The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

Author Unknown
Sentry Magazine, June 2001

Text: Hebrew 3:7

1. Introduction.
   1. Some say there was no Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.
   2. But note the many Bible passages to the contrary.
2. Discussion.
   1. Before the Adamic renovation
      1. "The Spirit of God moved upon ['hovered over' is a better translation] the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2).
   2. In the patriarchal period.
      1. "My Spirit shall not always strive with man" (Genesis 6:3).
   3. In the time of Moses.
      1. "I have called Bezaleel ... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God" (Exodus 31:2f).
      2. "And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents ... And the Spirit of God came upon him" (Numbers 24:2).
   4. In the time of the judges.
      1. "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him JOthnicll, and he judged Israel" (Judges 3:10).
      2. "The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon" (Judges 6:34).
   5. In the time of Samuel
      1. "A company of prophets met him [Saul]. and the Spirit of God came upon him ... The Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul" (I Samuel 10:10; 19:20).
   6. In the time of David.
      1. "Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me" (Psalms. 51:10-12).
      2. "Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good" (Psalms 143:10).
   7. In the latter prophets.
      1. "Thou ... testified against them by Thy Spirit in the prophets" (Nehemiah 9:30).
      2. "They .. vexed His Holy Spirit ... where is He that put His Holy Spirit within him [Moses]? (Isaiah 63:10-11).
      3. " ... The words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in His spirit by the former prophets" (Zechariah 7:12).
      4. Many references to "the Spirit" (Ezekiel 11:5; 37:15, e.g.).
3. Conclusion.
   1. Is the Spirit of God in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit in the New Testament? Yes.
      1. Compare I Peter 1:10 and II Peter 1:21.
      2. Compare Hebrews 3:7 and Matt. 22:43; Mark 12:36.
   2. Read Jno 7:37ff
      1. Compare Acts 5:32: I Thessalonians 4:8; I John 3:24.
   3. We must obey the precepts of the Spirit.
      1. They are revealed in the Scriptures.
      2. If we will obey them we shall be saved forever.