Title: The Spirit of the Lord
1The Spirit of the Lord
- Second Isaiah
- Chapters 40 53 NRS
- by Prophets
- Jeff Goettemoeller
-
- Br. Christopher Onuoha
- The Nahumites
2The Spirit of the Lord
-
- Three traditions of spirit of the Lord in Isaiah
- Pre-Exilic Tradition
- Exilic Tradition
- Post-Exilic Tradition
Deutero-Isaiah
3Concept of Spirit in the Ancient Near East
- Hebrew ruah
- Greek pneuma
- Properly speaking, means wind or breath,
denoting either destructive power or
life/creation. - Mesopotamian and Ugaritic texts emphasize wind
as a divine weapon or powerful storm. - Egyptians emphasize wind as life more than
power
From Nikolai Dotzek's http//www.op.dlr.de/
pa4p/
4Concept of Spirit in the Ancient Near East
- xWr ruwach roo'-akh
- Meaning
- wind, breath, mind, spirit
- 2) breath of air
- 3) air, gas
- spirit (as that which breathes quickly in
animation or agitation) - (KJV)
www.sasc.com.au/ photo_gallery.htm
5Concept of Spirit in the Old Testament
- Ruah occurs 378 times in the Old Testament
- These can be divided into three roughly equal
groups - It is used to denote wind or breath of air
- It is used for the force that vivifies man
principle of life/breath, the seat of
knowledge and feeling - It indicates the life of God Himself, the force
by which He acts causes action at the physical
spiritual levels - Ruah-breath is not disincarnate, rather it
animates the body - It opposed to the flesh the purely earthly
reality of man which is weak corruptible.
6Concept of Spirit in the Old Testament
Genesis 12 NAB The earth was a formless
wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while
a mighty wind swept over the waters. NIV Now
the earth was 2 Or possibly became formless and
empty, darkness was over the surface of the
deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over
the waters. NRS The earth was a formless void
and darkness covered the face of the deep, while
a wind from God1 swept over the face of the
waters. ynEåP.-l v,xoßw Whboêw" Whto
ht'îyh' r,a'ªh'w WTT Genesis 12 yIM")h
ynEïP.-l tp,x,Þrm. yhiêla/ xWråw Aht.
7 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- Leadership Spirit
- Prophetic Spirit
- Creation Spirit
- Spirit as Gods independent agent
- Spirit as part of Gods person
- Spirit as practically a substitute for God
8 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- Leadership Spirit
- Who receives it?
- The Judges (Judg. 216)
- Present Kings (1 Sam. 101)
- Future kings/leaders (Is. 111)
- the 70 elders (Num. 1125)
- Function
- Authenticates Charismatic Leadership
- Equips the recipient for Leadership
Anointing of Saul Pitts Theology
Library http//www.pitts.emory.edy
9 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- Prophetic Spirit
- Prophetic activity as a sign of the
- presence of the divine spirit
- Prophetic activity manifest in non-prophetic
figures, e.g. Saul (1 Sam 105,10-11) - The prophetic activity proves the presence of the
Spirit - The Spirit in turn authenticates Gods selection
of this person - The spirit coming upon actual prophets (1 Sam.
1010)
I am a prophet!!!
Pumped-up prophet www.compaid.fi/svenska/
prophet.html
10 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- Creation Spirit
- Thought to be a later development, examples
- The creating wind or spirit in Gen 12 (Priestly
source) - Restoration of the nation, prosperity, peace (Is.
3215-20) - This spirit is given to individuals, communities,
nations, or the land.
