Obadiah 1 teaches children that God sees when people are mean to each other and that He will make things right in the end. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sees when people are unkind, and He always keeps His promises to make things right.
Memory Verse
Obadiah 1:15
For the day of the LORD is near all the nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head.
(WEB)
Stand up tall, then cross your arms over your chest like you are giving a hug to yourself. Say the verse slowly while you hold the hug, then open your arms wide when you say “your own head” so the children remember that God’s justice comes back around.
The Story: Obadiah 1 for Kids
Long ago, there was a people group called the Edomites. They lived in high rocky mountains, and they thought they were very safe up there. They were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. Esau and Jacob had been brothers, but they had not always gotten along.
The prophet Obadiah had a message from God for the Edomites. God said that He had made them small among the nations, and people did not respect them anymore. Their pride had fooled them into thinking no one could ever bring them down. Their hearts were full of pride, and they thought they were above everyone else.
Now here is the sad part. When the people of Judah, who were God’s people, were in trouble, the Edomites did not help them. Instead, they stood by and looked on. They even laughed at their brothers when enemies carried off their things. God was not happy about this at all, and He said that the Edomites would be treated the way they treated others.
God also made a promise for the future. He said that the day was coming when His kingdom would be set up, and the people who were hurt would be restored. Obadiah said that the house of Jacob would be like a fire and that the Edomites would be like dry straw. God’s people would be safe, and God would be the one who rules as King.
Read It Together
Obadiah 1:3-4
3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ 4 Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that the Edomites thought they were safe because they lived high up in the rocks. Ask the children where they feel safe when they are scared, and then explain that God is the only one who is truly safe.
Obadiah 1:12
But don’t look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and don’t rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Don’t speak proudly in the day of distress.
(WEB)
Show the children how God did not want the Edomites to laugh when their brothers were hurting. Explain that God wants us to be kind to people who are going through hard times, not to make fun of them or get happy when they get hurt.
Obadiah 1:21
Saviors will go up on Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will be the LORD’s.
(WEB)
Remind the children that the last verse of the chapter ends with God’s kingdom. Explain that this means God will always be in charge and will always make everything right in the end.
Talk About It
- What did the Edomites do when their brothers were in trouble, and how do you think that made God feel?
- Why do you think pride can make people think they are safer than they really are?
- What is one way you can be kind to someone who is having a hard day?
- How does it make you feel to know that God sees everything that happens to His people?
- When have you seen someone treat another person unfairly, and what could you do about it?
Activity Ideas
Mountain Fortress Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall mountain with a little house or nest near the top. Then have them draw a big, strong God standing beside the mountain. Talk about how the Edomites thought their mountain would keep them safe, but only God is truly strong enough to protect His people.
Lift Each Other Up Game
You will need an open space and a soft ball or beanbag. Stand the children in a circle and have them toss the ball to each other while saying something kind about the person they are throwing it to. If someone drops the ball, they must say something kind to the person next to them before playing again. This helps children practice treating others well instead of laughing when someone struggles.
Kindness Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small envelope for each child. Have the children write or draw one way they can be kind to a family member or friend this week. Let them decorate the card and put it in the envelope to take home. Encourage them to look at it each day as a reminder that God wants us to care for others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Obadiah 1 is a warning about pride and a reminder that cruelty toward others does not go unseen by God. The Edomites were judged not only for their pride but for standing by while their own brothers suffered. The chapter also looks forward to the day when God’s rule will be fully established and His people will be restored.
When teaching children, be careful not to make the lesson about hating the Edomites or any other group of people. Focus instead on God’s character: He sees injustice, He cares for His people, and He keeps His promises. Keep the message hopeful and centered on God’s love and faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for seeing everything that happens to us and to our friends. Help us to be kind when others are hurting and never to laugh at people who are sad or scared. Teach us to trust You to make things right, because You are our strong and faithful King. Amen.
