The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the work of the Holy Spirit is seen in four major areas although He was not indwelling man or not available for ‘all flesh’.
The Holy Spirit was active in creation of the universe (Job 26:13; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 40:12-14) and restoration of the earth before the creation of man (Genesis 1:1-2). The Holy Spirit participated in the creation of man (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4).
We also see the work of the Holy Spirit in redemption. In the days of Noah, the Spirit strove with man (Genesis 6:3). The Spirit enabled Noah to preach God’s word (1 Peter 3:18-20). The Spirit spoke through prophets to the people of Israel (Acts 7:51-52).
The Holy Spirit inspired prophets to write the Holy Scriptures. Through the prophets, the Holy Spirit foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:11, 12; Acts 28:25; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16).
The work of the Holy Spirit is seen in the nation of Israel. He empowered Joseph to interpret the dreams of Pharoah (Genesis 41:38). The Spirit inspired Moses to build the Tabernacle according to God’s pattern (Exodus 28:3; 31:1-6; 35:31). Joshua was enabled by the Spirit to take over from Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9; Numbers 27:18). David served as king, prophet and psalmist of Israel through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Chronicles 28:12; 2 Samuel 23:1-2). After King Saul was anointed, he came under the prophetic Spirit (1 Samuel 10:6,10; 11:6; 19:23). Balaam, Azariah, Elijah, Elisha, Amasai, Zechariah, Micah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Joel all had the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Before the coming of the Messiah and the New Testament, there was special demonstration of the Holy Spirit in the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:41-42, 67). John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit when he was in the womb. Mary was overshadowed by the Spirit for the Messiah to be born (Luke 1:46-55).
