If you do not believe in Christ and repent then you cannot have the atonement applied - WHY? in part because you never asked. ] and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled.

16 And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God. [ They continued to pray; I suppose that this phrase is more than just continued to pray it implies to me faithfulness; for why would you continue to pray if you had lost hope and belief in God? Or does it imply that they were pleading with the Lord for some particular blessing? ] And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, [ Adam and Eve were the parents of numerous children even before Cain "The Way to Perfection" pg 97-98 but Cain is important to the story line because of his choices and actions. Cain however is the first one born AFTER Adam and Eve have received the gospel. He should become the patriarch (but as we will see he does not fit the standard). Cain should also be the one chosen as the new patriarch (under his father Adam) and set apart to help administer the gospel to all of Adam’s posterity, becoming as is Adam, their prophet, priest and king. Eve is excited about the birth of her son Cain because he will be raised in the gospel that his older brothers and sisters rejected because they were not raised in the gospel and so they “believed it not” (vs. 12, 13). Cain was then born at such a times as he could be taught gospel from birth. Cain was not only ‘born in the covenant’ like his siblings, but will learn of priesthood responsibilities from his father. Cain, in Hebrew Cain, shares a common root with the Hebrew “ganah”, which means "to get" or "to gain." (Brown , Driver, Briggs and Gesenius - NAS Old Testament Hebrew - Blueletterbible.org ) There's also an adjacent meaning "to buy," which fits well with Satan's temptation in the Egyptian account: "Obey me, and I will bring you to your wedding day beautiful robes, gold and silver in plenty." (Life Of Adam And Eve 78:7) Satan was using money as a temptation as far back as Adam. Sound like old temple text? ] and said: I have gotten a man from the Lord; [ The word “kinyan,” in Hebrew which is translated here as gotten means “acquisition”. Cain is the firstborn after they have the gospel, she is happy because she understands the gospel plan and to her she now has a patriarch, someone who will be righteous and carry on the priesthood authority that Adam has, so he should be the Grand Patriarch, this is the hope and desire of Eve, that he will grow up to be the priesthood leader and the birthright son. Eve declared that she has now gotten a man that would be righteous and could become the next patriarch. This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs and the protection of his father’s family. Eve exclaims this because she now has the gospel, a way a plan for her to teach her children from the beginning, so she is excited, and still naïve to have a child that she feels will not wander away from the Lord. She is excited because in her mind she now has someone who will become the patriarch, someone who will hold and honor the priesthood and not reject it as their previous sons and daughters had done.. He is going to go to primary, he will go to young mens, he will go to priesthood, he will go to seminary, he will go to institute, but the problem was that they sent him to scouts. Eve “got,” “acquired,” or “(pro)-created” Cain with Yahweh’s help. We should note here that JST Genesis preserves the detail that Satan had quickly led Adam and Eve’s older posterity astray (Moses 5:13, cf. 5:18, 23). Hence, JST’s longer explanation of the name Cain in terms of qny/qnh clearly expresses the parental expectation that because Cain was “gotten” or “gained” from Yahweh through continuous special petitioning (“Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God”), he would be of such spiritual make as to not reject the Lord like his older siblings, “wherefore he may not reject his words” (Moses 5:16). Nevertheless, even though “Cain” was “gotten” or “acquired” from the Lord, yet he “rejected” him and his words, even after the latter “revealed himself” to Cain (Moses 6:3). ] wherefore he may not reject his words. But behold, Cain hearkened not, [ Cain, holding the priesthood and in position to become the first patriarch was not righteousin his priesthood activity and priesthood responsibility of serving others, as is emphasised by this comment - "he harkened not" or he did not do as he was asked or had agreed to do. The Grand Patriarch's responsibility was to serve others and he will later say "am I my brother's keeper?" which is in direct conflict with his responsibility. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, as do the scriptures, that Cain held the priesthood, providing him the authority to function and officiate in its ordinances.(TPJS, pp. 58-59; 169) Cain received the priesthood from his father and no doubt participated in the ordinances of salvation and exaltation for himself. Cain and his brother Abel prepared themselves to officiate in all the ordinances of the priesthood. His righteousness and priesthood activity would be manifested to his father and to God as he participated in priesthood ordinances, which would include those of sacrifice. The priesthood responsibility that Adam held was an authority that functioned under both the Patriarchal and Melchizedek priesthoods. The lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, did not exist as a separate authority or responsibility at that time because each patriarch was responsible for their family’s spiritual and temporal needs. Cain was the first in line to become the new Grand Patriarch to all of Adam’s posterity, holding and having all of the priesthood keys and authorities of his father. Patriarchal and Melchizedek Authority In scripture there are patriarchs (family fathers restricted to immediate family lines) and Grand Patriarchs (holding a responsibility for all their father’s children in their extended family lines). The book of Genesis is the priesthood manual of the Patriarchal Priesthood. Every sealed patriarch and matriarch entered into ‘that order of the priesthood’ which was patriarchal, the father becoming the patriarch to his own immediate family. A father is naturally responsible for the temporal and spiritual wellbeing of his family. The Grand Patriarch held all the keys and authority necessary to provide the temporal (today’s Aaronic) and spiritual (Melchizedek) welfare for his father’s family, (the brothers, sisters and their children etc.) thus, becoming a prophet, priest and king for them as well as for his own family. The Grand Patriarchs (those holding both Patriarchal and Melchizedek authority) are listed in scriptures as the first born of the first born: Adam, Seth, Enoch, etc., down to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Ephraim (D&C 84). The Grand Patriarch’s authority to administer the gospel and its ordinances resides in the authority of Christ, the Firstborn, and is an authority to administer outside the immediate family for the benefit of his Father’s children. The Melchizedek authority steps in as an aid to the family patriarch and becomes a substitute for the families that may not have a father or patriarch to provide for them. Hence the command throughout scripture to take care of the temporal and spiritual needs of the “fatherless, widows, and orphans.” The Patriarchal Law of Inheritance in the Old Testament put forth that the first ‘righteous’ son would receive the birthright, becoming the Grand Patriarch with Melchizedek authority. As is discussed in the Books of Genesis. ] saying: Who is the Lord that I should know him? Eventually the ‘rights’ (authority) and the ‘rite’ (ordinance) of a Grand Patriarch was conferred to Abel, the more righteous second-born son to this now gospel- centered home. This is made clear in Moses 5:20-21, as the “Lord had respect” for Abel’s offering, and had “not respect” for Cain’s sacrifice and faithless priesthood activity. What does this type of statement tell you about Cain's attitude toward God? He is a little cocky and arrogant. Cain was the firstborn in the gospel, and should have been the Grand Patriarch the priesthood leader as the birthright son, but Abel was chosen because of Cains lack of responsibility for doing what God asked him to do. This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs, for serving others and the protection of his father’s family. What will Cains response be when asked about serving others? "Am I my brothers keeper?" (Moses 5:34) The word "keeper" is “shomer” in Hebrew, from the root “shamar”. This root only appears twice before Cain gives his excuse here. But the same word is also used in Genesis 2:15, Adam and Eve are put "into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it," and the cherubim with a flaming sword is assigned "to keep the way of the Tree of Life" in Genesis 3:24. Both times the word is used to refer to guardians and custodians. Adam and Eve were made stewards over the Garden, to have dominion over it. What must we do to come to know God? See Alma 22:17-18 What does Cain do? Loves Satan more than God vs 18; Makes his own rules the law of justification vs 19-21; Will not repent vs 22-25; gets angry; rejects God and his servants vs 26; surronds himself with others like him vs 27-28; starts to make covenants with Satan vs 29-30; rejoices in his wickedness vs 31; promotes his ways as true freedom ; blames everyone but himself when he gets caught, as he is not responsible for his actions vs 39-39. ]

17 And she again conceived and bare his brother Abel. And Abel hearkened unto the voice of the Lord. [ The stage is being set. The record is giving us a clue who the next Patriarch is going to be. All of this sets the stage for the information that is to come. All of this is not instantaneous, as they are living to great old ages. For all we know, this account may have taken well over 150 years to transpire. There is from the every beginning an attitude toward God. Abel is humble and worships God. It is obvious that every child is different, maybe some is as a result of decisions made in heaven before we came here. We were there for a long time, we were mature spirits there, so some of what we learned there would no doubt follow with us in our spirit as we came here. vs 24. ] And Abel was a keeper of sheep, [ A sheepherder. Where do sheep graze? On the mountain -> mountain good - > Mountain is the house of the Lord the place where sacrifices where made. ] but Cain was a tiller of the ground. [ A farmer. Most farming is done in the lower ground. Plains are not as good as the mountain in the eyes of the Lord. Valleys are bad as Sodom and Gomorrah are defined as "cities of the plains" (Gen 13:12). These two were separated by Adam and Eve some time ago after they had a premonition that they needed to do so because of prior conflict. And Adam said, 'Alas if Cain slew Abel. Yet let us separate them from each other mutually, and let us make for each of them separate dwellings. And they made Cain an husbandman, (but) Abel they made a shepherd; in order that in this wise they might be mutually separated. (Egyptian Life 8:5, 9:1) In several apocryphal accounts, the first family is shown to have it’s residence on a mountain. Satan always appears from below, down in the field. When Satan first appeared to Cain he was "in the figure of a man of the field.”(Life of Adam and Eve 78:6) When Satan asserts his authority, it's always in "the field." When Adam tries to "till the field" in the Slavonic Vita Adae et Evae, Satan stops him: "I do not suffer thee to till the field.”(Vita 7) When Eve was nervous about Cain's intentions, she "sent him to the field where he had been." (Life of Adam And Eve 78:13) The Book of the Cave of Treasures version tells that Adam and his sons climbed "to the top of the mountain" to make the sacrifice, "and when they came down to the plain, Cain rose up against his brother Abel.”(the Cave of Treasures pg 69 For 8a, Col . 2) Jubilees also says that Cain "slew [Abel) in the field.”(Jubilees 4:3) The Book of the Cave of Treasures describes how future generations divided themselves between the mountain-dwellers and the plainsmen. Cainan (a good guy and grandson of Seth) would later pray ... over [all the Patriarchs] and commanded them, saying, I will make you swear by the holy blood of Abel that not one of you shall go down from this holy mountain into the camp of the children of Cain, the murderer, for ye all know well what enmity hath existed between us and them since the day whereon he killed Abel." (Treasures pg. 81, Fol. 11a, col.2) Since it was Adam and Eve that placed Cain and Abel in their respective assignments it may have also had something to do with their nature/disposition to do good and evil. It could also have been one thing s that Satan was able to use to further divide Cain and Abel - the idea that even your own parents love him more as they kept him of the mountain near them. Just my thoughts. ]

