Introduction

In the biblical narrative, dreams and visions are significant means through which God communicates with His people. They serve as divine messages, offering guidance, warnings, and revelations of future events. The interpretation of these dreams and visions is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of discernment and divine wisdom.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: One of the most notable figures in the interpretation of dreams is Joseph, the son of Jacob. In Genesis 37, Joseph himself receives dreams that foretell his future rise to power. Later, while in Egypt, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40) and subsequently Pharaoh's own dreams (Genesis 41). Joseph attributes his ability to interpret dreams to God, saying, "Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Genesis 40:8).

2. Daniel: Another prominent interpreter of dreams is Daniel, who serves in the Babylonian and Persian courts. In Daniel 2, he interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue, revealing the succession of empires. Daniel emphasizes that the interpretation is not from his own wisdom but from God: "There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28). Daniel also interprets his own visions and those of others, such as the writing on the wall in Daniel 5.

New Testament Examples

1. Joseph, the husband of Mary: In the New Testament, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, receives guidance through dreams. An angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20) and later to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:13).

2. Peter and Cornelius: In Acts 10, both Peter and Cornelius receive visions that lead to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community. Peter's vision of a sheet with unclean animals challenges Jewish dietary laws and signifies the acceptance of Gentiles, while Cornelius's vision prompts him to seek Peter.

Principles of Interpretation

1. Divine Source: The Bible consistently attributes the ability to interpret dreams and visions to God. Human wisdom alone is insufficient; divine revelation is necessary for true understanding.

2. Alignment with Scripture: Interpretations must align with the broader teachings of Scripture. Any interpretation that contradicts biblical principles is to be rejected.

3. Purpose and Clarity: Biblical dreams and visions often have a clear purpose, such as providing guidance, warning, or revealing God's plan. They are not given for mere curiosity but serve a specific divine intention.

4. Confirmation: In many instances, interpretations are confirmed by subsequent events or additional revelations. This confirmation serves to validate the interpretation as truly from God.

Warnings and Cautions

The Bible also warns against false interpretations and the misuse of dreams and visions. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, the Israelites are cautioned against prophets or dreamers who lead them away from God, even if their signs or predictions come true. Jeremiah 23:32 condemns those who falsely claim to have dreams from God, emphasizing the need for discernment and adherence to God's truth.

Conclusion

While dreams and visions are significant in the biblical narrative, their interpretation requires divine insight and must be approached with caution and reverence for God's Word.