DREAMS / VISION
The Bible places significant importance on dreams and their interpretations, using them for various divine purposes. Dreams often served as a medium through which God revealed prophecies and provided guidance. For instance, Joseph, the husband of Mary, received divine messages through dreams, such as the warning to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus: “Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him'” (Mt 2:13). Similarly, Joseph of the Old Testament was known for his ability to interpret dreams, which played a crucial role in saving Egypt and his family from famine: “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you'” (Gen 41:39-40).
Other notable instances include the dreams of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, which were interpreted by the prophet Daniel: “Then Daniel went to his house and explained the matter to his friends… and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish” (Dan 2:17-18). Gideon also received encouragement through a dream to win a war: “When Gideon came, there was a man telling a dream to his comrade; and he said, ‘I dreamed a dream, and in it a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, and came to the tent, and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat'” (Judg 7:13). These examples illustrate that dreams in the Bible were not ordinary but carried significant divine messages and prophecies.
Dreams as Warnings
The Bible also records dreams used to warn individuals of impending dangers. The Magi, for example, were warned in a dream not to return to King Herod, thus protecting the infant Jesus: “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road” (Mt 2:12). Joseph was similarly warned in dreams to take actions that ensured the safety of his family: “When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead'” (Mt 2:19-20). These dreams were distinct from ordinary dreams due to their divine origin and purpose.
Dreams vs. Visions
In biblical terms, dreams and visions are distinct phenomena. Dreams occur during sleep, while visions happen when a person is awake. For instance, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and Mary in visions, whereas Joseph received divine messages through dreams. This distinction is important as it highlights the different ways God communicates with His people. Studies suggest that people always dream when they sleep, but they only remember dreams that occur just before waking up or those that wake them up. Joseph’s dreams were so vivid and compelling that he acted upon them immediately, recognizing them as divine instructions.
REFLECTION
While dreams and visions in the Bible revealed God’s plans, the ultimate revelation came through Jesus Christ. The New Testament continues to remind us of the importance of turning away from sin and returning to God. As Christians, we are encouraged to study the Holy Bible, which provides profound insights into God’s mysteries and His plan for salvation.
The Catholic Church teaches that while dreams can be a legitimate vehicle for divine revelation, they should be approached with caution. The interpretation of dreams, especially those believed to be from God, should be guided by someone theologically trained and in accordance with the teachings of the Church. The Church also emphasizes that not all dreams are divine and that many are influenced by various psychological and physiological factors.
In conclusion, dreams and visions in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of God’s ongoing communication with His people. They underscore the importance of being attentive to God’s messages and acting upon them with faith and obedience. As Christians, we are called to seek God’s guidance through prayer, scripture, and the teachings of the Church, trusting that He will lead us on the right path.
Let us immerse ourselves in the study of the Bible, allowing its teachings to transform our lives and deepen our relationship with God. By doing so, we can better discern His will and live out our faith with conviction and purpose.