18 And Cain loved Satan more than God. [ He looses his identity, that he is a child of God. He most likely has received his endowment by this time(his calling and election would have been made sure as the endowment in ancient times was the endowment of power, directly placed on the head of the individual, not like it is today where we have the power to become, we can assume this with certainty if he is going to later qualify to become a son of perdition(D&C 76)). He starts to seek for power, not God's power, not priesthood power. Cain does not kill Able in ignorance. He has had the privilege of standing in the presence of heavenly messengers, has been blessed with communication with the Father, He held the Priesthood: otherwise his sin could not have made him Perdition. He made a choice out of love, Satan over God. Joseph Fielding Smith Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 169. This is not what Cain said when he was 8 yrs old, or even 20 years old. Cain has received the Priesthood. He has been active in the Priesthood. He has offered sacrifices in the Priesthood, and he had already received his endowment of power, which at that time, was not an ordinance “to become such” through faithfulness. It was the reality of the ordinances of the endowment. (Presently we are anointed only “to become such” based upon our faithfulness.) He has been participating in the Priesthood and all of its ordinances. But now just a few verses later, we see Cain’s change of attitude. ] And Satan commanded him, [ Cain. ] saying: Make an offering unto the Lord. [ So notice that he is making this offerring under the direction of Satan - at Satans command - what could go wrong here? Cain has already been making sacrifices unto the Lord; he has been active in the Priesthood. He knows perfectly well what kind of offering is acceptable. But in this particular instance, as recorded in scripture, he does as commanded by Satan, which now disqualifies him from becoming the next patriarch. Why did cain make an offering to the Lord? Satan commanded him to, to mock God. Satan is the one making the suggestions here. Let's listen to what he might be saying to Cain. Satan say's "Look make the offerring this way, and if God is a God of love as he say's he is then he will love you anyway, he should be grateful that you have honored him." In other words you can make your own rules here and we will hold God accountable to our rules, he will be required to abide our laws if he really is a God of love as he proclaims. The response from God is found in verse 23, if you do well going forward, you will be accepted. What did he offer? Joseph Smith said: Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith, he could have no faith, or could not exercise faith contrary to the plan of heaven. It must be shedding the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man. Cain could have no faith and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. But Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous... The mere shedding of the blood of beasts or offering anything else in sacrifice, could not procure a remission of sins, except it were performed in faith of something to come. ( TPJS. pp.58, 59.) ]

19 And in process of time [ Over a period of time this well could have been a hundred years, a period of time in which he was listening to Satan more than God - it was not immediate. He has been making offerring over a period of time this is not his first offerring. What does this tell us about Satan? he is relentless. ] it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. [ Joseph Smith, speaking of Adam, Cain and Abel, states, “if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination.”(TPJS. p.169.) The Prophet Joseph continues by teaching that “Cain, also being authorized to offer sacrifice”, did so without the faith that was required of the righteous priesthood holder.(TPJS. p.169.) This statement of Joseph Smith more than implies that Cain held the priesthood and blessings of a real endowment. Now anciently the endowment was different than it is in our day. Then the endowment was to have those blessings which we receive today only symbolically, but then they were actual pronouncements placed on the heads of the individuals that received them - in other words they had their calling and election as we know it today made sure. Cain, after he received the priesthood and his endowment of power (“in process of time”), “hearkened not, saying Who is the Lord that I should know him” (Moses 5:16, 18), and “Cain loved Satan more than God.” As it came time to choose the new Grand Patriarch who would be the ‘birthright’ son, the character, desires, and priesthood activity of Cain and Abel were made manifest. As these sons of Adam offered sacrifice, their righteousness and worthiness became evident to Adam and the Lord. Of this particular offering the scripture states that it was “in process of time” that it came to pass that Cain brought the fruit of the ground”. What is wrong with this? Cain is now changing the law of sacrifice that God has given him, mocking God a little. The principle is that when God commands we obey. We do not question; we do not say that is stupid; we do not say this is just as good and make up our own rules as wel go. There was a principal that God was trying to tech through the Law of Sacrifice - he was teaching the atonement. Just as Adam did not know when he began other than he was commanded. Adam was obedient vs 5 then the angel taught him what. He taught him of the atonement. Do not think for a minute that Adam did not teach that principal to Cain. Cain on the other hand has allowed Satan to get him to think for some reason that his offerring is just as good. It was not what the Lord had commanded however. ]

20 And Abel, he also [ Like his father Adam. ] brought of the firstlings of his flock,< [ Because of his faith, service, sacrifice, and faithful priesthood activity, Abel’s activity was accepted by God as more righteous than the bloodless offerings Cain made without faith in Christ and at the behest of Satan (Moses 5:18). It is important to understand that this is not the first time Cain and Abel offered sacrifice. They both had to prove themselves in priesthood activity over years of growing in either faith or pride. Of this particular offering the scripture states that it was “in process of time” that it came to pass that Cain brought the fruit of the ground” (Moses 5:19). This particular account in scripture is about the decision to choose the Grand Patriarch, someone who is qualified to carry on the priesthood authority and responsibility of the "birthright son" to provide for the temporal and spiritual welfare of all his father’s posterity. It was now time to choose the righteous son who would become ‘his brother’s keeper’, the prophet, priest, and king to all the posterity of Adam, and eventually to all of mankind. The righteousness of Abel is discussed in a passage of scripture quoted by Joseph Smith about the offering of Abel by stating: We read in Genesis 4:4, that Abel brought the firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and the Lord had respect to Abel and to his offering. And, again “by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” [Hebrews 11:4](TPJS. p. 169.) Because of faith and righteousness, Abel, the younger brother of Cain, is chosen to be the Grand Patriarch. He is chosen and set-apart to assist his father in caring for the spiritual and temporal welfare of all his father Adam’s posterity (remember there were multiple generations alive before Adam received the gospel). Abel, now chosen to be the ‘prophet, priest and king’ to the family of his father, also becomes Cain’s priesthood and ordained patriarchal leader. The scriptures summarize the calling of Abel and the rejection of Cain as the Grand Patriarch stating: “Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Moses 5:21). The Lord addresses Cain giving him another chance to exhibit the faithful responsibility of the birthright son: 22 And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen? 23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shalt rule over him. (Moses 5:22-23) The Lord explains that if he (Cain) would remain faithful and ‘doest well’ that he would still be accepted, while at the same time warning him that Satan desires to have control over him. It is explained to Cain that if he doesn't keep and live up to the laws, commandments, and covenants he had entered into—including, no doubt, the oath and covenant of the priesthood—he would be in Satan’s power. (See also D&C 104:5-9) ] and of the fat thereof. [ This may provide a little more insight as it implies that maybe Cain's offering was not the best of his crops even. ] And the Lord had respect unto Abel, [ Found them acceptable. This is a very interesting choice of words. This powerful desire for respect is held in check by a belief in God, and it is removed when the vestiges of religious influence are eliminated from society. For examples, consider the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage. Proponents of same-sex marriage loudly proclaimed that “love wins.” But it was never about love. They were always free to love each other - that barrier was never placed in front of them. Same-sex couples could freely love whomever they wanted. They could have been content with anti-discrimination laws or civil unions, but it wasn’t enough. No, what they really wanted was for their union to be just as respected as anyone else’s. Marriage was an honor afforded only to heterosexual couples and same-sex couples were going to feel slighted until that changed. You see, when people begin rejecting moral codes (because they are based on transcendent truths), they shift from feeling ashamed about falling short of moral standards and become angry that anyone would condemn their actions in the first place. They begin to feel indignant that any person or institution in society would dare to say that one choice, one lifestyle, or one belief has greater moral merit than another. The consequence is that society begins to gravitate around radical equality. That is, people will fight and fight until society cannot and will not recognize that any choice is better than another, that any lifestyle, belief, or action has more moral merit than another. This is the principle that the Lord was trying to teach Cain. Now; Of course, equality is an important social value, but Christian equality looks very different from Atheistic equality. The Atheistic creed is such that every time society allows one choice, one lifestyle, one belief to be honored above another, someone must feel dishonored. And nothing creates more anger and unrest than to be dishonored, to be respected less than your peers. And so, an Atheist society will continue to struggle and struggle under the banner of equality until the world cannot tell a moral difference between two choices. That is the goal. ] and to his offering; [ Abel was obedient. God was looking for someone who is qualified to carry on the priesthood authority and responsibility of the "birthright son" to provide for the temporal and spiritual welfare of all his father’s (Adams) posterity to act as the Grand Patriarch for the family. It was now time to choose the righteous son who would become ‘his brother’s keeper’, the prophet, priest, and king to all the posterity of Adam, and eventually to all of mankind. ]

