The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, has always been active and involved in God’s work throughout history. Even in the Old Testament, before the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was present and working to accomplish God’s divine purposes.
Here are some key roles the Holy Spirit played in the Old Testament:
Creation
The Spirit of God was actively involved in the creation of the world. Genesis 1:2 states “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” The Holy Spirit was present at creation, involved in hovering over the waters and bringing order out of chaos.
Empowering leaders
The Holy Spirit empowered people for leadership roles and gave them wisdom and ability. For example, in Numbers 27:18, God tells Moses “And the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.” Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom to lead the Israelites after Moses’ death.
In 1 Samuel 16, David is anointed as king by Samuel, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David (1 Samuel 16:13). The Holy Spirit enabled David to lead and rule the people of Israel.
Inspiring the prophets
The Old Testament prophets were inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak God’s word. 2 Peter 1:21 states “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” From Moses and Samuel to Isaiah and Ezekiel, the prophets often received the initial call and ongoing inspiration to speak for God through the Spirit.
Selective indwelling
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would selectively indwell certain individuals to empower them for service. Joseph was filled with the Spirit of God and given discernment and wisdom (Genesis 41:38). The Spirit rushed upon Azariah and he spoke an encouraging prophecy to King Asa (2 Chronicles 15:1-7). The Holy Spirit would come upon judges, kings, prophets, and craftsmen equipping them for the roles God called them to.
Restraining evil
The Holy Spirit serves to restrain evil in the world. Genesis 6:3 describes the Spirit striving with men prior to the Flood. The restraining influence of the Holy Spirit works to hold back the tide of human sin and lawlessness.
Giving strength and skill
The Holy Spirit empowered people with strength and abilities beyond their natural capacities. For example, in Exodus 31:3, God filled Bezalel with the Spirit, giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for designing the tabernacle and sacred items.
Bringing about regeneration
Old Testament believers experienced regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, even though it may not have been as widespread as after Pentecost. In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God promised to give a new heart and put a new spirit within His people – this was ultimately fulfilled through Christ’s work and the Spirit’s indwelling.
Prophecies of outpoured Spirit
The prophets looked ahead to a time when God would pour out His Spirit in greater measure on all His people. Isaiah 32:15 foretells “until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high.” Ezekiel 36:27 says God will put His Spirit within His people.
Joel 2:28-29 famously predicts “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” This prophecy was partially fulfilled at Pentecost but will have its ultimate completion in end times.
Prefiguring the Messiah
The Holy Spirit’s activity in the Old Testament also serves to prefigure and point forward to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). At His baptism, the Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove (Mark 1:10). He was led by the Spirit (Matthew 4:1), anointed by the Spirit (Luke 4:18), filled with the Spirit (John 3:34), and empowered by the Spirit for ministry (Acts 10:38). The giving of the Spirit in the Old Testament anticipates the fullness of Spirit-empowered life promised in the Messiah.
So in summary, while the Holy Spirit’s working was more limited in scope compared to the New Testament era, He was nonetheless actively involved in the Old Testament age:
- Hovering over the waters at creation
- Empowering leaders like Moses, David, and the judges
- Inspiring prophets to speak God’s word
- Selectively indwelling people for service
- Restraining evil in the world
- Giving strength, wisdom, and skill to carry out tasks
- Regenerating hearts and giving new life to believers
- Prophesying of coming age of God’s Spirit poured out on all
- Prefiguring the incarnation, baptism and ministry of the Messiah
The Holy Spirit was active in creation, empowerment, inspiration, and regeneration during the Old Testament period, foreshadowing greater works through Jesus Christ.