RUACH SYMBOL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR THE CHURCH IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The concept of “ruach†in the Old Testament is a unique one. It appears almost 387 times in the Old Testament usually in feminine gender. The Greek equivalent of the word is “pneuma†whose fundamental meaning is “air in motion.â€[i]  However, the word “ruach†is the wind or the breath of God or is an invading force whose manifestation is evident throughout the Hebrew canon. [ii] The manifestation of the Spirit of God is conspicuously seen at creation and in the life and ministry of individual people who were specially anointed to accomplish given tasks for God in the Biblical world. This boils down to the fact that no one can do God’s work without the enabling presence of God’s Spirit. The Church today must realize this fact and as such should allow the Spirit of God to lead and guide in all the church activities and programs so that the people can be blessed.