Dreams Represent Present and Future Events
The Bible says very much about dreams, especially in the Old Testament. The biblical definition of a dream is “an incomprehensible act or vision,” a message from God which the dreamer interprets. Dreams in the Bible appear to represent present or future events which the dreamer has no control over. For example in Numbers 12, Moses is given a dream in which he sees two branches of almond blossoms. This dream is meant to show Moses that God is faithful and that He will help him fulfill his mission.
In the New Testament, Peter has a dream in which a great cloth is lowered from heaven. In this dream, the cloth contains all kinds of food, some of which were considered unclean by Jewish law in the time of Peter. This dream shows Peter that he can accept people from many backgrounds into the Church, regardless of religious Law. Dreams in the Bible appear to be a way for God to communicate to people His plans and desires.
Interpreting Dreams
The Bible also helps us understand that there are ways to interpret dreams. In Genesis 41, Joseph is able to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh by understanding the symbolism in the dream. By understanding the symbolism, Joseph is able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and give him new insight into his future. Similarly, in Daniel 2:20-24, Daniel interprets the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar by interpreting the symbols in the dream.
The Bible also teaches us that interpreting dreams should not be done in isolation. In Daniel 2, for example, Daniel encourages the king to find three wise men to interpret the dream along with him. He believes that having multiple interpretations will help them get a better understanding of the dream. This teaches us that it is important to cross-check our interpretations of dreams with others, in order to get a clearer understanding of the meaning of the dream.
Dreams as Warnings
The Bible teaches us that dreams can be used as warnings. In Jonah 1, Jonah is given a dream from God warning him that the ship he is on will be destroyed in a storm if he does not repent and turn away from his sins. Jonah takes the warning and repents, and the ship is spared. Similarly, in Habakkuk 2:3, Habakkuk receives a warning in a dream that he should be careful and watch what he says, so that his words do not bring him or God harm.
These examples show us that dreams can be used as warnings to the dreamer, to forewarn them of danger and help them make better decisions. Dreams can also be warnings to others, as in Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37:5-11, in which Joseph receives a dream warning his brothers of future events.
Dreams as Prophecies
The Bible teaches us that dreams can be used for prophetic purposes as well. In Genesis 20, Abraham has a prophetic dream about his son, Isaac, that God will bless his descendants, and that Abraham will have a future grandson. God also uses dreams to reveal prophetic visions and revelations, such as in the dreams of Daniel and Zechariah. These dreams are used by God to reveal the future, and often include warnings and encouragement.
Dreams as Sources of Comfort
The Bible also speaks of dreams as a source of comfort. In Moses’ dream in Numbers 12:6-8, Moses is comforted by God’s presence in the dream and is reassured of his mission. Similarly, in the dream of Mary in Luke 1, Mary is comforted and reassured by God’s presence in her dream and encouraged in her difficult mission. Dreams can be a source of comfort for the dreamer, providing assurance and guidance.
Avoiding False Interpretations
The Bible also warns against False Interpretations of Dreams. In the dream of Pharaoh in Genesis 41, Pharaoh is told to beware of false interpretations and to find those who can interpret dreams correctly. Similarly, in Joel 2:28-29, God warns against interpreting dreams according to one’s own understanding and imagination, as this will not lead to the right understanding of the dream. This shows us that it is important to be careful in interpreting dreams, and to avoid letting one’s own desires and ideas cloud the interpretation.
Encouragement to Seek Interpretations
The Bible also encourages us to seek out interpretations of our dreams. In Acts 2:17-18, Peter encourages us to seek out the interpretation of our dreams, telling us that this is how God reveals His plans and desires to us. He also encourages us to ask others for interpretations of our dreams, as this can help us gain deeper understanding of the message in our dreams.
Dreams as Open Ended Questions
The Bible also teaches us that dreams can sometimes be open-ended questions rather than clear answers. In the dream of Pharaoh in Genesis 41 for example, Pharaoh is left to figure out the interpretation of his dream on his own. Similarly, in the dream of Mary in Luke 1, Mary is left to ponder God’s message in her dream and to figure out what it means. Open-ended questions in dreams can be a way for God to challenge us and encourage us to seek out His guidance and advice in our lives.
Dreams as an Aid to Developing Faith
Finally, the Bible teaches us that dreams can be used as an aid to developing faith. In the dream of Abraham in Genesis 15:1-12, Abraham is promised a child and is encouraged to have faith in God. Similarly, in the dream of Mary in Luke 1, Mary is promised a son and is encouraged to have faith in God. Dreams in the Bible can be used to encourage us to develop our faith in God and to trust in His plans and purposes.
Dreams as a Means to Summon People
The Bible also shows us that dreams can be used to summon people to a specific task or mission. In Acts 10:9-16, Peter is told in a dream to go to Cornelius’ house and to preach the gospel. Similarly, in Joshua 24:3-5, Joshua is told in a dream to arise and take the Israelites to the promised land. Dreams in the Bible can be used to summon people to a certain mission or task, and can be a way for God to lead and guide us in His service.
Dreams Reflecting Hopes and Desires
The Bible also teaches us that dreams can reflect our own hopes and desires. In the dream of Joseph in Genesis 37:5-11, Joseph dreams of being held in high regard by his brothers, reflecting his own desire to be respected and loved by them. Dreams can also be a reflection of our fears and anxieties, such as in the dream of Pharaoh in Genesis 41:17-24, in which Pharaoh dreams of seven lean cows and seven thin ears of corn, reflecting his fear of the coming famine.
This shows us that dreams can be a reflection of our hopes and desires, and can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and our hopes for the future.
Dreams as a Source of Discernment
Finally, the Bible teaches us that dreams can be used as a source of discernment. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul speaks of a spiritual discernment which is made possible by the Holy Spirit, and of a special wisdom which can be discerned from dreams. This wisdom can help us better understand our lives and our decisions, and can help us to make wise and informed choices.
Dreams as Opportunities to Grow Spiritually
Dreams can also be used as an opportunity to grow spiritually. In Psalm 126:5-6, the psalmist tells us that when we sleep and dream, we will be refreshed and strengthened and that our spirit will be renewed when we arise. This shows us that dreams can be a way for us to grow spiritually, and can help us to be better prepared for the challenges of life.
Conclusion
The Bible shows us that dreams can be used for many different purposes, from warnings and prophecies to comfort and discernment. Dreams can also be a source of hope and a way for us to grow spiritually. These examples show us that with the help of the Bible, we can better understand our dreams, interpret them correctly, and find the encouragement and guidance we need to pursue God’s plans for our lives.
