Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Introduction:
A. The indwelling and operation of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is identical to the New:
1. The Holy Spirit personally indwells Christians in the same way He indwelt Old Testament saints.
2. The exact same terms and phrases used to describe the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament are also used in the New Testament.
3. The Holy Spirit was “given” as a “gift” in exactly the same way in the Old Testament as in the new.
4. Supernatural gifts were bestowed by Moses to Joshua by laying on of hands, just like the Apostles did in Acts 8 in Samaria.
B. Three different indwellings of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament:
1. Indwelling metonymically of possession of the Holy Spirit when empowered by Supernatural gifts in both the OT & NT
a. Personal Possession of the Holy Spirit indwelling = supernatural power dwells
b. Individuals were described as having the person of the Holy Spirit inside them which enabled them to perform miracles.
c. Other phrases that indicate the person of the Holy Spirit is inside the person by metonymy include: filled, entered, in, came upon, given, rested upon etc.
d. The Holy Spirit was by metonymy, described as actually being inside a person when in fact they were merely empowered with supernatural power.
e. A man who had God’s miraculous power had the Holy Spirit inside him, by metonymy.
f. We find this true in both the Old and New Testament.
g. A good example in the Old testament of the Holy Spirit indwelling a person by metonymy when they had supernatural power is when the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet (Ezek 2:2) and the Spirit of Christ within them (O.T. prophets) was indicating (1 Pet 1:11).
h. A good example in the New testament of the Holy Spirit indwelling a person by metonymy when they had supernatural power is Acts 2:39 where the Holy Spirit is said to be given, when in fact it is one of the 9 spiritual gifts. Paul reminded his readers when giving them personal marriage advice, “I also have the Spirit of God” inside him, when in fact he was using this indwelling metaphor of possession of the Holy Spirit to indicate he was inspired (1 Cor 7:40).
i. In the New Testament people with the gift of tongues were described as having the Holy Spirit inside them, when in fact they had access to the power of God.
2. Indwelling metaphorically to indicate God’s fellowship in Solomon’s Temple and the New Testament “church temple”
a. Holy Spirit dwells in temple/body=my eyes, ears, heart & name shall be there
b. Indwelling is one of many metaphors for the presence of God on earth.
c. Other metaphors for being in fellowship with God include: indwell, fall upon, pour out, sent, filled, anointed, given, rested etc.
d. God did not literally dwell in Solomon’s temple.
e. David understood that saying God “indwelt” the temple was really an all-inclusive metaphor that described a place where men could connect with the divine providence (eyes), prayer (ears), love (heart) and family (name) of God.
f. The same thing is true in the church today. Christians themselves are the temple of God and therefore direct beneficiaries of God’s providence (eyes), prayer any place they stand (ears), love of God anywhere the live (heart) and share the family name of God as “Christian” (name).
g. A good example in the Old testament of a metaphoric indwelling that indicates fellowship with God is the Temple of Solomon.
h. A good example in the New testament of a metaphoric indwelling that indicates fellowship and unity with God is the Church temple and Jesus statement in John 17:21-23 where Jesus, the Father and the Christian are mutually inter-dwelling inside each other.
3. Indwelling representatively in righteous individuals of godly conduct in both the OT & NT
a. Men of holy, faithful, godly conduct are said to have the Holy Spirit indwelling in them in both the Old and New Testament
b. If you live a holy life then you REPRESENT the Holy Spirit and act as if the Holy Spirit were literally and directly controlling your moral choices.
c. If you live a wicked life, then you REPRESENT the Devil and act as if Satan were literally and directly controlling your moral choices.
d. The key is that the righteous are making freewill choices in harmony with the Spirit of God and the wicked are making freewill choices in harmony with the Devil.
e. Your freewill choices of behavior determine if you represent God or the Devil, Holy Spirit or a harlot, governed by the Law of God or by sin, if you are a son of God or of Satan.
f. A good example in the Old testament of a representative indwelling is Joshua who is said to have the “Spirit of God in him”.
g. A good example in the New testament of a representative indwelling is Stephen and Philip who are said to be “full of the Spirit”. Further, Christians are commanded to “walk by the Spirit” since they are representing God on earth.
