Additional “Spirit” Verse from Genesis to Song of Solomon

Text

Spirit Reference

Comments

Genesis 6:3

“My spirit shall not abide in man forever.”

This reference is possibly tied to the creation imagery of God’s breathing life into man. If it is a reference to the Holy Spirit, the KJV’s idea of the Spirit’s striving with man should be remembered. 1 Peter 3:18-19 says that Jesus preached “in” the Spirit to mankind in the days of Noah. This was accomplished by the preacher, Noah, in his time. See comments on 1 Peter 3:18-19 in Essay #19: “The Work of the Holy Spirit from Peter, Jude, and John (1 Peter – Revelation)”

Job 4:15

“A spirit glided past my  face”

In trying to condemn Job of sin, Eliphaz crafts what is likely a fabricated story of an appearance of a “spirit” in his life. His appeal to a spirit’s presence and his hearing of a voice (Job 4:16), illustrates that even in this ancient time, the work of spirits was seen as the bringing of authoritative revelations to man.

Job 27:3

“the spirit of God is in my nostrils.”

This spirit reference seems to be a clear reference to “breath” of God giving life to man.

Job 32:8

“the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty”

Elihu attributes man’s ability to reason, not to the passage of years (32:9-10), but to the spirit of man in him which comes from the breath of the Almighty. The reference is to man’s native intellect given to him in creation, not to some later impartation of the Holy Spirit

Psalm 51:12

“with a willing spirit”

This passage is tied to Psalm 51:11 about which the main essay has commented. While verse 11 is a statement about the Holy Spirit, the plea by David is here about the nature of his own spirit.

Psalm 106:33

“made his spirit bitter”

This is a direct reference to Moses’ spirit being agitated by the sin of Israel. What is worthy of note here is that the construction shows that it is the “spirit” which moves man to speak with his lips. When this truth is applied to God the application is the same (see 1 Corinthians 2:7-16).

Psalm 139:7

“go from your Spirit”

This passage is emphasizing the omnipresence of God. Man cannot flee from His Spirit or His presence. The Spirit, being divine, is omnipresent. However, this text does not affirm a specific function of the Spirit with man.

Proverbs 1:23

“pour out my spirit”

While this is likely not a direct reference to the Holy Spirit, its usage is important. Solomon’s desire in this text is to impart his wisdom to his “son” (1:8). To accomplish this he states he will “pour out” his spirit to his son; thereby, making his “words known” to him. The pouring out of one’s Spirit provides revelation. That is true for man’s spirit and God’s Spirit as well.