21 But unto Cain, and to his offering, [ This would again suggest to me that Cain held the priesthood as he was making offerrings to the Lord. Joseph Smith, speaking of Adam, Cain and Abel, states, “if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination.” ( TPJS. p.169.) The Prophet Joseph continues by teaching that “Cain, also being authorized to offer sacrifice”, did so without the faith that was required of the righteous priesthood holder. ( TPJS. p.169.) This was not the first offerring of Cain unto the Lord. ] he [ God. ] had not respect. [ The word "respect" שׁעה is an interesting one. It isn't a terribly common word and it's primary meaning is to look at something. But it seems to have a cultic significance, particularly with looking to God or God looking to man, where you place your trust. Check it out in Isaiah 17:7 and Isaiah 17:8 where it is translated "look to" or Isaiah 41:10 where it is somewhat creatively translated "be not dismayed" (do not look away, or do not turn from giving attention to) Or Isaiah 22:4 "look away from me" or Ex 5:9 "regard". Why did the Lord not have respect for Cains Offering? Because of Cain’s attitude, pride, and wickedness the “Lord had not respect” for Cain’s offering. This statement would indicate that the deliberate disrespect by Cain's offering (he knew the rules) disqualified him from being the accepted and rightful priesthood authority. “Satan knew this” (v. 21) “and it pleased him” but Cain was “wroth”, and he was depressed. Cain had prepared his offering under the direction of Satan (Moses 5:18) and therefore it was not an offering of righteousness. Again, the Prophet Joseph Smith gives added insight into this event by explaining that since Cain did not offer his “offering in righteousness, he was cursed.”(TPJS. p. 169) Because his offering was not of the best that he had - Jasher 1:16 "inferior fruit"; second because it was not what the Lord had commanded, the Lord had commanded that they offer a sacrifice here Cain changed the offerring. It was what Cain wanted not what the Lord had asked. Abel’s activity was accepted by God as more righteous than the bloodless offerings Cain made without faith in Christ and at the request of Satan. Why was it so important to make sacrifices the way the Lord commanded? Cain's sacrifice was not accepted because he lacked the faith that the Lord requires. The sacrifice was a type for the atonement of Christ, Cain exercised no faith and that in itself is a sin...Satan continues to use his "pro-choice/no fault" philosophy with Cain The Lord commanded that blood sacrifices should be offered in similitude of the Saviors future sacrifice. Cain not only changed the ordinance that the Lord had given, but preformed it out of his faith in and love of Satan. Therefore, Cain's offering was rejected by the Lord. "The power glory and blessings of the priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued for Cain also been authorized to offer sacrifice (so he held the priesthood) but not offering it in righteousness was cursed is signifies then that the ordinances must be kept in the Very Way, God has appointed otherwise their priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing" teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith page 169. Joseph Smith has made a point here where he says. "Cain offering of the fruit of the ground and was not accepted. The sacrifice of animals was instituted as a type by which mankind was to discern the Great Sacrifice which God had prepared. To offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised because redemption was not purchased in that way, nor the power of Atonement instituted after that order. Consequently Cain could have no faith, and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin." So there's an important point here that Cain who, by the way, has been taught what it means to sacrifice, and there is a rebellion here where he says, "I want to do it my way. God, you have to take me on my terms and what I say, my personal sensitivities here, are going to rule the day," as opposed to, "Oh, you've said we're going to do it this way. Yeah. But I till the ground, I'm bringing my stuff." And it's like he has purposely said, "I reject that. I'm going to break that ordinance, the way that God has instituted for it to be done, because what I want to do trumps what God has asked me to do." Elder Maxwell said: "So it is that real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed." ] Now Satan knew this, [ Well sure he did it was his plan; to move the rules, make the rules what you want, make them sound reasonable so that Cain would agree and do it. It does not matter what it is Satan will use the subtlest thing he can to get us to choose not to follow God, it is so simple, it is no big deal - this is an example of Satans ways. Just get them to do one little thing wrong and I will work from there. ] and it pleased him. [ Satan. He knew that Cain had made a conscience choice to disobey. That is good enough he has started down the path. Satan says to himself I can work with that. The mere shedding of the blood of beasts or offering anything else in sacrifice, could not procure a remission of sins, except it were performed in faith of something to come.(TPJS. pp.58, 59.) It had to be symbolic of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, and here we have Cain mocking that - openly. So we are left to understand that Cain had no faith at all in the sacrifice, therefore the sacrifice could do nothing for him. ] And Cain was very wroth, [ Angry. Why was he angry? Well he decided to change Gods laws and then wanted God to be happy about that, he wanted things his way, in essence he wanted Gods authority - does that sound just like Satan? By faith in this atonement or plan of redemption, Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith, he could have no faith, or could not exercise faith contrary to the plan of heaven. It must be shedding the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man; for this was the plan of redemption; and without the shedding of blood was no remission; and as the sacrifice was instituted for a type, by which man was to discern the great Sacrifice which God had prepared ; to offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised, because redemption was not purchased in that way, nor the power of atonement instituted after that order; consequently Cain could have no faith; and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. But Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God Himself testifying of his gifts. Certainly, the shedding of the blood of a beast could be beneficial to no man, except it was done in imitation, or as a type, or explanation of what was to be offered through the gift of God Himself; and this performance done with an eye looking forward in faith on the power of that great Sacrifice for a remission of sins. Teachings Of the Prophet Joseph Smith Pg 58. ] and his countenance fell. [ Mood, emotion, expression or feelings of the heart - notice how he has changed immediately - he has not been cursed by the Lord or anything, he has just changed...it is the result of sin, it happens every time, our countenances fall when we sin as well. Because of faith and righteousness, Abel, the younger brother of Cain, is chosen to be the Grand Patriarch. He is chosen and set-apart to assist his father in caring for the spiritual and temporal welfare of all his father Adam’s posterity (remember there were multiple generations alive before Adam and Eve were taught the gospel). Abel, now chosen to be the ‘prophet, priest and king’ to the family of his father, as a result Abel also becomes Cain’s priesthood and ordained patriarchal leader. The scriptures summarize the calling of Abel and the rejection of Cain as the Grand Patriarch stating: “Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. ]

22 And the Lord said unto Cain: [ Here, Cain is having a conversation with the Lord(so that tells us that he is functioning in the priesthood, he is talking with God. The endowment was that power in ancient times). Because of Cain’s attitude, pride, and wickedness, the “Lord had not respect” for Cain’s offering. This statement would indicate that the deliberate disrespect communicated by Cain's offering (he knew the rules) disqualified him from being the accepted and rightful priesthood authority. “Satan knew this, and it pleased him” but Cain was “wroth” and he was depressed. Cain has the priesthood, he is the firstborn son while Adam and Eve have the gospel and Cain should have been the patriarch and he knows it. Cain received the priesthood, as did his brother Abel. However, Cain, being the oldest son (after Adam and Eve had received the Gospel), felt he was entitled (in his mind) to not only the double inheritance of the firstborn, but also the birthright authority to “rule” over all the posterity of his father. [Anciently, the firstborn son received a double portion of the inheritance as part of his responsibility to provide for the widows and orphans in the extended family. In addition; in those days when you received your endowment it was not the propmise of some future blessing, it was not "through your faithfulness you can become" but it was the actual pronouncement of the blessing. They were done in real time what would be called today a ‘calling and election’. I understand that it is difficult to conceive that the first wicked individual had participated in his endowment of power, but the textual evidence shows, in no uncertain terms that this was the case. These eternal ordinances to be washed and pronounced clean, and to come forth in an exalted resurrection is something required to become Perdition (D&C 76:31-34) as is described in Moses, chapter five. To emphasize again, this account of Cain and Abel is rehearsed in the scriptures because it was the time to choose the worthy son to be the Grand Patriarch of the family line for all mankind. Priesthood responsibility is for the spiritual and temporal needs of others. Cain declared his unworthiness to be the priesthood leader in his two questions, “who is the Lord that I should know Him?” and to the Lord “am I my brother’s keeper”. His priesthood activity and heart was not such to become the spiritual leader of his father’s posterity. But why is he acting that way? Notice how the Lord plays Q. & A. with Cain: ] [1 The Lord is trying to give Cain a chance to respond. Why are you acting this way, what is going on? Of coarse the Lord knows what is going on but he is trying to teach Cain here, he is a God that never gives up, he still trying to give Cain a chance to make a different choice, to change his direction. ] Why art thou wroth? [2]Why is thy countenance fallen? [ Just insuring that he (the Lord) knows that it is fallen and God calls attention to that. Does Cain recognize and admit that it has? ]

23 [3] If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. [ You can always repent, and if you will do that "thou shalt be accepted". If you change your ways and offer the correct sacrifice going forward, showing obedience to Gods command - then your sacrifice will be accepted, and you will enjoy the blessings of doing so. Look at the love that the Lord shows here. Because of Cain’s offering, the Lord then reminds Cain of the consequences of not keeping the priesthood covenants that he has made. The Lord is giving him another chance to exhibit the faithful responsibility of the birthright son. Cain has mocked God with his offerring and God is still asking him to return. If you are true and faithful to the covenants that you have made. If you Cain will follow the commandments(keep your covenants) going forward; there are certain blessings which God bestows upon the children of men only upon the condition of rightful exercise of this agency. Gospel Doctrine 5th Ed.49. The Lord is trying to teach Cain that he can change, that all is not lost, that if he will humble himself and repent and change that God will accept him. That this one thing does not have to make him, this does not have to be the one and only defining moment. ] And [4] if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, [ Or if you (Cain) continue down this path with Satan(one of rebellion) in not doing well, you(Cain) will become “the mortal father of his (Satan's) lies", or the first mortal to commit to following after and worshipping Satan and “thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world” (See verse 24). So all of his other older brothers and sisters were just never taught the gospel, they were taught the philosophies of men - they were just wandering. Cain was different, he was given the priesthood, he had his endowment as we would say, and those blessings were directly pronounced upon his head. ] and Satan desireth to have thee; [ So in essence "if you are not faithful in keeping the covenants that you have made you will be in Satan's power". We might say this as "Cain since you have been given your endowment from God you are special, as a result Satan really wants you even more now". ] and except thou shalt hearken [What is the Lord trying to teach Cain here?The Lord states very matter-of-fact that Cain's presently unhappy condition is simply a result of his own actions and he has nobody to blame but himself. ] unto my commandments, I [ God. ] will deliver thee up, [ First were does the choice rest? With Cain. So the Lord is telling Cain that he has his agency to choose, and if he makes his decision to follow Satan then the Lord will deliver him up(he will extend to Cain his agency - just as God has always promised to do - this was the plan from the beginning) to Satan - for Satan to do with him as he pleases. ] and it shall be unto thee according to his [ Satan's. ] desire. [ Or you will be under his power. ] And thou [ Cain. ] shalt rule over him; [ Satan - Cain will rule over Satan because Cain has a body Satan never will. ]