I. Old Testament Metaphors of Supernatural power:
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Old Testament Metaphors of Miraculous Gifts: Num 11:29 “Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them” |
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Metaphor of Miraculous |
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Indwelling: filled with spirit |
Exod 31:3; + 36:1-2; 35:31; Deut 34:9; Micah 3:8 |
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Indwelling: Spirit entered me |
Ezek 2:2; 3:24 |
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Indwelling: Spirit within, in |
Dan 4:9,18; 5:14; 1 Pe 1:11 speaking of OT prophets |
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Spirit rested upon him |
Num 11:17,25-26,29; (Jesus: Isa 11:2) |
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Fall upon; came upon |
Num 24:2; Judg 6:34; 3:10 11:29; 14:6,19; 15:14; 1 Sam 10:6,10;11:6; 16:13; 19:20,23; 1 Chr 12:18; 2 Chr 15:1; 20:14; 24:20; Isa 59:21; Ezek 11:5; (Jesus: 42:1;61:1) |
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Gift/Given Spirit to instruct |
Neh 9:20 |
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don’t take Holy Spirit from me |
Ps 51:11 (David the prophet, Spirit had been taken from Saul); Ezek 2:2; 3:24; Dan 4:9,18; 5:14; 1 Pe 1:11 |
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Spirit fell upon me |
Ezek 11:5 |
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Pour out of my Spirit: in OT |
Prov 1:23; Ezek 39:29; Isa 32:15; 44:3; Zech 12:10 |
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Pour out of my Spirit: Pentecost |
Joel 2:28 ð Acts 2:17; Isa 32:15; 44:3ð Jn 7:38; Zech 12:10 |
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Sent the HS |
Psalm 104:30 |
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Sent out by HS |
Isa 61:1; 48:16; Zech 7:12 |
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Clothed/power |
Micah 3:8; Lk 1:17,35; 4:14 (Jesus) |
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Anointing |
1 Sam 16:13, Acts 10:38 (Jesus) |
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Finger |
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1. INDWELLING: FILLED WITH SPIRIT
a. Exod 31:3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship
b. Exod 36:1-2 every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding
c. Exod 35:31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship
d. Deut 34:9 Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him
e. Micah 3:8 On the other hand I am filled with power—With the Spirit of the Lord
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Indwelling = supernatural empowerment |
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Filled with Spirit of God Ex 31:3 |
In whom God has put skill Ex 36:1-2 |
2. Indwelling: Spirit entered me
a. Ezek 2:2 the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet
b. Ezek 3:24 The Spirit then entered me and made me stand on my feet
3. indwelling: Spirit within
a. 1 Pet 1:11 the Spirit of Christ within them (O.T. prophets) was indicating
b. Dan 4:9,18 for a spirit of the holy gods is in you
c. Dan 5:14 I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.
4. Spirit rested upon him
a. Num 11:17 I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them
b. Num 11:25 He took of the Spirit who was upon Moses and placed Him upon the seventy elders
c. Num 11:29 Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that He would put His Spirit upon them
d. Isa 11:2 the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
5. Spirit came upon
a. Num 24:2 the Spirit of God came upon Balaam
b. Judg 6:34 the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon
c. Judg 3:10 the Spirit of the LORD came upon him
d. Judg 11:29 the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah
e. Judg 14:6 the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson mightily
f. Judg 14:19 the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily
g. Judg 15:14 the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily
h. 1 Sam 10:6 the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy
i. 1 Sam 10:10 When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them.
j. 1 Sam 11:6 Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily
k. 1 Sam 16:13 the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward
l. 1 Sam 19:20 the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul and they prophesied.
m. 1 Chr 12:18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai
n. 2 Chr 15:1 Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah
o. 2 Chr 20:14 in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel
p. 2 Chr 24:20 Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah
q. Isa 42:1 My servant... I have put My Spirit upon Him
r. Isa 59:21 My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth
s. Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me
6. Give Spirit to instruct
a. Neh 9:20 Thou didst give Thy good Spirit to instruct them
7. don’t take Holy Spirit from me
a. Ps 51:11 do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me.
