Moses 4:20–32

The Consequences of the Fall

Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events

God cursed Satan (see Moses 4:20–21).
The Fall of Adam and Eve brought many consequences, including mortality, work, and the opportunity to have and raise children (see Moses 4:22–26, 29; see also John 16:21; Ephesians 5:22–24; see also 1 Timothy 2:14–15; D&C 75:28; 83:2).
After the Fall, God made coats of animal skins to clothe Adam and Eve’s nakedness. He also sent angels and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life (see Moses 4:27, 31), thus preventing Adam and Eve from partaking of the fruit of the tree and living forever in their sins (see Alma 12:21–26; 42:2–4).

Suggestions for Teaching

Moses 4:20–21. The Consequences of the Fall upon Satan and His Followers

Ask a student to read Moses 4:20–21 aloud while the rest of the class follows along, looking for the consequences of the Fall upon Satan and his followers. Refer to the commentary under “Moses 4:21. Enmity” and “Moses 4:21. The ‘Seed of the Woman’ Refers to the Savior, Jesus Christ” in the student manual. Ask who the “seed of the woman” is. Discuss how the prophecy will be fulfilled that “he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

Moses 4:22–26, 29. The Fall of Adam and Eve Brought Many Consequences, Including Mortality, Work, and the Opportunity to Have and Raise Children.

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Adam and Eve driven out of Eden

Explain to students that neither Eve nor Adam were “cursed” for their transgression, but the Lord did pronounce consequences upon them. Invite a few students to read Moses 4:22–26, 29 aloud while the rest of the class follows along, looking for the consequences of Adam and Eve’s transgression. Discuss students’ findings by making a list of the consequences on the board. Review with students the commentaries under “Moses 4:22. ‘I Will Greatly Multiply Thy Sorrow’”; “Moses 4:22. ‘He Shall Rule over Thee’”; “Moses 4:23–25. ‘Cursed Shall Be the Ground for Thy Sake’”; “Moses 4:25. ‘By the Sweat of Thy Face Shalt Thou Eat Bread’”; and “Moses 4:25. Death Entered the World” in the student manual. Ask students how the thorns and thistles mentioned in verse 24 can be likened to what we experience in mortality. Ask students why they think the Lord gives us (or allows us to have) trials in our lives (see also 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; D&C 122:7). Testify that all these consequences can be perceived as blessings.

Moses 4:27–31. Parting Blessings

Ask students to find the things God did for Adam and Eve before sending them away from the Garden of Eden. You may want to suggest that students mark these things in their scriptures. Discuss how each of these things was a blessing for Adam and Eve, and for us today (see Alma 12:21–26; 42:2–4).