Presence, Power and Promise

The Hebrew word ruah, 'spirit', occurs over three hundred times in the Old Testament, with a range of meanings: breeze, breath, wind, spirit. Although more references are possible, thirty-nine of these are clearly connected with God, e.g. 'Spirit of God', 'Spirit of the Lord'. It appears that God's Spirit is the energizing force that empowers people to serve him in some way - ruling, defeating enemies, judging, prophesying.***??However, while the Spirit of God is an important subject in the Old Testament, it has been the focus of surprisingly little scholarship*** .??In response, this volume assembles some of the best Old Testament scholars to address various aspects of the subject. Major thematic essays and studies of specific, relevant biblical texts are arranged in eight main sections: orientation and Ancient Near Eastern context; the Spirit and creation, wisdom, creativity, prophesy, leadership and the future; and finally, the Spirit at Qumran.??Here is evangelical scholarship that will inform, stimulate and reward diligent students, teachers and preachers of the Old Testament.**??The contributors are** Andrew Abernethy, Richard E. Averbeck, Daniel I. Block, Robert B. Chisholm Jr, Rosalind Clark, Daniel J. Estes, David G. Firth, Jamie A. Grant, Richard S. Hess, Robert L. Hubbard Jr, Tremper Longman III, Geert W. Lorein, Hilary Marlow, Eugene H. Merrill, Erika Moore, John W. Oswalt, Robin Routledge, Willem VanGemeren, John H. Walton, Paul D. Wegner and Lindsay Wilson.  
***-Publisher.***  
  


From the first verses of Genesis, the Spirit of God makes a dramatic appearance in the Bible. Yet there is surprisingly little scholarly work on the Spirit in the Old Testament. On examination, what we find are similarities but also some significant differences in emphasis from the New Testament.To unpack these emphases on creation, wisdom, prophecy, leadership, creativity and more, the editors of this volume have brought to the task a host of first-rate Old Testament scholars. Together they present a comprehensive examination of the issues facing interpreters and exegetes on the identity and activity of the Spirit in the Hebrew Bible.This volume provides readers with an able guide to the interpretative background of ancient Near Eastern literature, the major themes and motifs, and particular texts and passages that contribute to an understanding of the Spirit in the Old Testament. Contributors include: Andrew AbernethyRichard E. AverbeckDaniel I. BlockRobert B. ChisholmRosalind ClarkeDaniel J. EstesJamie A. GrantRichard S. HessRobert L. HubbardTremper Longman IIIGeert W. LoreinHilary MarlowEugene MerrillErika MooreJohn OswaltRobin RoutledgeWillem VanGemerenJohn WaltonLindsay WilsonRead less