8. Spirit fell upon me
a. Ezek 11:5 Then the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and He said to me, “Say”
9. Pour out of my Spirit: in OT
a. Prov 1:23 I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
10. Pour out of my Spirit: Pentecost
a. Joel 2:28 I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy
b. Isa 32:15 Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high
c. Isa 44:3 I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring
d. Ezek 39:29 I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel
e. Zech 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David the Spirit of grace and of supplication
11. SENT THE HS
a. "You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the ground." (Psalm 104:30)
12. SENT OUT BY HS
a. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;" (Isaiah 61:1)
b. "“Come near to Me, listen to this: From the first I have not spoken in secret, From the time it took place, I was there. And now the Lord GOD has sent Me, and His Spirit.”" (Isaiah 48:16)
c. "“They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 7:12)
13. CLOTHED/POWER
a. "On the other hand I am filled with power— With the Spirit of the LORD— And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin." (Micah 3:8)
b. "“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”" (Luke 1:17)
c. "The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
d. "And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district." (Luke 4:14)
14. ANOINTING
a. "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah." (1 Samuel 16:13)
b. "“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38)
15. FINGER (see section below)
a. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me." (Psalm 139:7–10)
b. "“And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Luke 11:19–20)
c. "“If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matthew 12:27–28)
II. Supernatural Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Miraculous Power: A Figure of God’s indwelling |
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The Holy Spirit Himself Literally or through Meronomy? |
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H.S. |
Power |
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Before Pentecost Passages |
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Exod 31:3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God |
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Exod 36:1-2 every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill |
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Exod 35:31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God |
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Deut 34:9 Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom |
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Ezek 2:2 the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet |
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1 Pet 1:11 the Spirit of Christ within them (O.T. prophets) was indicating |
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Dan 4:9,18 for a spirit of the holy gods is in you |
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Num 11:25 He took of the Spirit who was upon Moses and placed Him upon the seventy |
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Num 24:2 the Spirit of God came upon Balaam |
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2 Chr 24:20 Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah |
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Isa 42:1 My servant... I have put My Spirit upon Him |
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Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me |
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Neh 9:20 Thou didst give Thy good Spirit to instruct them |
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Ps 51:11 do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me |
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Ezek 11:5 Then the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me |
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Prov 1:23 I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you |
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Zech 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David the Spirit of grace |
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Joel 2:28 I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind your daughters will prophesy |
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Mt 10:20 it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you |
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After Pentecost Passages |
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Luke 11:13 heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? |
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John 7:39 the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. |
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Acts 5:32 the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. |
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Acts 15:8 giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us |
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Acts 8:18 Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands |
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Acts 2:38 and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
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Acts 10:45 the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. |
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John 7:39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive |
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John 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive |
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John 20:22 He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. |
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Acts 2:38 and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
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Acts 8:15 apostles prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. |
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Acts 8:17 they laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. |
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Acts 10:47 no one can refuse the water to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit |
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Acts 19:2 Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? |
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1 Cor 2:12 we have received the Spirit that we might know |
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Gal 3:2 did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? |
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Luke 1:15 John will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother’s womb. |
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Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied |
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Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues |
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Acts 4:31 they prayed, the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit |
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Rom 8:9 the Spirit of God dwells in you |
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2 Tim 1:14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure entrusted |
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Jn 14:17 the comforter abides with you, and will be in you |
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1 Pet 1:11 OT prophets seeking to know what the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating |
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I Jn 2:27 the anointing which you received from Him abides in you |
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1 Tim 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you |
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2 Tim 1:6 kindle afresh gift of God which is in you the through the laying on of my hands |
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1 Cor 7:40 and I think that I also have the Spirit of God. |
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A. Supernatural Gift of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament:
1. Craftsmen given gift of knowledge, just like the New Testament:
a. “You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me." (Exodus 28:3)
b. “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. “I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship," (Exodus 31:2–3)
2. The Spirit which was upon Moses also “came upon” and “rested upon” the 70 elders:
a. This is the identical language used in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost.
