Holy Spirit: Part 1, The Old Testament
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.”
In the Hebrew Bible, the word for “Spirit” (ruakh in ancient Hebrew) is also translated as “breath” and “wind.” In 70 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know, Richard Schlimm states that “Speakers of biblical Hebrew recognized that without the breath of life, we die.” Just like the physical body dies without breath and air from the wind, the body, mind, and soul die without the Holy Spirit.
The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary notes that in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is referred to as ruakh, or “spirit.” First, the Spirit is an agent of creation. The Holy Spirit was not only around at the onset of creation but was an active participant. Later theologians who developed the idea of the Trinity used the Spirit’s presence and participation in creation as part of their argument for the Holy Spirit being a person of the Godhead.
“The second, is the Holy Spirit as a source of inspiration and power.” The Bible Dictionary continues, “The Holy Spirit becomes a vehicle of God’s revelation and activity.” Moses didn’t part the Red Sea; God did, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The prophets and other Biblical figures spoke not only their words, but God guided their speech through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, God’s Spirit inspires and empowers us individually and as a church community so that God’s will is accomplished in this world and the next.
The third focus of the Spirit is God’s presence in the covenantal community. The Holy Spirit moved in and through the people of Israel, protecting, guiding, blessing, and, when necessary, chastising. The Holy Spirit is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible. God interacts with us through the movement of God’s Spirit. Our task, as God’s children, is show God appreciation for living in and through us, and to be on the lookout for the Spirit’s involvement in our lives. We can shower God with loving appreciation when we see God’s hand at work in our lives. Take time today to reflect on moments in your life when you believe the Spirit assisted you and offer God your prayerful gratitude.
