Dr. Couch, what are the "seven spirits" of Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6?
Answer: This was an abbreviated way of saying the seven aspects of the Holy
Spirit as mentioned and prophesied in Isaiah 11:2. "The (1) Spirit of
the Lord will rest on Him [the Messiah], the (2) Spirit [related to
wisdom] and the (3) Spirit [related to understanding], and the (4)
Spirit [related to council] and the (5) Spirit [related to strength],
and the (6) Spirit [related to knowledge], and the (7) Spirit [related
to the fear of the Lord].
Unger writes about this in his OT commentary: "The Holy Spirit in all
His sevenfold fullness and blessing (Matt. 3:16; Rev. 1:4), because
seven is the number of fullness and perfection, would rest upon [the
Messiah] permanently, not merely come upon Him for temporary ministry."
I hope this helps, and, thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