11 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- Spirit as Gods independent agent
- Spirit functions as an independent entity,
loosely associated with God, for example - 1) The spirit with personality (The courtier in 1
Kings 2219) - Angels as Gods agents may have developed from
this usage. - 2) The spirit without personality, as with the
wind (Ex 158 Zech. 46)
12 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- As part of Gods person or sign of His
- presence
- The spirit as an extension of Gods personality,
though not directly identified with God. - Often indicated by anthropomorphism
- 1) Is. 31.3 Comparing Egyptian horses with the
Spirit of God - 2) Is. 3416b Parallelism of the Mouth of the
Lord and His Spirit - 3) Is. 4013 Gods wisdom associated with His
spirit
13 Spirit of the Lord Traditions in the Old
Testament
- As practically a substitute for God
- Probably a later development, along with the
- emphasis of Gods transcendence over humanity
- Spirit of Yahweh virtually synonymous with
you, referring to God. - May be related to the Deuteronomic use of other
names to avoid direct reference to God. - Example Is. 637-19
14Functions of Spirit of the Lord in Isaiah
- Blessing on the restored community (3215-20
441-4) - Selecting empowering the future leader
(111-3a 286 421-4) - Purification of the remnant (44)
- Ushering in of the new age
15Spirit of the Lord Traditions in Pre-Exilic
Isaiah
- Spirit as part of Gods substance -- an attribute
of God (313) - Leadership spirit superhuman attribute granted
to chosen human vessels (111-3 2865-6) - Spirit as a divine agent wisdom, understanding,
justice (112-3 286) - Prophetic Spirit (301)
16Characteristics of Spirit of the Lord in
Pre-Exilic Isaiah
- Refinement/Spiritualization
- Wisdom connection
- Exclusiveness
- Eschatological connection
17Spirit of the Lord Traditions in Exilic Isaiah
- Creation Spirit
- Leadership Spirit
- (421-4)
- Spirit as practically a
- substitute for God (3416 4013)
The Babylonian Exile of the Jews
www.songofazrael.org/ whoisazrael.html
18Spirit of the Lord as Agent of Creation
- Strong and rich creation tradition in Mesopotamia
may have influenced this development. - Three rich facets of creation distinguished
- Initial creation (4013 cf. Gen. 12)
- Re-creation (4316 cf. Ezek. 36)
- Prosperity, in physical and spiritual senses
(3215 441-5) - In all the stages the spirit of God plays
- a definite role.
19Creation Spirit (1)
- Who has directed the spirit of the LORD, or as
his counselor has instructed him? (Is 4013) - Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a
path in the mighty waters (Is 4316) - But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I
have chosen! 2Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you in the womb and will help you Do
not fear, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I
have chosen. 3For I will pour water on the
thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground I
will pour my spirit upon your descendants, and my
blessing on your offspring. 4 They shall spring
up like a green tamarisk, like willows by flowing
streams. 5This one will say, "I am the Lord's,"
another will be called by the name of Jacob, yet
another will write on the hand, "The Lord's," and
adopt the name of Israel (441-5)
20Leadership Spirit (2) (421-4)
- The spirit upon the Servant has more spiritual
emphasis. - Functions along the typical idea of leadership
- to reinforce God's election
- to enable the Servant to accomplish the given
task. - The task, however, is more prophet-like than
kingly.
21Spirit Almost Substitutes for God (3) (3416
4013)
- These texts bring the idea of the divine ruah a
step closer to God's personhood - the spirit works as Gods direct agent, almost
replacing Him. - This contrasts with other texts where the
spirit is always directed to a person (421-4)
or group of people (3213-15 441-5). -
22Other Traditions?
- Not every tradition is present or reshaped by
exilic theologians, e.g. there is no reference to
ruah as the source of prophetic inspiration in
the Exilic era.
23Characteristics of Spirit of the Lordin Exilic
Isaiah
- Generally, there is a reinterpretation of old
tradition - Further refinement
- Democratization of the Divine Spirit
- Creation/recreation/life/prosperity emerges
(3215 441-5 3416) - More active and direct eschatological role
24Exilic Further refinement
- Exilic tradition Becomes highly advanced. No
violent manifestation. But! - As in old tradition, The spirit will equip the
Servant to succeed, and, this time, to endure
hardships. - The ideal society is realized in the restored
community with all having Yahweh's ruah.
- In the old tradition Ruah-endowed Servant
experiences violent charismatic manifestations. - Justice righteousness (Is. 111-5 286)
- continues in the role of the spirit
25Exilic Further refinement
- The Servant who is spirit-equipped is described
as gentle and compassionate. - An entirely different picture which contrasts
with the portrait of Cyrus (4428-454) who is
described as a successful military man not having
Gods ruah. - Creation of fruitful land is directly attributed
to the coming of ruah (3215).
26Exilic Democratization of the divine spirit
- The emphasis is on the community not the
individuals. - The coming of the divine spirit may find its
precedence in the 70 elders (Num. 1117, 25, 26)
some prophetic guilds (1 Sam. 1010, 1920-21),
nowhere is an entire nation viewed as having the
outpouring of the divine spirit.
27Exilic Creation/recreation/life/prosperity
(3215 441-5 3416)
- The spirit's involvement in Yahweh's creation,
particularly of the nation, shows an intense
theological activity during the exilic period. - Creation tradition frequently associated with
water imagery. Water is viewed as an
indispensable element for prosperity. - This may indicate the state of exilic Judahite
theology which becomes stable enough to free
itself from the negative image of the chaotic
water in the Babylonian myths.