24 For from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies ; [ The sponsor. Since Cain had participated in the fullness of the priesthood and knew the oaths and covenants, and the signs and tokens of the priesthood, he would become the father of Satan’s lies. “For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation” (D&C 82:3). Cain qualified to be called “Perdition” because he altogether turned from those exalting ordinances and promises. Because of this, he would not receive forgiveness in “this world or the world to come.” ] thou shalt be called Perdition; [ Means "a perishing destruction" or "lost" they have no hope for any degree of salvation. "Just as Adam represented the Lord on the earth, Cain acted for and on behalf of Lucifer" Bruce R McConkie A New Witness of the Articles of Faith p658. Now if we look at the requirements for someone to become a son of perdition we see Cain, like his brother Abel, participated in and received all the blessings and ordinances of salvation and exaltation. This would include what we today call the “endowment”. Only because he had taken upon himself the oath and covenant of the priesthood and received the fullness of the priesthood ordinances, (meaning his calling and election was made sure(or was pronounced upon his head)) could he become perdition as described in D&C 76. Accounts of the ordinances of exaltation rehearsed in ancient scripture are not to ‘become such through faithfulness’, or to be realized in time, but these ordinances were real and in real time, and what would be called today a ‘calling and election made sure’. I understand that it is difficult to conceive that the first wicked individual had participated in his endowment of power, but the textual evidence shows, in no uncertain terms that this was the case. These eternal ordinances to be washed and pronounced clean, and to come forth in an exalted resurrection is something required to become Perdition (D&C 76:31-34). What are the requirements to become a son of perdition? They must: 1) “know my power” 2) “been made partakers thereof” 3) “suffered themselves to be overcome by the power of Satan” 4) “deny the truth” 5) “defy my power” 6) “denied the Holy Spirit after having received it” 7) “denied the Only Begotten son of the Father” 8) “crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame” What are the curses associated with being a son of perdition? 1) “It had been better for them never to have been born” 2) “They are vessels of wrath” 3) “Doomed to suffer the wrath of God” 4) “With the devil and his angels in eternity” 5) “No forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come” 6) “Go away into the lake of fire and brimstone” 7) “The only ones on whom the second death shall have any power” 8) “The only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath” ] for thou wast also before the world. [Wait a minute Cain was called perdition before he came here? I think that the reference here is that Cain you existed in the pre-earth life, you were there at the grand council in heaven. There you must have been valiant enough to be here now as you have a body. You chose well then but you are choosing a different path right now. If we read this another way it suggests Cain was Perdition before he was even born. This necessarily implies that pre-mortally Cain was at least of the same type as Satan, but apparently when the War in Heaven occurred Cain threw in his lot with the Lord instead of with his brother Satan. See Ether 8:15 for a statement indicating Cain was a murderer from the beginning, and compare this with the John 8:44 statement that Satan was a murderer from the beginning. Also cp. Romans 9:22, and D&C 76:33. We are left to speculate as to the details, but I would guess that Cain for whatever reason foresaw Satan's side as being the losers in the War in Heaven and therefore sided with the good guys just so he could win. However, making the right choice on this critical occasion did not change Cain's nature, and when he entered into mortality he was still Satan's kind of guy. sons of Men = those who do not know the Gospel. "Sons of God "= those who know and have partaken of the fulness of the Gospel. "Sons of Perdition" = those who know, have partaken, and have altogether turned away. What do you have to do and know to become a son of Perdition? D&C 76:31-45 This is how we know Cain not only received the Priesthood but also participated in all of the saving and exalting ordinances. He knew and was a partaker of God's power. His exaltation was in essence guaranteed. This is why he qualifies as “Perdition.” ]

25 And it shall be said in time to come—That these abominations [ The abominations will become the secret ‘oaths and combinations’ that would be passed to and through wicked men in the future. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.” (TPJS. p. 365.) Satan knows that God has established a covenant relationship with Cain, so Satan begins to set up a 'oath' relationship with Cain. Cain refused a blood sacrifice to God but had no problem doing so for Satan. ] were had from Cain; for he rejected the greater counsel [ God tried and is trying once again to give Cain a chance to change his character. Cain was admonished against the folly of rejecting Gods counsel the better counsel. ] which was had from God; and this [ Becoming called Perdition vs 24. The Lord comes to Cain and says if you don't change your ways you will become perdition. This tells us a lot about how much Cain had excepted the gospel. ] is a cursing which I will put upon thee, [ What is this cursing? He will be called Perdition; he shall rule over Satan (because he has a body), but he will be the Father of Satan's lies. It is a complete loss of the rights and the rites of the Priesthood, at least for him. Cain’s posterity could not have the rights of the priesthood (administration) but were not limited in the rites (participation) of priesthood blessings. ] except thou repent. [ God still leaves the choice up to Cain. God in his infinite love has left the door open for Cain to repent and does so until Cain rejects the offer. When Cain rejects the offer then there is nothing more that God can really do. ]

26 And Cain was wroth, [ Why is Cain so wroth? Well he knows by now that the birthright blessings and patriarchal priesthood authority has been given to his younger brother Able, because he decided to follow the Lord, whereas Cain loved Satan more than God. Cain’s offering has just been rejected, so he is most notable jealous of his younger brother, who as he see's it is now getting receives preferential treatment from God. So that as we will see in a minute, when Cain responds to God by asking God if he is Abel's "keeper," Cain is responding as if to mock God and suggest, "Oh, so now am I superior over Abel?" We don't know if Cain had spend years protecting Abel from beasts and peril on the mountainside and only now does God ask Cain where Abel is? Cain might be thinking, "Am my brother's keeper, am I to be his servant?" Or perhaps, "Why should I have the responsibility for Abel, when I have no authority over him?” As Abel has been given the role of Grand Patriarch (Moses 5:16).] and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord, [ So “Cain was wroth, and Cain cuts off his communication with the Lord; (God does not remove himself) and found no place for God in his life. So with Abel being chosen as the birthright son and is now Cain's priesthood leader. Cain, in his pride, would not sustain the new patriarchal priesthood authority which his younger brother held. ] neither to Abel, [ His priesthood leader. We may safely conclude Abel was calling Cain to repentance as well, which may shed some additional light on their subsequent relationship. ] his brother, who walked in holiness before the Lord. [ Is this not about the same as Lucifer in the pre-existence who rebelled against the Father’s Plan when he departed from the way in which God wanted things to be done. ]

27 And Adam and his wife mourned before the Lord , [ Talk about way ward children. How hard must have it have been for Adam and Eve - for they knew full well that Cain and those doing like him were not going to be able to have applied to them the laws associated with the atonement - they were to be come perdition? ] because of Cain and his brethren. [ Cain is not alone in his new religion and organization, but now joins forces with his wife and “his brethren.” A conspiracy of brothers and sisters working with Cain as their leader ('Master Mahan'). This same group of brethren are mentioned again in (Helaman 6:27) and (D&C 84:16). ]

28 And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers’ daughters [ This does not imply in my opinion that it was one of Abel's daughters. ] to wife, and they loved Satan more than God. [ A conspiracy of brothers and sisters working with Cain as their leader ('Master Mahan') plots and organizes the murder of Abel, the chosen priesthood leader and patriarch. After all Able is tormenting all of them with his cry's of you need to repent and change. What do we know about Cain at this point that makes him different from the rest ot these brethren? The rest of the brethren were not raised in the gospel remember, they the sons of men rejected the gospel when it was tried to be taught to them. So they would not have received the oaths and covenants, the signs and tokens of the priesthood of God and had been endowed with knowledge and power, but Cain had. Through Cain Satan has set up his priesthoods, oaths and combinations to counter, not only the Gospel, but the endowed blessings and covenants of exaltation. Cain knows all about this. I am sure that the sons of men understood or had heard that the Sons of God were given an Endowment, they did not know what it was perse but that would have heard of it and that it had some power associated with it, so they would have been intrigued at the very least. Now Cain comes along and says I will teach you how to get extra power, who is on board? Notice that Cain does not just kill Abel and then become like Satan - No he first chooses Satan - he wants to become like him more than God. He has and wants to further develop the character of Satan rather than the character of God. Looking into this deeper we can understand that he started to communicate with Satan and not with God anymore. This is evident by the next verse where Satan gets Cain to Swear by his throat - he takes an oath with Satan. So now that Cain has chosen Satan over God, Abel will now been chosen to become the Patriarch and priesthood leader over Cain. This cannot sit well with someone who is already in a disposition against God. ]

