The events that led to Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden were important to Book of Mormon prophets. Lehi used this story to explain the importance of opposition and agency to his sons. (See 2 Nephi 2.) King Benjamin used it to persuade his people to repent and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. (See Mosiah 3.) Alma used it to explain the purpose of mortal life, which he called a “probationary state.” (See Alma 12; Alma 42.) Samuel juxtaposed it with the death of Jesus Christ, declaring that Adam’s fall cut us off from God’s presence but the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings us back into His presence. (See Helaman 14:15-17.) And Moroni characterized the Fall as an essential element of God’s plan for His children. (See Mormon 9:11-13.)
The events which led to the Fall are described in Genesis 3. Further insight comes from Joseph Smith’s inspired revision of this chapter, which is found in Moses 4. Here is a structural summary of the key components of that story, with verse references in both of those chapters:
| Component | Genesis 3 | Moses 4 |
|---|---|---|
| The serpent convinces Eve to eat the fruit; Eve convinces Adam | v. 1-7 | v. 1-13 |
| God asks what they have done, and they confess | v. 8-13 | v. 14-19 |
| Consequences for the serpent | v. 14-15 | v. 20-21 |
| Consequences for Eve | v. 16 | v. 22 |
| Consequences for Adam | v. 17-19 | v. 23-25 |
| A name and clothing | v. 20-21 | v. 26-27 |
| God prevents them from partaking of the tree of life | v. 22-24 | v. 28-31 |
This week, we will take a close look at how this chapter influenced the Book of Mormon. We will specifically discuss the role of the two trees in the garden, the meaning of the term “natural man,” the reason God blocked Adam and Eve from the tree of life, and the relationship between our fallen state and our creation in the image of God.
Hmmm…
I love your insights.
However, in your summary of events I think it is significant that Adam and Eve tried to “fix” their mistake themselves.
I think the making of their “own” covering of fig leaves and their desire to “hide” are very important to our earthly experience.
I serve in a LDS/YSA Stake Sponsored 12 Step Overcoming Pornography Program.
Pornography is so easy to “hide.”
It is so convenient to think we can “fix” our pornography habit ourselves.
This is an example of one sin falling into the “make your own fig leaves” for a covering and “hide” from confronting your mistake. We could find hundreds more.
I think the Lord covering Adam and Eve with the skin of the ultimate sacrifice of another creature is symbolic, prophetic, beautiful and tied to our initiatory temple experience.
Just an additional thought to a wonderful summary of events. 🤍
Thanks for your GREAT service ⭐️
Thank you for sharing those insights. It’s a story with rich symbolism and many lessons. I appreciate the reminder that we need God’s help to overcome significant challenges.