b. "The Lord therefore said to Moses, “Gather for Me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. “Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put [Him] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone." (Numbers 11:16–17)
c. "Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again." (Numbers 11:25)
3. Eldad and Medad had the Holy Spirit “rested upon them” and “put upon them” miraculously in the same language as Jesus at his baptism.
a. "But two men had remained in the camp; the name of one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the tent), and they prophesied in the camp. So a young man ran and told Moses and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, “Moses, my lord, restrain them.” But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”" (Numbers 11:26–29)
4. The Spirit was IN Joshua:
a. Similar to Acts 6 where Stephen and Philip were supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit first, then were chosen for a special task which was confirmed and “commissioned” through the laying on of hands.
b. "Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the Lord will not be like sheep which have no shepherd.” So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight." (Numbers 27:15–19)
c. "Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses." (Deuteronomy 34:9)
d. "Then Moses laid his hands on Joshua and commissioned him, just as the Lord had spoken through Moses." (Numbers 27:23)
e. "Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”" (Deuteronomy 31:23)
5. The Spirit came on “Judges”:
a. Othniel: “spirit came upon him”
i. "When the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim." (Judges 3:9–10)
b. Gideon: “spirit came upon him”
1. "Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the sons of the east assembled themselves; and they crossed over and camped in the valley of Jezreel. So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him." (Judges 6:33–34)
c. Jephthah: “spirit came upon him”
i. "Now the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, so that he passed through Gilead and Manasseh; then he passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he went on to the sons of Ammon." (Judges 11:29)
d. Samson: “spirit came upon him”
i. "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done." (Judges 14:6)
ii. "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house." (Judges 14:19)
iii. "When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands." (Judges 15:14)
6. David: The Spirit “came upon” David:
a. "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him." (1 Samuel 16:13–14)
B. Old Testament Prophecies of the Coming “New Spirit” during the messianic age:
1. The idea of repentance equalling a new heart and spirit vs. sinful heart of stone:
a. David when he sinned with Bathsheba: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
b. "For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant." (Psalm 78:37)
c. 520 BC: "“They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 7:12)
2. In 592 BC, God called for the idol worshipping, immoral Jews to repent, which was equal to “a new heart and spirit inside them”:
a. 592 BC: “Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?" (Ezekiel 18:31)
3. During the messianic age, God’s people will have a new heart and spirit:
a. 597 BC: "‘I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:7)
b. 592 BC: “And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh," (Ezekiel 11:19)
c. 588 BC: "and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them." (Jeremiah 32:39)
d. 586 BC: “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. “You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God." (Ezekiel 36:26–28)
e. 586 BC: "Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. “I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken and done it,” declares the LORD.’ ”" (Ezekiel 37:13-14)
4. Miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the Messianic age:
a. 730 BC: "‘For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants;" (Isaiah 44:3)
b. 588 BC: "It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days." (Joel 2:28–29)
C. Supernatural Indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament:
1. The Spirit is Omnipresent, He is everywhere including inside all things living, righteous or wicked:
a. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me." (Psalm 139:7–10)
b. "“Am I a God who is near,” declares the LORD, “And not a God far off? “Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:23–24)
2. David had the miraculous “indwelling of the Holy Spirit” who had “come upon” him:
a. "Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:11–12)
b. "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah." (1 Samuel 16:13)
3. Bezalel: filled
a. “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. “I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship," (Exodus 31:2–3)
4. Joshua: Indwelling
a. Whether this is miraculous or not, it proves that the personal indwelling existed in the Old Testament exactly like it does in the New Testement.
