One of the most important claims Scripture makes about itself, and its origins, is that it is God-breathed and Spirit-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The prophets of Israel looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and the making of a new people. But they did not, and could not, fully understand what their prophecies meant. Their lack of understanding concerning their Messiah's coming was pervasive. That was especially true concerning Jesus' suffering and the glory that followed his resurrection. That lack of understanding existed even though the recorded Old Testament prophecies about the coming of Christ were given by the Holy Spirit. We value Scripture because the Spirit of God stands behind its origin and inspired the words that its prophets and writers shared. However, we need the Spirit's help to fully understand them (1 Corinthians 2:6-14).