29 And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat, [ Now we have the discussion of where Satan will speak to Cain about the benefits of following him. Here is another indication Cain had received his endowment. Satan is now setting up his counterfeit organization with secret oaths and combinations patterned after the oath and covenants which Cain had already received from his father. Satan needed the cooperation of someone who already knew the oath and covenant! Within their secret works are penalties of death for revealing their plans to outsiders. Satan will take the oath and covenant that Cain was familiar with and turn it into an oath and combination. These oaths (symbols of death or sacrifice) of secrecy, ‘to swear by their heads and throats,’(Ether 8:14- 18; Helaman 6:21-24; 26, 27; D&C 84:16). An oath is always a symbol or form of death or sacrifice, that is what oath means in Hebrew. Cain becomes the first to make a oath with Satan - but not the last - to swear upon thy throat to swear to the death. So Heavenly Father has the oaths and covenants and Satan mocks God with the oaths and combinations. The oath and covenant place the seriousness of the promise upon the oath maker as a witness to God, as the ‘oath and covenant’ is between mankind and deity as if no one else is there - you are in essence the only ones in the room. It is not that someone may take your life if you break the commitment, rather it is that the oath taker would rather die than break the promise. In an ‘oath and combination’ it is different as the combination is made between the individual and another person, a group or combination of people. In this case the oath maker is stating(agreeing to the idea) that if they break the oath of silence the group may take the life of the individual. ] and if thou tell it thou shalt die; [ Or the agreement that if I tell it to anyone you can kill me. Done in secret and with penalty; Satan teaches Cain how to murder. This is done to protect the secrecy, so Cain and his followers enter into the oaths and combinations, Satan put them under oath using symbols of death or sacrifice to guarantee secrecy. ] and swear thy brethren by their heads, [ Sounds like he is not alone in this covenant or at least shortly there will be others as well, so get others to participate as well. ] and by the living God, [ Done as a direct mockery of the covenants that he has made with God as we make our covenants in the name of Jesus Christ. A righteous covenant is between a person and God, no one else even knows. A combination is an oath covenant between a person and a group of people, and we are going to keep it all secret and if I don't do it, or if I tell anyone then you have a right to kill me, that is a combination (the secret is shared with many). In the temple it used to be that this covenant is so sacred that I would rather die than tell it to someone, verses if you do tell it to someone you can kill me. ] that they tell it not; [ That they keep the secret of how to commit murder a deep dark secret. "Cross my heart and hope to die" is a version of oath. ] for if they tell it, they shall surely die; [ As part of the covenant they are making - they will bring murder upon themselves. ] and this that thy father [ Adam. ] may not know it; [ Cain convinced his brethren to rebel against their younger brother Abel who had been chosen as the priesthood leader. Cain reassured himself and his followers that they would be free from the authority and retribution of his father and brother. This promise of freedom from gospel standards and leadership was coupled with the promise of a gain in power and wealth with the death of Abel. This was the pattern in the pre-earth councils as Lucifer convinces a third part of the hosts of heaven to rebel against the Father and His choice for the earthly priesthood keys and leadership. Satan’s work of rebellion that began before this earth continues in mortality. It is often seen in the rejection of priesthood keys and authority, and in the unworthy seeking the power to exercise control and dominion over the souls of men. ] and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands. [ Satan will teach Cain and his associates how to commit murder. vs 31. What are the goals of Satan? Satan's goal is to destroy the eternal opportunities for the family of Adam, which he lost in the pre- earth “war in heaven.” some of the blessings that Satan lost were: Priesthood authority, A physical body, The power to pro-create, The potential to become a son of God, The ‘power to become’ an heir of ‘all that the father hath’, Exaltation, and The Glory of God To destroy these divine potentials for the family of Adam, Satan must set up his counterfeit organizations with his similar oaths and combinations. This requires someone who held the priesthood, has knowledge of the sacred ordinances, and has received their own endowment of power. Cain, in rejecting "the greater counsel which was had from God", is the prime candidate to resume the war on earth for Satan, which began in heaven. ]

30 And Satan sware [ Covenanted promised. The key to unseen power is through an oath, a covenant- either for good or for evil. This is a universal law of the universe. ] unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret. [ Hence the name secret combination Helaman 6:21-30; Ether 8:13-25. All was done in secrecy so that Cain’s ‘father may not know it.’ Nevertheless, the “devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.” (Alma 30:60). ]

31 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, [ In the Dead Sea Scrolls, Satan is called, in the Hebrew, “Mas-te-mah”. Cain was free to enter a formal agreement with Satan, by which he would receive instruction in the techniques of achieving power and gain. Mahan: Means "destroyer" Concerning the birth of Cain, Eve declared, “I have gotten a man from the Lord” (Genesis 4:1). According to Matthew Bowen, the Hebrew word for “gotten” (qānîtî) in this passage can also be understood as “I have gained,” or “I have acquired.” Eve’s explanation corresponds closely with what appears to be the root word behind Cain (*qyn), which can mean “to ‘forge’ or ‘work in metal,’ a concept related to ‘create’ in the sense of forming or fashioning.” Cain sought to get through Satan. The Book of Moses records, “And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness” (Moses 5:31). Bowen explains, In making this declaration, Cain “re-motivates” the meaning of his own name: he is no longer “gotten” from the Lord or “gained”/“procreated” with the Lord’s help (Genesis 4:1; Moses 5), but is now the “master” (“creator,” “possessor,”) of secret murder to “get gain.” Cain Murdered his priesthood leader Abel, believing that he and his posterity would now have the birthright authority(since he killed Abel the one who held that responsibility) to rule over mankind for the rest of world history, to 'murder and get gain'. Satan also believed that in doing so he would mess up Gods plan to send a Savior to the earth as now there was no grand patriarch on the earth, or no lineage for Christ to come to the earth through. Remember that all of the other children of Adam at this point have rejected the gospel. (So we have to go to Moses 6:2-3 to pick up on the story of how God provides a way for a Savior to come forth through another child named Seth). ] the master of this great secret, [ Cain dealt with Satan in secrecy. What is the great secret? The secret is the mystery of the trade or profession; in this case, his secret is how to convert life into property see Moses 5:33 where he supposes that Abel's flocks will fall into Cains hands. See verse 28 -31 Cain’s covenant with Satan included a penalty of death for those who revealed it (this was a covenant that Cain’s friends, some of his brothers and sisters and their families, made too). Satan promised to deliver Abel into the hands of Cain. Cain would also reap the riches of his brother – his flocks. ] that I may murder and get gain. [ Remember if we go back in time, what was one of the first things that God said to Adam and Eve as they left the garden? Gen 3:19 You will now need to work for things, for life it will not just be given to you, by the sweat of thy brow. Now we Have Satan teaching no that is not always the case, you can use force and take what you want. When you think of it does not almost every sin have something to do with trying to cut corners, trying to cheat, trying to get gain for doing nothing. For example GOSSIP: Instead of building a relationship through love and sacrifice, I'm going to tell a secret that puts me in this position of trust with you. LYING: Say something tha is untrue to alter the circumstances, to change how things appear. ADULTRY: To have intimacy without working to have a relationship...this idea that we want the easy path of getting something for nothing, and it weakens us as humans. Another example is the one taught during Jesus' day, and he said “It is a wicked and an adulterous generation that seeketh after a sign.” And Joseph Smith said something that "If you see a man seeking a sign? You may set it down that he is an adulterous man". So what are they saying in essence? "I want all of the evidence. I want the testimony. I don't want to do any work. I don't want to do any commitment to finding out. That's the sign seeker. Show me the proof. I don't want to do any work". This is the foundation of the secret combinations. ] [ Obtained his possessions. ] Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, [ Or the master destroyer; or the original or first destroyer. He had a secret combination with Lucifer. And that he just murdered a man for the OATH'S SAKE. ] and he gloried in his wickedness.

32 And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, [ This was something that most likely had not happened for a while because we read earlier that Cain quit communicating with both God and Able. So Able the priesthood leader and brother of Cain would have most likely been excited to just have a conversation with his brother Cain, ministering to him. ] his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. [ The death of Abel was the first of mortal existence [to die] upon this earth. (David O McKay) "For a wise purpose in [God's] providence He permits the wicked, in the exercise of their agency, from time to time to afflict his followers" Messages of the First Presidency 6 vols 3:5. From the apocryphal texts we also read: At the time of the Fall, Adam was sentenced to "return to dust" when he would die.? Apparently, that also meant that Adam would be the to die: For God said to Adam that he should become dust and then his offspring. It was necessary that Adam should die first and “return to dust; then his offspring ... Until Adam's death the corpse [of Abel] remained thus intact, as though alive and sleep; but when Adam died, then Abel's corpse entered it's grave”. (This is the History of Abel and Cain the Sons fo Adam v. 54) ]

33 And Cain gloried in that which he had done, [ Pride lies at the foundation of the Mahan Principle. It is a philosophy and doctrine that is in stark contrast to the priesthood, which exists to bless and serve others. With our passions we either: our pride fills us with greed, or we fill our needs with love and charity. In the endowment, one covenants to love God and one's fellow man. Instead of selfishness, the meek are selfless and seek not their own. Instead of personal security, the pure in heart sacrifice all. Instead of competition for gain, the merciful consecrate. The character of the righteous (one of "charity, the pure love of Christ") is the opposite of Cain. ] saying: I am free; [ Free from what? Cain thought that he was free from the leadership of a younger brother, free from the priesthood responsibilities and its obligations of righteousness, free (he supposed) from the guilt and anger of being rejected by the Lord, Cain believed that all his brother had (i.e. the double inheritance and the birthright) would become his. Not only did Cain believe his brother’s personal property would become his, he also believed Abel’s priesthood position would now belong to him and his posterity in perpetuity thus the idea of murder and get gain. The ‘Law of Inheritance’ in the days of the Patriarchs stipulated that the eldest and firstborn and birthright son receive a “double portion” of all that his father had as part of his responsibility for the temporal welfare of his father's family (the fatherless, widows, orphans, he was expected to use his inheritance to take care of his now deceased father’s household, widowed mother, unmarried sisters, livestock, things like that). The birthright son could become not only a patriarch to his family through his marriage and sealing but also the Grand Patriarch by ordinance and the Melchizedek authority. Being the Grand Patriarch and birthright son (not necessarily the firstborn) placed his posterity into that birthright line forever. He thinks he is now freed by the death of his priesthood leader, believing that he and his posterity would now have the birthright authority to rule over mankind for the rest of world history, to "murder and get gain". Did he think that he was free from future work? From the righteous example of Abel? Or because he was made rich? Or is this really showing the state of his rebellion? That he is free from the commandments of God - that he has been able to replace God that the Law of Sacrifice does not apply to him and neither does any other commandment. I am free from the commands of God. It is important for us to always keep in mind that the commandment of God are there only to help us, to teach us what we need to do in order to return to him. They do not compel us to make any decision, we are not forced by them - we are always free to choose. So the commandments are there for us, Satan would suggest that theses commandment limit our choices, put us in bondage to God, and that is where you can become free. ] surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. [ His gain is the flock of his brother material wealth. This is the motivating force behind the conspiracy to murder Abel, for he supposes that the possessions of his brother Abel, as well as the leadership and authority, will now belong to him. It cannot be lost that Cain felt that he should be the Grand Patriarch for his father’s family, becoming a king unto them. This desire for unrighteousness dominion was cut short when Abel was chosen to be the Grand Patriarch and his linage would fill that position throughout time. Not only did Cain believe his brother’s personal property would become his, he also believed Abel’s priesthood position would now belong to him and his posterity in perpetuity. This ‘Law of Inheritance’ in the days of the Patriarchs stipulated that the eldest and firstborn and birthright son receive a “double portion” of all that his father had as part of his responsibility for the temporal welfare of his father's family (the fatherless, widows, orphans, etc). The birthright son could become not only a patriarch to his family through his marriage and sealing but also the Grand Patriarch by ordinance and the Melchizedek authority. Being the Grand Patriarch and birthright son (not necessarily the firstborn) placed his posterity into that birthright line forever. This is never more evident than in the Book of Mormon as Laman and Lemuel speak about Nephi, their younger brother, who becomes the ‘birthright’ son chosen by God. The concerns of Nephi’s brothers were no doubt some of the same concerns and worries Cain had when Abel was chosen as the birthright son and Grand Patriarch. ]