b. "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight." (Numbers 27:18-19)
D. Supernatural Holy Spirit as the Finger of God
1. God made the Heavens by His “Finger”, the Spirit
a. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?" (Psalm 8:3–4)
b. "“By His breath the heavens are cleared; His hand has pierced the fleeing serpent." (Job 26:13)
2. God Reveals His Will by His “Finger”, the Spirit
a. "When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God." (Exodus 31:18)
b. "Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing." (Daniel 5:5)
c. "And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." (Luke 2:25–26)
d. "but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." (1 Corinthians 2:9–10)
e. "that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;" (Ephesians 3:3–5)
f. "As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look." (1 Peter 1:10–12)
3. The Spirit and the Hand of God are interchangeable terms.
a. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me." (Psalm 139:7-10)
4. The Holy Spirit is the “Finger of God” are interchangeable terms
a. “And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Luke 11:19-20)
b. “If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matthew 12:27-28)
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Holy Spirit |
Hand of God |
Finger of God |
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Psalm 139:7-10 |
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Luke 11:19-20 Mt 12:27-28 |
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III. The “Fellowship Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament:
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God dwells in His Temple Metaphorically as a symbol of Fellowship |
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Classify the indwelling verses yourself |
Literal Personal Indwelling |
Symbolic Representative Indwelling |
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Ex 25:8 construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them |
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Ex 29:45 And I will dwell among the sons of Israel |
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Lev 26:11 I will make My dwelling among you |
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Num 27:18 Take Joshua, a man in whom is the Spirit |
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Num 35:34 I am dwelling in the midst of the sons of Israel |
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1 Ki 8:12 The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud |
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1 Ki 8:13 Solomon, has surely built Thee a place for Thy dwelling |
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1 Ki 9:3 this house, My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually |
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1 Chr 17:4 David shall not build a house for Me to dwell in |
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1 Chr 17:5 I have gone from one dwelling place to another |
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1 Chr 23:25 The LORD God of Israel dwells in Jerusalem forever |
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2 Chr 7:16 My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. |
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2 Chr 30:27 Their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven |
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Ps 51:11 don’t take Holy Spirit from me |
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Isa 63:11 Where is He who put His Holy Spirit in the midst of them |
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Ezek 11:20 shall put a new spirit within them |
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Ezek 36:26 I will put My Spirit within you |
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Ezek 37:14 I will put My Spirit within you |
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Ezek 37:26 My dwelling place also will be with them |
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Ezek 39:28 I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel |
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Hosea 5:4 a spirit of harlotry is within them |
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Hag 2:5 My Spirit is abiding in your midst |
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Zech 2:11 Then I will dwell in your midst |
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1 Cor 3:16 you are a temple of God...the Spirit of God dwells in you |
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2 Cor 6:16 we are the temple God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them” |
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Eph 2:21 growing into a holy temple in the Lord...a dwelling of God in the Spirit |
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Rev 21:3 He shall dwell among them |
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A. Joshua: Personal Indwelling of Old Testament saints:
1. "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight." (Numbers 27:18-19)
a. Whether this is miraculous or not, it proves that the personal indwelling existed in the Old Testament exactly like it does in the New Testament.
b. The key is that these verses synchronize with New Testament passages where possession of the Holy Spirit is a metaphor for being in fellowship with God.
2. A figure of God dwelling individually in righteous obedient saints, apart from the physical tabernacle
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Righteous, Faithful men who obey God |
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Joshua: Num 27:18-20 |
Caleb: Num 14:24 |
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“a man in whom is the Spirit” |
“he has had a different spirit and followed me fully” |
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Here the Spirit’s indwelling indicates their character not possession of supernatural powers |
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3. Joshua and Stephen/Philip parallel:
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Old Testament: Joshua |
New Testament: Stephen/Philip |
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No supernatural power |
in whom is the Spirit: Num 27:18 |
full of faith & Holy Spirit Acts 6:5 |
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hands laid on them |
Moses laid hand: v18 (Deut 34:9) |
apostles laid hands: Acts 6:6 |
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Supernatural power |
authority v20; miracles: Josh 3:7 |
signs & wonders: Acts 6:8; 8:6 |
4. Observation about Joshua, Stephen & Philip having the “Spirit in them” or “filling them”:
a. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit did not indicate possession of supernatural power
b. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit indicated their holy character and faithfulness to God
c. Joshua had the “spirit in him” in a sense distinct from the collective tabernacle indwelling all Jews had.