28Exilic Eschatological Role more active direct
- Coming of the ruah of God is promised
unconditionally to members of the restored
community in the new age (3215-20 441-5) - Endowment of spirit a completed event, but full
effect moved to the future (Is 421-4). -
- Until the spirit from on high is poured out on
us. Then will the desert become an orchard and
the orchard be regarded as a forest. 16Right will
dwell in the desert and justice abide in the
orchard. 17Justice will bring about peace right
will produce calm and security. 18 My people will
live in peaceful country, in secure dwellings and
quiet resting places. (Is 3215-18) -
29Other features Ruah as divine being
- In 3416 4013 Ruah of Yahweh represents
divine being. The presence of ruah is the
presence of Yahweh - Who has directed the spirit of the Lord, or as
his counselor has instructed him? (Is 4013)
30Spirit of the Lord Traditions in Post-Exilic
Isaiah
- Prophetic/Leadership Spirit (611 637-14)
- Spirit as practically substitute for God
(6310-14) - The Spirit as Gods impersonal agent
31Prophetic/Leadership Spirit (611 637-14)
- Post-Exilic tradition contain several of the
spirit traditions. The most obvious emphasis is
on the prophetic phenomenon generally and
specifically on the prophetic spirit. - The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because
the LORD has anointed me he has sent me to bring
good news to the oppressed, to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and release to the prisoners (Is 611)
32Prophetic/Leadership Spirit (611 637-14)
- Absence of ecstatic form of revelation
- The prophet claims ruah of Yahweh is upon him
thru the anointing of God, no reference to dream
and vision (611) The leadership spirit. - So a prophet is more than a prophet preacher,
messenger healer, spiritual leader.
33Prophetic/Leadership Spirit (611 637-14)
- He is a powerful messenger of God who is going to
usher in the new age thru the ruah of God. - Purpose has pastoral motif, since the prophet
addresses a community that lacks a political
leader. - The ref. is now to spiritual power not to
physical or military might.
34Spirit as substitute for God (6310-14)
- Spirit continues to represent God himself in
terms of his power his caring nature, but not
in his fullness. - Why???
- This representation reflects a theological
emphasis of the P-E era the transcendence of
Yahweh. - Westermann argues the deepest break in
historical meaning is that Gods activity
becomes an activity of or activity thru the
spirit.
35Spirit as substitute for God (6310-14)
- Direct ref to God or Yahweh in Exodus is
replaced by his holy spirit in Is 6310-14. Its
full development is seen in NT. - But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit
therefore he became their enemy he himself
fought against them (6310). Like cattle that go
down into the valley, the spirit of the LORD gave
them rest (Is 6314a).
36Spirit as Gods impersonal agent
- Traditionally, spirit functions mainly as the
means of Gods operation upon individuals and
nations. - The ruah of God is often viewed as an impersonal
force or power to execute Gods judgment, similar
to how the wind' is used to execute God's
judgment (Is 5713). It is the wind that will
carry the idols off. - When you cry out, let your collection of idols
deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a
breath will take them away. But whoever takes
refuge in me shall possess the land and inherit
my holy mountain (Is. 5713).
37Spirit as Gods impersonal agent
- Missing in the Post-Exilic Isaiah tradition is
the spirit of God as a life-giving force, in
significant contrast to exilic tradition where
the creative work of the spirit of God appears
with strong emphasis.
38Characteristics of Spirit inPost-Exilic Isaiah
- Continuing refinement
- Assumption of qualifying concepts
- Eschatological connection p.155
- Democratization
- Pastoral contexts
- Loose application of the term.
39Continuing refinement
- Fewer refs to the violent effect of ruah. Even
the prophet's declaration of the spirit of Yahweh
upon himself has no violent effects. - This contrasts with early notion where
- 1) the judges are given physical might and
military strength (Judg. 634 1325) - 2) the prophetic spirit is violent and ecstatic
(1 Sam. 106). - In the context of judgment, the decisiveness and
power of the spirit is the main emphasis e.g.
rushing wind imagery (5919) the powerful
verb take away is used in 572 for the judgment
on the idols.
40Qualifying concepts
- Some attributes of God were applied to the spirit
of Yahweh, e.g. his righteousness and justice
(42-6). - the spirit of God in past era has a qualifying
word which indicates its function not its
nature, e.g. lying spirit, sleeping spirit (Is
1914), evil spirit from Yahweh (1 Sam 1614). - For the 1st time, the holiness of Yahweh is
extended to his spirit, which is his real
presence (6310, 11). This accompanies a greater
sense of Gods transcendence.
41Eschatological Connection
- From the exilic period onward the vital role of
the ruah of Yahweh in the coming age becomes a
more prominent tradition. - Functions of spirit of Yahweh in the new age
- Ezekiel's witness to the renewal of the moral
life - the ruah of God as power that transforms nature
(Is. 3215) - the spirit guiding the people in the exodus (Is.