34 And the Lord said unto Cain: Where is Abel, thy brother? And he said: [ Cain us left to stand up for himself - Satan is no where around when the chastisement from God comes around. It is another evidence of his ways sneak and hid. the Prophet Joseph Smith conveyed to the brethren, at these early times, that Adam-ondi-Ahman, the place to which Adam and Eve fled when cast out of the Garden of Eden, is where Adam erected an altar unto God, and offered sacrifices, and that Far West was the spot where Cain killed Abel. ] I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper? [ We see Cain's loss of light and truth in his answer to the Lord. To be your brother's keeper is the major duty of the grand patriarch(his holding the priesthood and in the position in which he was, the position to become the grand patriarch was righteously serve others). His answer shows he no longer cares for anyone but himself, which is the underlying philosophy of Satan and the Mahan Principle. The correct answer here is "well yes you are, you are supposed to be the patriarch of Adams family, so yes you are responsible for your brother". This provides some detail for us as Cain was endowed, anciently they had their calling and election made sure when they were endowed, today we are anointed to become. So Cain has the priesthood in which the priesthood is here to help us help others, this suggests that he does not honor his priesthood. So Cain has the priesthood, and he is the patriarch so the answer to him is yes, yes you are your brother's keeper. In essence, Cain is saying it's a dog-eat-dog world and survival of the fittest is the way of life. If this was the pride of Cain, it is no wonder that Abel was chosen as the new Grand Patriarch. The Mahan principle is to "murder and get gain," and to personally prosper at any and all costs. This is the same philosophical force that led to the Nephite destruction.(3 Nephi 6:15-16) Character is of greater importance than that of obedience to law, as all commandments are given to create the character that loves God and their fellow man. Cain’s question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is descriptive of his inner nature and lack of worthiness for the responsibility of the temporal and spiritual welfare of all his brothers and sisters that he knew, and all the posterity of Adam that he would never know. Obedience is the attitude or character of loving God and is more important than the performances of ordinances. “If ye love me keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience and ordinances without a resulting character change is useless. Nonetheless obedience to the Lord's commands and the connected ordinances are imperative in that character change. Repentance is the process of character change.]

35 And the Lord said: What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood [ In Hebrew, "blood" is considered in the dual, which means it is not really talking about the liquid blood, but rather it refers to "bloods" or lineage, descendants, posterity. The Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible is called the Targum, and it has the oldest, best, and most complete translations of the Old Testament. In these older manuscripts and translations, the word “blood” is rendered as “bloods” (in the dual form) and should be translated to mean ‘bloods’ which would mean the ‘bloodline’ of the deceased, or the “descendants that would have been born” cry from the ground that swallowed, not just blood, but the bloodline and seed of Abel. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was.”(TPJS. p.365.) This would mean that Abel was ordained before he came here, plus all of those righteous and valiant spirits who would become the Grand Patriarchs for the family of Adam through Abel. Thus, in the oldest translations of Genesis, it is the “bloods” or “descendants” that were to come through the patriarchal line of Abel that cry from the ground for justice, those who were set apart in the councils of heaven. They cry from the ground as their father and progenitor has been cut off without seed. Thus, the Levirate Law. Under Levirate Law, Seth, the new priesthood line (in name only) becomes a replacement for Abel. Moses, chapter six teaches that at the birth of Seth, Adam stated: “God hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew” (Moses 6:2). “Seth,” in Hebrew means “replacement or substitute” as described by Adam. Under this law, Seth would then replace Abel and marry the widow of Abel (following the Levirate Law of Marriage) and the firstborn son of that union, Enos, is considered the “sealed” descendent and priesthood line of Abel and his wife, even though he was sired by Seth. This would seem conjecture only except for the fact that the priesthood line is traced through Abel in the Doctrine and Covenants:(D&C 84:14-16.). ] cries unto me from the ground. [ So in other words Able's descendants are crying from the ground. So the descendants of Able who were set apart in the pre-existance to do certain things here on earth are now crying from the ground because of what they were set apart to do. The descendants of Able were set apart as the patriarchs in the councils of heaven - "Everyman who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council." TPJS pg. 365. ]

36 And now thou shalt be cursed from the earth [ Your crops will not produce as they once have vs 37. ] which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood [ Or thy brother's descendants are crying from the ground. In the Targums (texts that are older than the Old Testament texts of Genesis) it says, “The voice of thy brother’s blood(s) cry from the ground.” This means the voice of thy brother’s descendants cry from the ground. This is talking about those who have been foreordained to be in the patriarchal line of Abel. They were foreordained to become the Patriarchs of the earth. Joseph taught that all who are called to minister to the inhabitants to the world were called in that Grand Council before the earth was formed (TPJS p. 365). This gives us further understanding why the voice of Abel’s descendants would be crying from the ground after he was slain. These are the patriarchs and ministers who were set apart in that Grand Council before the world was. These patriarchs were to be the ministers to the world at large (not our local leadership). The sin of conspiring to murder the anointed priesthood leader for the sake of position and control for himself and his posterity is what led to the Priesthood restriction placed on Cain. Cain will now be cursed from the ground that opened her mouth to receive his brother’s blood, and by extension, “bloods” (descendants). This all plays into the time when the priesthood was restored. ] from thy hand.

37 When thou tillest the ground [ He is the curse put upon Cain. Many mistakenly assume that skin color was part of the curse of Cain, but these verses make clear that that is not the case. The curse was one of livelihood, lifestyle, and restricted priesthood administration. This is Cains lifestyle, he is a tiller of the ground, which usually means that he would tend to stay in the same place year after year. If you have cleared the field you do not want to do that every year. Therefore you become sedentary. If you are a farmer and have to clear the ground every year(move) because the ground is no good - well you are going to have a very tough time in life - really tough. ] it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength. [ So your livelihood is going to change. A farmer depends on the fruits of the earth to receive his sustenance, his life and livelihood. A farmer is anchored to the land he tends in order to prepare the soil, plant, weed, and harvest. The agrarian cultures realized better than any that their life and livelihood depend upon the grace of God, understanding that the God of nature bestows the blessings of rain, weather and a bountiful harvest. Thus, the judgments of God affected the livelihood (farming) and very lifestyle (sedentary) of Cain. The implication in scripture is that he is “cursed from the earth” because the earth “opened her mouth to receive (his) brother’s blood” therefore the earth “shall not henceforth yield her strength” (Moses 5:36, 37). With the loss of his livelihood, the Lord further addresses the lifestyle of Cain: “A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth” (Moses 5:37). Cain essentially no longer has a place he can call home, and can no longer live the sedentary lifestyle to which he had grown accustomed. ] A fugitive [ Is a person who is fleeing from custody, whether it be from jail, a government arrest, questioning. ] and a vagabond [ A person who wanders from place to place without a home or job. Most farmers lifestyle is sedentary - they tend to stay in the same place. So not only is his livelihood going to change as the ground will not produce for him, but also his lifestyle is going to change as he will no longer be able to just stay in the same place(not good for a farmer to have to start at scratch each year). Because he killed his priesthood leader, which was his responsibility to have had since he was the birthright son and as a result in Abraham we learn that he also lost the right to hold the priesthood, he should have been the birthright son but he has lost that right by killing his priesthood leader Able. We see this detail spelled out in (Abr. 1:27 "cursed him as pertaining to the priesthood...he could not have the right to the priesthood"; Also D&C 121:16-24 paraphrased "Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, saith the Lord...they are the servants of sin, and are the children of disobedience themselves. Wo unto them; because they have offended my little ones they shall be severed from the ordinances of mine house..They shall not have right to the priesthood nor their posterity after them from generation to generation.."). Or if you murder your priesthood leaders you can be cut off from the rights of the priesthood and the temple, for your generation and your generations that follow. ] shalt thou be in the earth.

