Presence, Power and Promise

This scholarly work explores the multifaceted role of God's Spirit in the Old Testament, highlighting its significance and the need for further study, as seen in Presence, Power and Promise.

The Hebrew term rûah, meaning 'spirit', appears over three hundred times in the Old Testament, encompassing a variety of meanings including breeze, breath, wind, and spirit. Among these references, thirty-nine distinctly relate to God, such as 'Spirit of God' and 'Spirit of the Lord'. This suggests that God's Spirit serves as a vital force, empowering individuals to fulfill various roles in service to Him, whether it be ruling, defeating adversaries, judging, or prophesying. Despite the significance of the Spirit of God within the Old Testament, it has surprisingly received little scholarly attention.

In light of this gap, Presence, Power and Promise brings together a collection of esteemed Old Testament scholars who delve into different facets of this topic. The volume is organized into eight main sections, addressing themes such as the Spirit's relationship to creation, wisdom, creativity, prophecy, leadership, and future expectations, as well as its presence at Qumran. This compilation is designed to inform, stimulate, and reward the efforts of students, teachers, and preachers engaging with the Old Testament.

The contributors to this scholarly work include notable figures such as Andrew Abernethy, Richard E. Averbeck, and Tremper Longman III, among others. The editors, David G. Firth and Paul D. Wegner, both bring significant expertise to the project, with Firth serving as the Director of Extension Studies at St John's College and Wegner as a Professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. Their combined efforts ensure a comprehensive exploration of the Spirit's role in the Old Testament, making Presence, Power and Promise an essential resource for those seeking deeper insights into this profound subject.