What other biblical instances show the Spirit of God empowering individuals? Setting the Stage: Saul and Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:10) “When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied along with them.” The same Spirit who rushed on Saul has, throughout Scripture, repeatedly empowered people for words, works, and wonders. Below are some of the clearest occasions. Spirit-Empowered Deliverers in the Book of Judges • Judges 3:10 – “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel…” (Othniel) • Judges 6:34 – “So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet…” • Judges 11:29 – “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah…” • Judges 14:6; 14:19; 15:14 – “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him…” (Samson, tearing a lion, striking Philistines, snapping ropes) Craftsmen Inspired for Sacred Work • Exodus 31:3 – “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill…” (Bezalel for the tabernacle) • Exodus 35:31 – The Spirit gives wisdom and understanding to every artisan who builds God’s dwelling. Leaders and Kings Strengthened to Govern • Numbers 11:25 – The Spirit rests on the seventy elders and they prophesy. • 1 Samuel 16:13 – “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day forward.” • 2 Chronicles 24:20 – “Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood before the people and said…” (courage to rebuke a king) • 1 Chronicles 12:18 – “Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said, ‘We are yours, O David…’” Prophets Moved to Speak God’s Word • 2 Chronicles 15:1 – “Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded.” • 2 Chronicles 20:14 – “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel… in the midst of the assembly.” • Numbers 24:2 – “When Balaam looked and saw Israel… the Spirit of God came upon him.” • Ezekiel 2:2 – “As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet…” • 1 Kings 18:46 – “The hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he… ran ahead of Ahab to Jezreel.” New Testament Fulfillment: The Spirit Poured Out on God’s People • Luke 1:41 – Elizabeth filled with the Spirit, blessing Mary. • Luke 1:67 – Zechariah filled with the Spirit, prophesying over John. • Acts 2:4 – At Pentecost “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues.” • Acts 4:8 – Peter, filled with the Spirit, boldly addresses the Sanhedrin. • Acts 7:55 – Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, sees the risen Lord. • Acts 13:9 – Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas the sorcerer. Key Takeaways about the Spirit’s Empowering Work • The Spirit comes upon ordinary people—judges, kings, prophets, craftsmen, parents—to accomplish God’s extraordinary purposes. • Empowering can take many forms: military victory, skilled craftsmanship, prophetic speech, supernatural courage, or physical strength. • Each episode affirms that true effectiveness in God’s service is Spirit-given, not self-generated. • From Genesis to Revelation, God’s pattern is consistent: when He calls, He supplies His Spirit so His people can fulfill His calling. |
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