38 And Cain said unto the Lord: Satan tempted me [ Yep there we go standard practice; well it is not my fault; someone else made me do it - I am not accountable for my actions. It is Satans fault; it then is his brothers fault and lastly Gods fault as well... Cain confirms that the death of Abel came about because of Satan, he talks long enough to also disclose that he was also a little “jealous” of his brother's possessions and priesthood position, but it still was Satans fault. ] because of my brother’s flocks. And I was wroth also; for his offering didst accept and not mine; [ This verse lists two things of which Cain was tempted. First, the possessions of Abel (his flocks) and second, his priesthood position as Abel’s offering and priesthood activity was accepted and Cain’s was not. Abel was chosen and accepted by God to be the new priesthood leader for Adam’s posterity. Cain had failed to learn and understand section D&C 121: D&C 121:36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. D&C 121:37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. (D&C 121:36-37) ] my punishment is greater than I can bear.

39 Behold thou hast driven [ God made the land to not bear fruit, so Cain has no choice but to leave. ] me [ Cain. ] out this day from the face of the Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid; [ He has lost his priesthood power, the power that allows him to be in the presence of God. In ancient time they literally where in the presence of God in his day(as we see happened with Seth(Moses 6:3)), or in the temple in our day. Those blessings were taken from him. We know that Cain was able to just converse with God directly as he is doing here. His disobedience has removed the availability to do so going forward. How hard would that have been on Cain, to be able to converse with God directly then not. This is why he says here that "from thy face shall I be hid". Not only did he deny Able of the blessing that would come to him but he denied his posterity as well. Hence the curse was placed on generation to generations. As Abel's righteous posterity were foreordained to be the patriarchs throughout gospel history. (D&C 121:16-22 Gives us an idea of the calamities that come about from hurting Gods anointed ones) Or Cain knows now that he has lost the power to call upon God and see his face. D&C 84:22. Cain has attempted to justify his actions. He says he was “wroth” because Abel’s sacrifice was chosen over his (even though he knew his offering was calculated to be disrespectful), and he was passed over for the birthright. Now he is worried that he will be killed for what he did. ] and I shall be a fugitive [ Always looking over his shoulder because he is worried about being killed. ] and a vagabond [ A wanderer. ] in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that he that findeth me will slay me, because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid from the Lord. [ Now he recognizes that fact; he has to this point bought into the lies of Satan; but just like everyone realizes at some point. They are accountable; and they will have to answer to the Lord; they cannot hide; and when they do Satan will not be around to help them - he is long gone. ]

40 And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, [ Look at the compassion of God, even after Cain has betrayed God, even after Cain has chosen Satan over God, God still tries to protect his life, and shows mercy to him. So that he could be recognized, the mark (and we do not know what the mark was. Whatever it was, it was so that others would not kill him. It was a mark of protection. We also know what happens later on to his lineage but at this point we do not know what the mark was for Cain) was a blessing not a curse it was given by God to protect Cain from others, to keep him alive. The curse was that he would be a fugitive and a vagabond and that his crops would not do well vs 36-37. The Rabbis of the Zohar give additional meaning to "mark". Suggesting that the word "mark" comes from the Hebrew word "oth". This word can be translated as "sign, signal, a distinguishing mark, banner, remembrance, miraculous sign, omen, warning, token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof" "sign," like when God put stars in the heavens to "be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years."(Gen 1:14) Or when God made a covenant with Abram, he said, "This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you."(Gen 9:12) So this word "token" is the same as Cain's mark. Noah's rainbow and Abraham's circumcision are called "oaths" too. Cain's is hinted at again in Isaiah: "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."(Isa 8:18) In a way when the Lord places the "mark" on Cain, He's reminding the rest of the world that Cain is still His son, no matter how awful his choices are. (You don't think that God loves us?) ] lest any finding him should kill him. [ The mark identified him then as one who could be killed - this making him a fugitive from mankind. As to the mark traditions and interpretations have taught (in theory, policy and practice) that an ordination to the ‘greater priesthood’ is a requirement to participate in the ordinances that symbolize the passing through the veil and entering into the presence of God. However, women do not need to hold Melchizedek authority to participate in these ordinances or endowments that are administered by the priesthood. The passage of scripture that has been used to restrict participation based on priesthood could be read and understood differently. Viewed within a contextual deliberation, these verses focus on the fact that the priesthood is necessary for the ‘administration’ of the blessings described—not that the priesthood is necessary for ‘participation’ in the blessings, as in the case of women. The passage below is discussing the administration rather than participation.(D&C 84:19-22)In seeking to obtain the priesthood position of Grand Patriarch for himself and his posterity, Cain and his descendants also lost the ‘right to’ priesthood administration. Abraham explains in his book that this lineage of Cain came through the flood at the time of Noah, as the wife of Ham (Egyptus) was a descendent of Cain. Through Egyptus, the blood of Cain and the burden of priesthood restriction was preserved through the flood and remained after the time of Noah. (Abraham 1:21-27) The mark of Cain was not the curse but a sign of the curse. This “mark” (whatever it was) existed for recognition, and in the case of Cain, this sign or mark was given for the blessing of protection. After Cain voiced his concern for his life saying, “he that findeth me will slay me” (Moses 5:39) the Lord responded with a form of protection for him: “And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him” (Moses 5:40). What that ‘mark’ actually was is absent in the scriptural record.The dark skin may or may not have been the “mark” placed upon Cain to save him. However, hundreds of years later the land of Canaan, where the descendants of Cain presumably lived, became a climatically difficult and unpleasant place to live, which may have caused the genetic adaptation of a darker skin to appear. It must be remembered that the “mark” (whatever it might be) was a mark for survival and protection, not a burden connected to the murder.(Moses 7:6-8)(Abraham 1:21, 22, 27) ]

41 And Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord, [ All of his priesthood rights, blessing and ordinances of the priesthood were revoked - in effect he was excommunicated. We should also consider that according to (D&C 84:21-22) the Children of Israel, because of their conscious rejection of the greater priesthood blessings, also lost the right to priesthood administration. The Old Testament explains that even the lesser priesthood, which remained, was restricted to the males of a single family line, the Levites (Exodus 32:25-26). In addition; Restriction from the priesthood of God is described in The Doctrine and Covenants and reveals a statement from the Lord about those who threaten to harm or destroy the priesthood line that was set apart in the council in heaven: Cain murdered his priesthood leader Abel, seeking to replace him and his posterity with his own. (D&C 121:16-21) ] and with his wife and many of his brethren dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east [ The Hebrew for east means "faceward or frontward"; thus, driving Adam from before his face is part of the continuing east- ward movement (see Alma 42:2). ] of Eden.

42 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bare Enoch, [ This is not the same Enoch or the same city as the other Enoch, a descendant of Abel. The name Enoch comes from the Hebrew word Enosh, which comes from the older Hebrew word, Ish, which is the word for MAN; thus Enoch means MAN. Not the same as the one who build up the city of Enoch. In Abr 1:21-22, 24) we learn a little more about Cain's descendants. Ham's wife was a descendant of Cain; thus her sons were not able to administer the Gospel to their posterity, and the curse was preserved. ] and he also begat many sons and daughters. And he builded a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. [ This is not the same city as the city of Enoch found in Moses 7 either. We now have two cities by the name of Enoch—one named after Cain's son, and the other named after Abel's descendant. ]

43 And unto Enoch was born Irad, [ Why do we have these genealogies here? This suggests that they are still living under the patriarchal order of government, and although Cain and his descendants are not permitted to administer the Gospel, they are still choosing patriarchs. ] and other sons and daughters. And Irad begat Mahujael, and other sons and daughters. And Mahujael begat Methusael, and other sons and daughters. And Methusael begat Lamech.

44 And Lamech [ The Great, great, great grandson of Cain. Cain had Enoch (not the righteous Enoch), Enoch had Irad; Irad had Mehujael; Mehujael had Methusael and Methusael had Lamech. This Lamech is not the same as the father of Noah. Cain -> Enoch -> Irad -> Mahujael -> Methusael -> Lamech verses The Genealogy of Noah: Adam -> Seth -> Enosh -> Kenan -> Mahalalel -> Jared -> Enoch -> Methuselah -> Lamech -> Noah] took unto himself two wives; [ Lamech and Adah have: Jabal and Jubal Lamech and Zillah have: Tubal Cain and Nammah ] the name of one being Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.

45 And Adah bare Jabal; he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and they were keepers of cattle; and his brother’s name was Jubal, [ The word, Jubal, is the source of where we get our word for Jubilee. ] who was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

46 And Zillah, she also bare Tubal Cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron. [ If you consider that Cain was to be a fugitive and a vagabond, and would not have a homeland, and that his sons were dealing in music, brass, and iron or metalwork, and combine all of these elements in those first generations, the group of people that most likely fits this type of lifestyle are the Gypsies. They have no homeland—they are fugitives and vagabonds in every European country. They can't make anything grow, and it is one of the reasons they are always on the move. As early as the 1300s, there are written accounts of the Romani being called “the children of Cain.” Because of the reputation they had for fortune- telling, kidnapping, and thievery, they were persecuted and driven from every place they went. They got into the entertainment business early as traveling musicians. ] And the sister of Tubal Cain was called Naamah.

47 And Lamech said unto his wives, [ Lamech is telling the story to his wives here. Here Lamech is telling his wives that he has slain Cain and another man in order to keep secret the murder he has committed. Sharing that he was now THE LEADER “Master Mahan” of the secret combination with Lucifer. And that he just murdered a man for the OATH'S SAKE. Because Irad his Great Grandfather was “talking” to the son's of Adam. (presumably Christians revealing Lucifer's plans to them. vs 49.) There are books that contain the traditions and accounts of the things going on here. One of these books is The Forgotten Books of Eden. This book says the righteous move up into the mountains (righteous Enoch and his people) and the wicked settle in the valleys. Eventually, the wicked in the valleys entice the righteous to come down off the mountains. ] Adah and Zillah: Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech; for I have slain a man [ Irad. ] to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.

