jahzmo

Joel and Ezekiel tell us of these promises re the Holy Spirit: prophesying, dreaming, visions, salvation for all who call upon the name of the Lord, a new heart, a new spirit, a spirit of flesh and removal of the heart of stone. The house of Israel are the recipients of these promises, and maybe even today we can claim these promises!

God promises to give Jesus wisdom, understanding, the ability to counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Jesus later quotes Isaiah and says that the LORD has anointed Him to bring good news to the poor; to bind up those with broken hearts, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to open the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim both the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; and to comfort all who mourn. Jesus actually saw himself as the fulfillment of the prophecy.

The 70 Elders could lead the people because they were already leaders AND because God gave them the Holy Spirit to guide them. The Holy Spirit also helped them bear the burden of the people. They then prophesied as a one-time experience and foretold the future. Moses and the 70 already had the gift of the Holy Spirit. He longed that the people could have the same gift, assistance and relationship with God because he and the 70 already had it and he wished the people had the same privilege and blessing.

God gave the Holy Spirit to individuals in the OT because they had a specific purpose or job to do for God. For example, Bezalel decorated the temple, Gideon became a judge, and Saul became King of Israel. Each of these OT characters then had a special relationship with God – each became a different person specifically equipped to their assigned job, and each one then knew Him personally and intimately.