In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was present but functioned differently compared to the New Testament. Instead of indwelling all believers, He empowered specific individuals for divine purposes.

1. The Holy Spirit in Creation

Genesis 1:2 – “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” This shows the Holy Spirit’s role in shaping and sustaining creation.

Job 33:4 – “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” The Holy Spirit is involved in giving life and sustaining all living things.

2. The Holy Spirit Empowering Leaders

Judges: The Spirit came upon leaders to enable them to fulfill their calling.

Othniel (Judges 3:10) – “The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war.”

Gideon (Judges 6:34) – “Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet.”

Samson (Judges 14:6) – “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands.”

3. The Holy Spirit in Prophecy and Revelation

2 Peter 1:21 – “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Examples of Spirit-filled prophets:

Moses (Numbers 11:25) – God took some of the Spirit on Moses and placed it on seventy elders.

Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1) – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me.”

Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:2) – “The Spirit entered me when He spoke to me.”

4. The Promise of the Holy Spirit’s Future Work

Joel 2:28-29 – “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” This prophecy was later fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2).