d. Christians today are “led by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 8)
5. Notice the contrast of the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament between sinners and righteous:
a. Mal 2:15 not one has done so (treacherously divorce wife) who has a remnant of the Spirit
b. Ps 90:1 Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
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Before exile Hosea 5:4 |
After exile Ezek 37:14 |
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a spirit of harlotry is within them |
I will put My Spirit within you |
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they do not know the LORD |
Then you will know I have spoken |
B. God Dwells in His Old Testament Temple
1. “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud”: 1 Ki 8:12
a. Ex 13:21 And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud.
b. Ex 16:10 the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
c. Ex 19:9 Behold, I shall come to you in a thick cloud
d. Ex 33:9 whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses.
e. Ex 40:34 the cloud covered the tent, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
f. Lev 16:2 I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.
g. Num 12:5 the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud
h. 1 Ki 8:11 for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. (with the cloud)
2. “And let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them”: Ex 25:8
a. Ex 15:17 the place, O LORD, which Thou hast made for Thy dwelling, the sanctuary
b. Jer 7:12 in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the first
c. Ps 78:60 for idolatry...He abandoned the dwelling place at Shiloh, the tent which He had pitched among men
d. 2 Sam 7:5 Are you, David, the one who should build Me a house to dwell in?
e. 1 Ki 8:13 I, Solomon, have surely built Thee a lofty house, a place for Thy dwelling forever
f. 2 Sam 7:2 I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.
g. 1 Chr 17:4 David shall not build a house for Me to dwell in (Solomon will)
h. 1 Chr 28:3 David shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war
i. 2 Sam 7:6 For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle.
j. 1 Chr 17:5 for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another.
k. Ps 26:8 I love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwells
3. “The LORD God of Israel dwells in Jerusalem forever”: 1 Chr 23:25
a. 2 Chr 36:15 He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place
b. Ezra 6:12 God who has caused His name to dwell there
c. Ezra 7:15 the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem
d. Neh 1:9 I will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell
e. Ps 9:11 the LORD, who dwells in Zion
f. Joel 3:17,21 the LORD your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain; the LORD dwells in Zion
g. Zech 2:10-11 O daughter of Zion, I will dwell in your midst
h. Zech 8:3 I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem
4. “I am dwelling in the midst of the sons of Israel”: Num 35:34
a. Ex 29:45-46 I will dwell among the sons of Israel; that I might dwell among them
b. Lev 26:11 I will make My dwelling among you
c. Num 5:3 send them outside the camp so they won’t defile their camp where I dwell in their midst
d. 1 Ki 6:13 I will dwell among the sons of Israel
e. Isa 63:11 Where is He who put His Holy Spirit in the midst of them
f. Ezek 37:27 My dwelling place also will be with them
g. Ezek 43:7 the place of My throne and the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the sons of Israel forever
h. Hag 2:5 As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt: “My Spirit is abiding in your midst”
5. “Their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven”: 2 Chr 30:27
a. 1 Ki 8:27 (2 Chr 6:18) But will God indeed dwell on the earth? (dwell with mankind on the earth) Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain Thee, how much less this house which I have built
b. 1 Ki 8:30,39,43,49 when they pray toward this place; hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place
C. Old Testament Temple indwelling was a metaphor for fellowship:
1. God’s eyes, ears, name & heart would dwell in the temple to answer prayer
a. 2 Chr 7:15-16 Now My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.
b. 1 Ki 9:3 I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually
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God dwelling = God’s name dwelling |
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Ezra 7:15 the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem |
Ezra 6:12 God who has caused His name to dwell there |
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1 Chr 17:4 You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in |
1 Chr 28:3 You shall not build a house for My name |
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1 Ki 8:13 I have built Thee a house, a place for Thy dwelling forever |
1 Ki 8:18 it was in your heart to build a house for My name |
2. God’s abiding fellowship
a. “My Spirit is abiding in your midst”: Hag 2:5
b. Signifies that God is our God, and we are His people through obedience
c. Lev 26:11-12 I will make My dwelling among you & walk among you, be your God, and you shall be My people
d. Exod 29:45 And I will dwell among the sons of Israel and you shall be My people
3. God ceased to dwell in temple when Israel sinned
a. Ps 78:60 for idolatry...He abandoned the dwelling place at Shiloh, the tent which He had pitched among men
b. Ezek 10:18 the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple
c. “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house and proclaim there this word and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the Lord!’ ” Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. “Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’ “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever." (Jeremiah 7:2–7)
4. God would see and hear the prayer when men physically prayed towards the temple
a. 1 Ki 8:29 Thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which Thou hast said, `My name shall be there,’ to listen to the prayer which Thy servant shall pray toward this place
b. 1 Ki 8:30 listen to the supplication of Thy servant and of Thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place
c. 2 Chr 6:20 that Thine eyes may be open toward this house day and night, toward the place of which Thou hast said that {Thou wouldst} put Thy name there, to listen to the prayer which Thy servant shall pray toward this place.
