Outlining The Text Assignment
Malcolm Short
Bibl 300: Pentateuch
September 8, 2022
Genesis 3:1-7
I. Humanity’s loyalty to God is tested (Gen. 3:1-6).
A. The crafty serpent questioned the woman about God’s commands (Gen. 3:1).
i. The serpent asked the woman if God said they must not eat from any tree in
the garden (Gen. 3:1).
ii. The woman clarified, telling the serpent of God’s commands, restricting
them from only the tree in the middle of the garden. (Gen. 3:2).
iii. The consequence of failing to adhere to this command is death. (Gen. 3:2).
B. The woman is tempted by the serpent (Gen. 3:4-5).
i. The serpent convinced the woman that she would not die upon eating the
fruit but that her eyes would be opened, and she would know good and evil as
God does (Gen. 3:4-5). ii. The woman was delighted by the tree’s food and
desired its ability to increase her wisdom (Gen. 3:6).
II. Humanity sins against God. (Gen. 3:6-7).
A. The woman gave in to the temptation (Gen. 3:6).
i. The woman ate from the tree and gave the fruit to her husband to eat (Gen.
3:6).
B. The man and woman became aware of good and evil and experienced its
implications (Gen. 3:7).
i. They knew they were naked, and in shame, they covered themselves with
fig leaves (Gen. 3:7).
Upon organizing this outline, I considered the passage’s application in the grand narrative of the
biblical story. The most impactful theological implications are the serpent’s role in humanity’s
downfall and mankind’s failure to keep God’s commands. God’s word initially set the world into
order and prosperity, while the words serpent brought death and shame.1 Understanding this
contradiction and the continuing parallels throughout Scripture provides a solid foundation
through this early passage.
Exodus 14:1-12
I. God devises a plan to display His sovereignty over the Egyptians (Ex. 14:1-4).
A. God commands the nation of Israel to turn back and encamp east of Egypt (Ex.
14:1-2).
1 Allen P. Ross, “Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 32.
i. God warns Moses that the Egyptians will believe they are lost when they see
them encamped by the sea (Ex. 14:2-3). B. God would harden Pharoah’s
heart (Ex. 14:3-4).
i. Pharoah will assume that the Israelites are trapped by the desert and cannot
continue their journey (Ex. 14:3).
ii. Pharoah would pursue the Israelites, but God ensures Moses that He will
gain the glory over Pharoah, and the Egyptians will know He is Lord (Ex.
14:4).
II. God allows Pharoah to pursue the Israelites (Ex. 14:5-9).
A. Pharoah regretted releasing the people of Israel from captivity and servitude (Ex.
14:5).
i. Pharoah readied the chariots and horsemen of Egypt to pursue them (Ex.
14:6).
B. Pharoah intended to recapture the people of Israel (Ex. 14:7-9).
i. Pharoah set out in pursuit of the Israelites with 600 chariots and found the
Israelites by the sea (Ex. 14:8-9).
III. The Israelites doubt God’s protection over them when being pursued by the Egyptians
(Ex. 14: 10-12).
A. The Israelites feared for their lives and newfound freedom (Ex. 14:10-11).
i. The Israelites cried out to the Lord (Ex. 14:10).
ii. The Israelites turned on Moses and began questioning his competency as a
leader (Ex. 14:11).
B. The Israelites began to lose faith (Ex. 14:11-12).
i. The Israelites expressed that they would have preferred serving the
Egyptians than dying in the wilderness (Ex. 14:12).
This outline emphasizes God’s sovereignty amid the Israelite’s distrust and rebellion. This theme
reoccurs throughout Scripture but is often highlighted in the book of Exodus. In times of duress
and fear, the Israelites cried out to the Lord but had no confidence that He could help.2 In light of
the cross, this shows God’s devotion to the covenant He promises to the nation of Israel through
His loving loyalty.
Numbers 14:11-19
I. God questions Moses about the Israelite’s disobedience and offers him a deal (Num.
14:11-12).
II. God tells Moses that He will disinherit the Israelites (Num. 14:12).
A. God offers to make Moses into a nation greater than the Israelites (Num. 14:12).
III. Moses pleads with God to fulfill His promises (Num. 14:13-17).
A. Moses tells God that the Egyptians have heard He dwells with the people (Num.
14:13-14).
B. Moses tells God that if He kills the Israelites, people will think it is because He
could not deliver on His promises (Num. 14:16).
i. Moses asks that the Lord’s power be shown (Num. 14:17).
IV. Moses appeals to God’s good nature (Num. 14:18-19).
A. Moses reminds the Lord that He is slow to anger, abounding in love, and just
(Num. 14:18).
B. Moses asks God to forgive the people of Israel just as He has since they left Egypt
(Num. 14:19).
This outline simply displays God’s position with the Israelite nation before they entered the
promised land. Israel, a nation that has seen signs and wonders of God’s power and authority
over them, continues to disobey His command. God expresses His frustration with Moses, who
intercedes on their behalf, even after an enticing offer from God. Merrill states, “As tempting as
the Lord’s offer (v. 12) might be to some, Moses’ love for his people and for the integrity of the
2 John D. Hannah, “Exodus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J.
F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 131.
Lord’s reputation led him to reject it and seek God’s forgiveness of the people.”3 This passage
showcases God’s grace for us and dedication to His covenant.
Bibliography
Hannah, John D.. “Exodus.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 102-162. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books,
1985.
Merrill, Eugene H.. “Numbers.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 215-258. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books,
1985.
Ross, Allen P.. “Genesis.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 15-101. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
3 Eugene H. Merrill, “Numbers,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,
ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 231.
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