48 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech shall be seventy and seven fold; [ The wives do not keep it a secret so now he has everyone after him. His punishment is seventy times greater than Cain's because there are more after him than Cain less places to hide. Notice the women in this story – From the point of Lamech, the secret combinations (full of males) did NOT include their wives in the secret. EVER. Because these 2 brave wives of Lamech they EXPOSED the entire operation of the secret combinations abroad. Without any compassion for Lamech. ]

49 For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, [ Lamech is so bad that he has made a covenant with Satan, Cain just bought into the idea that he could have power. Here Lamech his grandson has made an oath with Satan himself. ] after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, [ Lamech kills Cain, who had been Master Mahan, in order to become Master Mahan. ] master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known their secret, began to reveal it unto the sons of Adam; [ This is the reason why Lamech killed Irad; because he was telling people about the secret combinations that were had by the followers of Cain. This gives us a small glimpse into how prevalent these works of darkness where during the time of Enoch. ]

50 Wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, [ Irad - because in vs 49 he was revealing the secret oath to son's of Adam. ] not like unto Cain, his brother Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath’s sake. [ So apparently Irad was one who made the oath as well and tried to get out of the gang. Lamech then kills his Great Grandfather, Irad, because of the oath. Irad had started telling people about the murder Lamech had committed – a huge indiscretion in a secret combination. Remember, an oath is always a symbol of death and sacrifice. ]

51 For, from the days of Cain, [ The sponsor - the father of lies vs 24. ] there was a secret combination, [ See Helaman 6:21-30; Ether 8:13-25. The key to unseen power is through an oath, a covenant- either for good or for evil. This is a universal law of the universe. ] and their works were in the dark, [ "secret". The connection between Satan and secret works of darkness is especially clear in 1 Enoch, which teaches that the fallen angel Azaz’el led hosts of angels down to the earth, where they introduced forbidden knowledge and a variety of sins to humankind (Parallels between 1 Enoch, the Book of Moses, and the Book of Mormon in this regard can be found in the appendix to Scripture Central, “Book of Moses Evidence: Theme of Darkness,” Evidence 479 (January 31, 2025).)] and they knew every man his brother. [ Everyone in the gang knew who else was in the gang. OR Could mean homosexual acts were taking place - or both. So we then learn from the Book Of Treasures that the Sons of Seth, these honorable righteous men can't help themselves and they look down into the valley below at the half naked daughters of Cain who are flanting themselves with the sons of Cain and it is intriguing at first, then it becomes very appealing, to the point that they start to consider the idea of going down from their mountain and joining in the activities below. They have been kept and have lived a very sheltered life and are now pulled outside of their wheelhouse into a completely different world, to which Jared warns them not to go down. And they are given this warning: "Hearken, O ye children of Seth, no man who shall transgress the commandment of Jared, and break] the oaths of our fathers, and go down from this mountain, shall never [sic] again ascend it. (Treasures Fol. 13a, col.1) These men know it is a sin to follow their lustful desires, but seem determined to follow them any way. However; for protection among themselves their leader will cause them to swear an oath "that what will happen in Vegas, will stay in Vegas". "I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed, and I alone shall have to pay the penalty of a great sin." (1 Enoch 6:1) And so they "all swear an oath, and all bind [themselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan but to do this thing."( 1 Enoch 6:1) Imprecations means "curse" which sounds alot like a blood oath. This bound by their new dark oaths, the Sons of Seth "went down to the camp of Cain],"(Treasures Fol. 13a, col.1) or, as Clement wrote, they "trode the impious path downward."(Clementine Homilies 8:13) These holy men "[left the height of heaven and ….. came down to earth, to the folly of the dancing of the children of Cain."(Kebra Nogast 100) The daughters of Cain are smitten by the "goodliness of the children of Seth" and "they gripped them like ravening beasts and defiled their bodies." (Treasures Fol. 13a, col.1) It is not until the Sons of Seth try to come back up the mountain, that they realize that Enoch's prophecy is true: the mighty men of Seth are stuck in Cain-land.(Treasures Fol. 13a, col.1) The once glorious guardians of the Holy Mountain had "sunk into defilement and altogether emptied of their power, were unable to turn back to the first purity of their proper nature." (Treasures Fol. 13a, col.2) Assuming these apocryphal accounts are correct, what did Joseph get right? 1) Adam and Eve were the good guys (Moses 5:4) 2) The Children of Cain multiplied like rabbits (Moses 6:15) 3) The sons of Seth were originally good guys too (Moses 5:12, 6:16) 4) They fell into wickedness and loved Satan more than God (Moses 5:13) 5) They made Satan their leader (Moses 6:15) 6) The Sons of Seth fell and became "carnal, sensual and devilish" (Moses 5:13) Perhaps more importantly, what did Joseph not get wrong? Joseph didn't say the generation of Seth were all good people. He didn't say Adam and Eve were the wicked ones. He didn't say things were all fine until Noah showed up. Joseph's Genesis meshes with the narratives of these rediscovered writings again and again. (Lost Gems of Genesis pg.117)]

52 Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; [ So it would appear that these sons of Seth hve now gone so far as to make oaths with Satan, secret combinations with him ] for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men. [ sons of men verses sons of God - men because they are carnal. ]

53 And among the daughters of men these things were not spoken, [ Why? well Lamech learned that if he told his wives it was going to get spread quickly; so the men learned that they would not longer tell their wives - that was part of the oath. ] because that Lamech had spoken the secret [ Lamech shared the oaths with those who were outside of the combination - his wife or wives. According to 1 Enoch 9:3 "He revealed to [ the women] all kinds of sins". and how the Sons of Seth "revealed to [the women] all kinds of sins." Notice that the secrets brought by the Sons of Seth are first "revealed to (the women]," i.e. to their new Cainite side-gals. Maybe the Sons of God were used to marriage fidelity and trust between partners before, but not so down here. These secrets don't just stay with the misses: they very quickly get out everywhere. Because of these mysterious secrets, there is a very real risk that "the children of men may not perish"(1 Enoch 10:1) altogether. What are these secrets that are taking over? How could things be any worse than before? What kind of secrets could threaten the very existence of mankind? What are these new sins? According to the Book of Jasher, the great abomination was specifically not reproducing: "For in those days the sons of men began to trespass against God, and to transgress the commandments which he had commanded to Adam, to be fruitful and multiply in the earth."" (Jasher 2:19) With the help of their "cutting of roots" and "plants," the Sons of Seth managed to prevent procreation-not by refraining from sex-but through sterilization and abortion: "Some of the sons of men caused their wives to drink a draught that would render them barren, in order that they might retain their figures and whereby their beautiful appearance might not fade.... the sons of men caused some of their wives to drink." (Jasher 2:19-21) The phrasing here is tricky: the men "caused [them to drink"? Does that mean the women were not consenting to this? It sounds as if men were forcing sterility on their own women. Jasher explains why: "The child-bearing women appeared abominable in the sight of their husbands as widows. whilst their husbands lived, for to the barren ones only they were attached" (Jasher 2:22) Suggesting that they would forcefully sterilize their own wife for cosmetic reasons. The Treasures account says in their "lustful frenzy" the "children of Seth" were so debased that "they would not leave unravished a single virgin in all the race of the children of men." (Treasures Fol 15a. col.1) Sexual depravity led to sexual slavery as the insatiable mighty men "went to the daughters of men and took their wives by force from their husbands according to their choice". (Jasher 4:18) ] unto his wives, and they [ His wives. ] rebelled against him, [ Did not take kindly to his infidelity, just as most women would. ] and declared these things abroad, and had not compassion;

54 Wherefore [ This is why. ] Lamech was despised, and cast out, and came not among the sons of men, [ Those sons and daughters that where not taught the gospel, or did not accept the gospel whne taught to them. ] lest he should die. [ Once the secret was out he was afraid that he would be found and killed. Lamech once he had revealed the secret oaths and combinations he could not even go out among those who did not believe, the unrighteous, those who had administered the oath in the first place. This is the exact same oath administered by the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon. ]

55 And thus the works of darkness began to prevail [ Become very common. ] among all the sons of men. [ Wicked men as opposed to the sons of God. All those who covenanted with Satan were excluded from the holy covenants of God, though they pretended that everything was the same as before. The dirty business spread as such things do once started; Lamech became an outcast like Cain, not because of the murder but because his wives started spreading his confidential secrets—the very ones he had murdered Irad for divulging. ]

56 And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, [ Or a foreshadowing the flood. ] and was angry with the wicked, [ ] with all the sons of men whom he had made; [ We are now five generations after Adam. Adam was the head of the first dispensation and Enoch is the head of another dispensation. Why is there a need to have another dispensation? Because there has been a falling away! The goal of every dispensational prophet is to establish Zion. Because of these secret oaths and combinations, every prophet has failed to establish Zion except for Enoch and Melchizedek. They were translated, not because they were so righteous, but because the world became too wicked for them to remain here. When people no longer desire more light and truth, works of darkness can take root within the hearts of the people. ]

57 For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten son, [ Because that would cause them to change their behavior, and they did not want to do that. The definition of the sons of men. Those who neither hearken nor believe in Jesus Christ, nor would they listen to His prophets who declared Him. ] even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world. [ Recognition that Christ was foreordained in the world before this one. Pre-mortality. ]

58 And thus the Gospel began to be preached, [ We are three generations in at this point. How did God teach the gospel to Adam and Eve? see 1,2 3 He teaches Adam and Eve how to return to his presence and have eternal life. ] from the beginning, being [1] declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, [ The three sent ones(Jewish Midrash), D&C 29:42. ] and [2] by his own voice, and [3] by the gift of the Holy Ghost[ So we have it from 3 sources or witnesses. ].

59 And thus all things were confirmed [ Means "made more firm, strengthened or established". See Alma 12:29. ] unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, [ Adam knew and had all of the saving ordinances these are the same ordinances since the beginning - there is only one gospel Journal of Discourses Vol 24 pg 239-240. ] and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, [ The Gospel, there is only one, and has never been more than one, and it has been the same - it has never changed from the beginning when it was preached to Adam until now. ] until the end thereof; and thus it was. Amen.