d. 2 Chr 6:21 And listen to the supplications of Thy servant and of Thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear Thou from Thy dwelling place, from heaven; hear Thou and forgive.
e. 2 Sam 22:7 from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help came into His ears
f. Ps 18:6 He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears
g. Jonah 2:4,7 I will look again toward Thy holy temple; my prayer into Thy holy temple
h. Dan 6:10 Daniel entered his house (now he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God
i. Luke 18:10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, a Pharisee, and a tActs-gatherer
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The Temple, God’s Prayer Antennae “listen to the prayer which Thy servant shall pray toward this place” 2 Chr 6:20 |
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Prayer of Jew 2 Chr 6:29-30 whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Thy people Israel, and spreading his hands toward this house, then hear Thou from heaven Thy dwelling place |
Prayer of Gentile 2 Chr 6:32-33 “Also concerning the foreigner who is not from Thy people Israel, when they come and pray toward this house, then hear Thou from heaven, from Thy dwelling place |
IV. Solomon’s Temple is the prophetic Type of the messianic Church Temple Antitype:
A. Antitype: Revelation 21:3= Ezek 37:26-27
Messianic Prophecies of the “Indwelling” Ezek 37:26-28 = Rev 21:3 |
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Rev 21:3 |
the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them |
they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them |
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Ezek 37:26-28 |
will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. My dwelling place also will be with them |
I will be their God, and they will be My people |
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Jer 31:33 |
I will put My law within them |
I will be their God, and they shall be My people |
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Jer 32:38-40 |
I will give them one heart...I will put the fear of Me in their hearts |
they shall be My people, and I will be their God |
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Zech 2:11 |
Then I will dwell in your midst |
you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me |
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Ezek 11:19-20 |
give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them |
they will be My people, and I shall be their God |
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Ezek 18:31 |
make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit |
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Ezek 36:26-28 |
give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you...I will put My Spirit within you |
you will be My people, and I will be your God |
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Ezek 37:14 |
I will put My Spirit within you |
Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken |
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Ezek 39:28-29 |
I shall have poured out My Spirit on Israel |
Then they will know that I am the LORD their God |
1. Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them.
2. Ezek 37:26-27 And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.
3. Jer 31:33 this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
4. Jer 32:38-40 And they shall be My people, and I will be their God; and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good, and for the good of their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me.
5. Zech 2:11 And many nations will join themselves to the LORD in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.
6. Jer 24:7 And I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.
7. Ezek 11:19-20 And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God.
8. Ezek 14:3,4,7 men have set up idols in their heart
9. Ezek 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?
10. Ezek 20:16 they rejected My ordinances, their heart continually went after their idols
11. Ezek 36:26-28 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. "And you will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.
12. Ezek 37:14 And I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken and done it," declares the LORD
13. Ezek 39:28-29 Then they will know that I am the LORD their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer And I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel," declares the Lord
B. Antitype: 2 Cor 6:16 = Lev 26:11
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Antitypical indwelling passages of Old Testament Lev 26:11 = 2 Cor 6:16 |
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2 Cor 6:16 |
I will dwell in them and walk among them |
I will be their God, and they shall be My people |
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Lev 26:11-12 |
I will make My dwelling among you...I will also walk among you |
be your God, and you shall be My people |
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Exod 29:45 |
And I will dwell among the sons of Israel |
and you shall be My people |
1. 2 Cor 6:16 For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
2. Lev 26:11-12 'Moreover, I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject you. 'I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.