6311-14) - the spirit abiding in the midst of the new
community (Hag. 25) - enabling Zerubbabel to overcome all difficulties
in the building of the new temple (Zech. 46)
42Eschatological connection
- General outpouring of the prophetic spirit in the
new age (Joel 228-29). - Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all
flesh your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and
your young men shall see visions (Joel 228). - This coming new age is brought about by the same
spirit of God (611 cf. 3215).
43Effects of ruah reveal a substantial
difference in E P-E traditions
-
- Exilic characteristics
- Agricultural prosperity (3215-20) and almost
mythical description of the transformation of the
natural world (444)
- Post-Exilic characteristics
- The effect is more spiritualized.
44Limited Democratization
- Characterizes development of ruah concept during
the exilic and postexilic periods. This meant - In ancient time, the spirit of God was given
exclusively to a limited number of leaders (Moses
and other leaders, 6311). - The prophetic spirit is also given to a selected
individual (61.1). - Yet the coming age is envisaged as a time when
every descendant of the prophet is given the
prophetic spirit of Yahweh (5921). - The intimate closeness between God his prophets
his people is part of Israel's eschatological
expectations in the early restoration period.
45Pastoral Contexts
- In Third Isaiah the use of spirit of Yahweh was
to meet the pastoral need of the suffering and
frustrated community.
46Loose Application of ruah
- Ruah is used widely to include heavenly
creatures. There seems to be a loose
interchangeability between the spirit and angels
or heavenly beings. - This tendency began in the exilic period in
Ezekiel. - In the Isaianic exilic tradition it is absent.
47Spirit of the Lord in New Testament
- The Holy Spirit is not
- The dove
- Wind
- Water
- Anointing/Oil
- Fire
- Cloud Light
- The finger
- The hand
- The seal
- So what are these?
- Symbols/Images
- The Holy Spirit is
- A Person
- God
- Spouse of Mother Mary
- Advocate/Companion
- Sanctifier
- Revealer
48Spirit of the Lord in New Testament Images of
the Holy Spirit
49Spirit of the Lord in New Testament
Holy Spirit is portrayed as a divine
person/character in Lukan narrative
- speaks (Acts 1164251019-20),
- gives utterance (Acts 24),
- forbids (Acts 166-7),
- testifies (Acts 20230,
- oversees (Acts 2028)
- He
- reveals (226),
- inspires (227),
- leads (41),
- teaches (1212),
50Spirit of the Lord in New Testament
- Jesus Christ revealed the identity of the Spirit
as the 3rd Person of the Trinity - Holy Spirit the Life-Giving principle
- The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power
of the Most High will over- shadow you (Lk 135)
51Spirit of the Lord in New Testament
The Spirit rested on Jesus
If I do not go the Spirit will not come
Jesus gave up His Spirit
52Spirit of the Lord in New Testament
- Jesus came to Nazarethand he went to the
synagogue on the sabbath dayHe stood up to
read,17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was
given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found
the place where it was written 18 "The Spirit of
the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to
proclaim release to the captives and recovery of
sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Lk
416-19 cf Is 611)
53Spirit of the Lord in New Testament
- Jesus reveals the Holy Spirit
- "If you love meI will ask the Father, and He
will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of
Truth to be with you forever (Jn 1415-16) - If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come
to you but if I go, I will send Him to you (Jn
167)
54P E N T E C O S T
Then there appeared to them tongues As of
fireand they were all filled With the Holy
Spirit (Acts 23,4)
55The Holy Spirit
- Third Person of the Blessed Trinity
- Equal to the Father the Son
- He gives seven gifts (the Isaiah gifts)
- What are they?
- Wisdom Understanding
- Counsel Fortitude
- Knowledge Fear of the Lord
- Piety
56Holy Spirit in the Church
- Holy Spirit the Origin of the Church
- Holy Spirit the life of the Church
- Holy Spirit the Sacraments
- Holy Spirit in the Nicene Creed
- He proceeds from the Father the Son
- He is Lord and Giver of Life
57Holy Spirit in the Church
- The earthly form structure of the Church of
Christ is sacramental (mystical body) - So ?????????
- How does on enter the Church?
- How is one sustained as a Christian?
- What Feast in the Church is dedicated to the
Third Person of the Trinity?
58Pragmatics/Discussion
- Feast of Pentecost
- 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time Year A
- 1st Reading Is 495-6Baptism of the Lord Year
ABC - 1st Reading 421-4, 4-7