The ‘Holy Spirit’ is named as such only three times in the Old Testament: Psa 51:11; Isa 63:11, 12. The concept of ‘progressive revelation’ reminds us that the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, like a number of other doctrines, is present in the Old Testament only in embryonic form.

If the Christian era is identified as ‘the ministry of the Spirit’ (2 Cor 3:8) then it is to be expected that that era will be characterised by a clearer and fuller revelation of the person and work of the Spirit.

J.I. Packer writes: ‘In the OT the spirit (rûaḥ) of Yahweh is God’s power in action.’

Specifically, ‘Yahweh’s spirit is said to

1. shape creation, animate animals and mankind, and direct nature and history (Gn. 1:2, 2:7; Jb. 33:4; Pss. 33:6, 104:29–30; Is. 34:16);
2. reveal God’s messages to his spokesmen (Nu. 24:2; 2 Sa. 23:2; 1 Chr. 12:18, 15:1; Ne. 9:30; Jb. 32:8; Is. 61:1–4; Ezk. 2:2; 11:24; 37:1; Mi. 3:8; Zc. 7:12);
3. teach by these revelations the way to be faithful and fruitful (Ne 9:20; Ps. 143:10; Is. 48:16; 63:10–14);
4. elicit faith, repentance, obedience, righteousness, docility, praise, and prayer (Ps. 51:10–12; Is. 11:2; 44:3; Ezk. 11:19; 36:25–27; 37:14; 39:29; Joel 2:28–29; Zc. 12:10);
5. equip for strong, wise and effective leadership (Gn. 41:38; Nu. 11:16–29; Dt. 34:9; Jdg. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:19; 15:14; 1 Sa. 10:10; 11:6; 16:13; 2 Ki. 2:9–15; Is. 11:1–5; 42:1–4); and
6. give skill and application for creative work (Ex. 31:1–11; Hg. 2:5; Zc. 4:6).

Packer concludes that ‘revealing and enabling are the activities mainly stressed.’

New Dictionary of Theology, art. ‘Holy Spirit’ (slightly reformatted)