C. Ezekiel’s dual prophecies of the Indwelling: 536 BC: Return from Captivity. AD 70: Messianic
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Ezekiel’s Statements about God’s Dwelling in Jews after Babylonian Exile |
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Ezek |
restored/Babylon |
live in Judea |
new spirit within |
Then they will know |
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11 |
v16 |
v17 |
v19 |
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36 |
v24 |
v28, 33-34 |
v26-27 |
v31 |
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37 |
v11 |
v12 |
v14 |
v13-14 |
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39 |
v25-27 |
v28 |
v29 |
v28 |
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All Evidence In Context Demands That It Was Fulfilled Upon Return From Babylon |
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1. Ezekiel’s Dual prophecy of the indwelling:
a. Ezekiel promised that God would “put a new spirit with the Jews” when they returned from Captivity
b. Ezekiel then applied this same language to the church under “David/Christ”
c. This proves that the indwelling is not unique to the New Testament but existed when the Jews returned from captivity in 536 BC
2. Dwell in them:
a. I will dwell in them 2 Cor 6:16
3. Spirit within them
a. I shall put a new spirit within them: Ezek 11:19-20
b. I will put a new spirit within you: Ezek 36:26
c. I will put My Spirit within you: Ezek 36:27
d. I will put My Spirit within you: Ezek 37:14
4. Dwell among them
a. I will make My dwelling among you: Lev 26:11-12
b. And I will dwell among Israel: Exod 29:45
5. Poured out my Spirit
a. I shall have poured out My Spirit: Ezek 39:28-29
6. Interchangeability of terms:
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Interchangeable Terms |
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Dwell in = Dwell with = Dwell Among = Dwell in midst |
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I will dwell in them 2 Cor 6:16 |
My dwelling place will be with them Ezek 37:26 |
I will make My dwelling among you Lev 26:11; He shall dwell among them Rev 21:3 |
I am dwelling in the midst of the sons of Israel Num 35:34 |
D. Church-Temple indwelling in the New Testament:
1. Church/Body of Christ: Eph 1:22-23
a. John 2:19-21 Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up...But He was speaking of the temple of His body
b. 1 Cor 3:9, 16 you are God's field, God's building...you are a temple of God, and {that} the Spirit of God dwells in you
c. 2 Cor 6:16 For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
d. Eph 2:21-22 in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
e. 1 Pet 2:4-5 And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
2. Father & Son:
a. Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, and the Lamb, are its temple.
3. Christian’s Body:
a. 1 Cor 6:19 Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God
4. God’s abiding fellowship in New Testament:
a. John 6:56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
b. Jn 17:21,23 that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, {art} in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me.
c. Jn 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him.
d. 1 Jn 3:24 And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.
e. 1 Jn 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
f. 1 Jn 4:16 God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
g. Eph 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
h. 1 Jn 4:4 greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world
Conclusion:
1. The Holy Spirit “indwelt” both Old Testament saints and New Testament Christians in exactly the same way.
a. Indwelling metonymically of possession of the Holy Spirit when empowered by Supernatural gifts in both the OT & NT
b. Indwelling metaphorically to indicate God’s fellowship in Solomon’s Temple and the New Testament “church temple”
c. Indwelling representatively in righteous individuals of godly conduct in both the OT & NT
2. Ontologically, our own human spirits do not even literally indwell our human bodies.
a. The seat of mood, emotion and choice is the spirit
b. The retainer of memory is the spirit not the human brain, which are know for certain because the story of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19.
c. The Human brain does not store memory, but is merely an interface device between the spirit and the body.
3. God made it clear that is it impossible for Him to dwell in a temple, much less a human body.
a. Our bodies are not the literal temple of God but are the metaphoric temple of God.
b. God indwells our bodies the same way he indwelled Solomon’s temple.
c. It is illogical to demand a “literal personal indwelling” of the Holy Spirit in a metaphoric temple.
Holy Spirit outlines:
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By Steve Rudd: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections.
