The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

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
- 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);
- 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);
- teach by these revelations the way to be faithful and fruitful (Ne 9:20; Ps. 143:10; Is. 48:16; 63:10–14);
- 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);
- 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
- 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)