Inductive Bible Study- Isaiah 40:25-31

Inductive Bible Study- Isaiah 40:25-31
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Isaiah 40:25-31
Phase I: Foundation Step
Isaiah, the son of Amoz, wrote the bbok of Isaih between 739 and 681 B.C. The name Isaiah means 'the lord is salvation'; thus, the writings reflect this idea. It is a prophetic book as Isaiah was a prophet in Jerusalem during the reigns of King Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, Ahaz, and Manasseh of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He was primarily called to prophesy to the kingdom of Judah, which was going through times of rebellion and revival.
The book explains the sobering sins of the Israelites as they had turned a deaf ear to the Lord. For instance, instead of serving their one true God and being kind and helpful to their neighbors, the Israelites offered meaningless sacrifices at the temple of God in Jerusalem and committed injustices to their neighbors.
However, the book also speaks of salvation for the small remnant of faithful Israelites when they turn away from their wicked ways. However, the writings of Isaiah are argued to be for an implied audience.
For an inductive Bible study session, an individual needs study tools and resources such as a Bible encyclopedia or dictionary for researching authors, cities, nations, kingdoms, and recipients. Another tool is the bible handbook which explores cities, politics, customs, and histories of various people or places in the Bible. It provides a wealth of background information for ease of comprehension of the topic under study. The Bible Atlas is a significant study resource. It offers in-depth information on the landscape, geography, and climatic conditions of regions in the Biblical era. Bible commentaries also make up essential study tools because they provide section-by-section or verse-by-verse discussions of each book in the Bible. These resources are available in diverse volumes at any Christian library or bookstore. The purpose of the book of Isaiah is to warn people against rebellion and sin and promises them salvation when they desist from wickedness.

Phase II: Framing
Verses 25-31 of chapter 40 of Isaiah proclaim God's divine power and dispute any claim of another supreme power. Verses 25-27 reveal a dispute on the power of God.
In verse 25, the Lord asks, "To whom will you compare or liken me?" Verse 26 explains the attributes and power of God. In verse 27, the people of Israel accuse God of 'disregarding' their interest by hiding His face from them. They believe that another god is holding their interests at heart and not the Lord, who calls them His own.
Verses 28-31 explain the attributes of God and the future (rewards for those who will heed the voice of God). Verse 28 explains that the Lord, the creator of all, is full of strength, and He neither faints nor gets weary. Additionally, it demonstrates that the understanding of God is limitless, and no one can search for them. Verse 29 promises that God will give strength to the weary, while verse 30 warns those who do not do right by God. Verse 30 promises a beautiful future for all waiting for the Lord.

Phase III: Finish Work Step
Two types of paragraphs are used in the Bible. They comprise historical (tell a story) and conceptual (explore a concept or fact) (Ferrin, 2003). The passage in Isaiah 40:25-31 is composed of conceptual paragraphs.
In verse 25, Isaiah's intention is clear. He seeks to declare the supremacy of God. He asks if any other being or thing can be likened to God.
In verse 26, Isaiah further emphasizes the power of God. He tells the children of Israel to lift their eyes and see the power of God's creation. He continues by saying that God knows the hosts of the skies by name and that no one can be misplaced.
In verse 27, Isaiah admonishes the Israelites and the house of Jacob for saying that the Lord has hidden His face from them. In verse 28, Isaiah emphasizes the power of God by questioning the Israelites if they have heard and known that God, the creator and mighty, never fails or gets weary. Isaiah gives a condition to the Israelites in verse 29. He explains that God will only provide power to the faint and increase the strength of those with no might.
Verse 30 is a continuation of verse 29. It explains that even young men (who are supposed to be full of strength) shall fail. This verse is left incomplete. Verse 31 completes the previous verse. It is a condition, promise, and assurance to all who will wait upon the Lord. Isaiah explains that for all who will wait upon the Lord (condition), their strength will be renewed, soar up like eagles, and run and walk but will never get weary (promise).
Consequently, two types of phrases or words are used for practical Bible study- topical and conceptual. The former are concrete words that represent events, people, or places in a passage, while the latter is more abstract and conveys ideas, concepts, or facts. Since the passage is conceptual, the phrases utilized are also conceptual. They seek answers to questions such as what the author is trying to say by using such a word or phrase. They include phrases and words such as the Holy One, shall I be equal, and who will ye liken with. However, the passage consists of topical words such as Jacob and Israel. These are indicated below:
Verse 25: To whom will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? Saith the Holy One. In this verse, the author is seeking answers from the Israelites. The phrase 'Will ye liken me' and 'shall I be equal' means 'compare to me.' On the other hand, 'Holy One' refers to God Almighty, worthy of complete devotion, exalted, and perfect in righteousness and goodness.
Verse 2...