As you prepare to teach, begin your preparation with prayer and by reading Obadiah 1:10-17 several times through. One of our main priorities with Explore the Bible is to help you to engage Scripture in its proper context and so that you are better prepared to live it out in your own context. In the student leader guide material you are given some context information, but we also want to refer you to this blog post by John MacArthur’s organization, Grace to You, for further context on the Book of Obadiah.
- What is significant about the context of the Book of Obadiah? Specifically, what do you think is important to take into consideration about the context of chapter 1?
- As far as the background and setting, what is pertinent information about Obadiah and the Edomites that might be good for you to share with your students? Obadiah is God’s prophet who wrote these words when the Edomites (Esau’s descendants) had just attacked Jerusalem.
- Also, keep in mind the interpretive challenge regarding who borrowed from whom as you prepare to teach. If you’re interested to read more about this challenge, we would suggest using a more in-depth commentary in your study and preparation time.
- For more on God’s proclamations regarding the nation of Edom, see Malachi 1:1-5.
We are praying for you as you continue to point students to Christ as you teach! Please let us know if there’s any way we can help as you teach through the Minor Prophets. Blessings!