The United House of Prayer For All People

OF THE CHURCH ON THE ROCK OF THE APOSTOLIC FAITH

The Honorable Bishop A. D. Cunningham, Leader

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON GLOSSARY

October 20, 2024
 

1. AMBASSADOR: Likely a heavenly messenger.
2. CALAMITY: Refers to a time of great distress, misfortune, or disaster that befalls a person or a nation. Specifically, it denotes the suffering experienced by the people of Judah during their invasion and subsequent destruction by foreign powers, notably Babylon.
The calamity signifies not only physical destruction but also emotional and spiritual anguish faced by the people.
3. CHILDREN OF ISRAEL: Refers to the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God. This term encompasses the twelve tribes that emerged from Jacob’s sons and is often used to denote the collective identity of the Hebrew
people throughout biblical texts.
4. CLEFTS OF THE ROCK: Refers to the geographical and metaphorical position of Edom, a nation that was known for its mountainous terrain and fortified cities. The Edomites inhabited a region characterized by high cliffs and rocky landscapes, particularly around
Petra, their capital.
5. CONFEDERACY: Refers to a coalition or alliance formed between Edom and other nations. This alliance was characterized by mutual agreements for support and cooperation, particularly in times of conflict.
6. DESPISED: The Hebrew word used for “despised” suggests a sense of being treated as insignificant or of little value.
7. DISMAYED: Refers to a state of being filled with terror or fear that leads to a loss of courage and resolve.
8. EDOM: Was kingdom that bordered ancient Israel and was located in what is now southwestern Jordan. The Edomites were a Semitic people who were descendants of Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah.

9. ESAU: Represents the nation of Edom, which is descended from him.
10. FIELDS OF EPHRAIM: Refers to a specific geographical area that was historically associated with the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel.

11. FIELDS OF SAMARIA: Refers to the agricultural lands and territories that were historically associated with the northern kingdom of Israel, known as Samaria.

12. GRAPEGATHERERS: The term “grapegatherers” serves as a metaphor to illustrate the thoroughness of Edom’s impending destruction.

 

 

 

13. HEATHEN: Is used to describe people or nations who are non-Jewish and worship idols or are unfamiliar with the true God. In the Scriptures, it appears to refer to all nations except the Israelites or Jews, who were considered strangers to the true religion and
were addicted to idolatry.
14. HOLY MOUNTAIN: Primarily refers to Mount Zion, which is significant as it represents Jerusalem and the dwelling place of God among His people. This concept is rooted in the biblical tradition where mountains often symbolize divine presence and authority. Mount Zion is particularly important because it houses the temple, making it a central location for worship and a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel.
15. HOUSE OF ESAU: Refers to the nation of Edom, which is descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). This term is used symbolically to represent not only the physical descendants of Esau but also their character and actions throughout biblical history.
16. HOUSE OF JACOB: Refers to the people of Israel, specifically the descendants of Jacob, who was later named Israel. This phrase symbolizes the covenant people of God and represents both the southern kingdom of Judah and, more broadly, all twelve tribes of
Israel.
17. MOUNT ZION: Signifies a place of refuge and deliverance for the Israelites. The verse states that “upon Mount Zion shall be
deliverance,” indicating that those who seek safety from calamity will find it there.
18. OBADIAH: Means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshiper of Yahweh". The name is derived from the Hebrew words obed, which means
"servant", and yah, which is short for Yahweh, the name of the Hebrew God.
19. SEPHARAD: Is associated with exiles from Jerusalem mentioned in Obadiah 1:20, its precise location remains uncertain. Over time, it has evolved into a term representing the Jewish community’s historical presence in Spain.
20. SLAUGHTER: The word is used to describe a catastrophic event where the people of Edom, who were once proud and secure,
would face total destruction as a consequence of their actions against Judah.
21. TEMAN: Refers to a significant region within Edom, named after Teman, who is a grandson of Esau. The term “Teman” itself can be understood to mean “south,” as it is derived from the Hebrew word that signifies direction.