Genesis 4

Sacrifice in Similitude of the Only Begotten

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. Genesis 4:3–5

Abel offered the firstborn of his flock, the offering God had commanded as a likeness of the sacrifice of His Only Begotten. It was accepted because it was offered in faith pointing to Christ; Cain's was not.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it · another scripture interprets it of Him

• interpreted by Moses 5:7 — Animal sacrifice 'is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father.'
• a parallel account in Moses 5:20 — The same offerings of Cain and Abel.
• alluded to by Hebrews 11:4 — 'By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.'

Jehovah

Jehovah — the unchangeable One, the eternal I AM (rendered LORD)

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? Genesis 4:6–15

Jehovah pleads with Cain before and after the murder, offering acceptance if he will do well. Even while pronouncing judgment, He sets a mark to protect Cain.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · another scripture interprets it of Him

• a parallel account in Moses 5:22-39 — The fuller account of the Lord's words to Cain.

Abel, the Righteous Shepherd Slain

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. Genesis 4:8–10

Abel, a keeper of sheep who offered an accepted sacrifice, was killed by his own brother out of envy, just as Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was delivered up by His own people. Hebrews says Christ's blood speaks better things than Abel's.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• alluded to by Hebrews 12:24 — Jesus' 'blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.'
• alluded to by Matthew 23:35 — Jesus names 'the blood of righteous Abel.'

Seed of the Woman

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. Genesis 4:25

Eve calls Seth an appointed 'seed,' echoing the promised seed of Genesis 3:15. Seth's line is the line through which Jesus would be born.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• alludes to Genesis 3:15 — The promised seed of the woman.

Jehovah

Jehovah — the unchangeable One, the eternal I AM (rendered LORD)

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. Genesis 4:26

The righteous began to worship by calling on the name of Jehovah. Adam had been taught to call upon God in the name of the Son (Moses 5:8).

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Moses 6:4 — 'then began these men to call upon the name of the Lord.'