Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events
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Cain was taught the gospel but he rebelled against it (see Moses 5:12, 16, 18, 25–31; see also Helaman 6:26–27).
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Cain made an offering to God only after Satan commanded him. His offering was not what God had commanded (see Moses 5:5) and God did not accept it (see Moses 5:18–21; see also Hebrews 11:4; D&C 124:75).
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God warns sinners, giving them many opportunities to repent (see Moses 5:22–25, 34–35; see also Mosiah 26:30; D&C 138:30–35).
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We cannot hide our sins from God (see Moses 5:35; see also Proverbs 15:3; 2 Nephi 9:20; 27:27; Alma 39:8; D&C 1:3).
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Cain and some of his descendants chose to reject the gospel and therefore did not enjoy its blessings (see Moses 5:26–54; 7:22; see also Alma 3:19; 32:19; D&C 82:3).
Suggestions for Teaching
Moses 5:16–28. Cain and His Offering
Have students find phrases in Moses 5:16–28that describe Cain and his offering. Ask: How did Cain feel about the Lord? Why did Cain make an offering? What did he offer? Discuss why God did not accept his offering (see also the
Moses 5:21–28. Cain Was Warned
Have students read Moses 5:22–26looking for the role of agency in Cain’s decision to rebel. Ask students why Cain was wroth at his punishment. What caused this punishment to come upon Cain? Review with students the commentary for Moses 5:23–26in the student manual (pp. 17–18). Testify that Cain, like all of us, was accountable for the exercise of his agency.
Moses 5:29–35. Cain Killed Abel
Have students read Moses 5:29–33and discuss the events that took place before Cain slew Abel. Read verse 33 and ask students what they think Cain meant when he said he was “free” (see also the
Moses 5:36–41. The Lord Cursed Cain
List the curses that the Lord placed upon Cain, as described in Moses 5:36–37, 41. Discuss what Cain said in verses 38–39 when God cursed him. Compare Cain’s response to the responses of Adam and Eve after they partook of the fruit (see Moses 4:18–29; 5:10–11). Why do the wicked and the righteous respond differently when confronted with their own sins? (see also 1 Nephi 16:1–3).
Moses 5:42–54. Cain’s Descendants Were Wicked
Have students read Moses 5:42–54and list the wicked deeds of Cain’s descendants. How were Lamech and Irad related? What happened to Lamech and why? Remind students that wicked parents share the responsibility for the sins of their children (see Ezekiel 18:20; 2 Nephi 4:3–7; D&C 68:25). Have students read 1 Nephi 17:33–41and discuss why the Lord curses, or punishes, the wicked and blesses and makes covenants with the righteous.
