In the biblical context, a "prophet" is an individual chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people. Prophets play a crucial role in the spiritual and moral guidance of the Israelites, often calling them back to faithfulness and warning them of the consequences of disobedience. The term "dreamer" is sometimes used interchangeably with "prophet," particularly when referring to those who receive divine revelations through dreams.

Old Testament Prophets

The Old Testament is replete with prophets who served as God's mouthpieces. Notable figures include Moses, who is considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. In Deuteronomy 18:18, God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses: "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him."

Other significant prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, each of whom delivered messages pertinent to their times and often foretold future events. The prophetic books contain both warnings of judgment and promises of restoration, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

False Prophets and Dreamers

The Bible also warns against false prophets and dreamers who lead people astray. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 cautions, "If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes to pass, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer."

False prophets are characterized by their deviation from God's truth and their encouragement of idolatry. The Israelites were instructed to test the words of prophets against the established revelation of God and to reject those who contradicted it.

New Testament Prophets

In the New Testament, the role of the prophet continues, though it is often seen in the context of the early church. John the Baptist is a prominent prophetic figure who prepares the way for Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the prophetic office. Jesus Himself is recognized as a prophet, as seen in Luke 24:19: "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people."

The New Testament also speaks of the gift of prophecy within the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and Ephesians 4:11. Prophets in the early church were instrumental in edifying, exhorting, and comforting believers.

Dreams as a Means of Revelation

Dreams are occasionally used by God as a means of revelation. In the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel are notable for their ability to interpret dreams, which serve as divine messages. In the New Testament, Joseph, the husband of Mary, receives guidance through dreams (Matthew 1:20-21; 2:13).

While dreams can be a legitimate form of divine communication, they are subject to the same scrutiny as other prophetic messages. They must align with God's revealed word and character.

Conclusion

The role of the prophet or dreamer is integral to the biblical narrative, serving as a conduit for divine communication. Whether through spoken word or dreams, true prophets align with God's truth and lead His people toward righteousness. The Bible provides clear criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones, emphasizing adherence to God's commandments and the centrality of worshiping Him alone.