In the biblical context, a "Prophet or Dreamer of Dreams" refers to individuals who claim to receive divine revelations through visions or dreams. These figures are often seen as intermediaries between God and His people, tasked with delivering messages, warnings, or guidance. The role of prophets and dreamers is significant throughout the Scriptures, serving as instruments through which God communicates His will.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 : "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. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

This passage warns against false prophets and dreamers who may perform signs and wonders but lead people away from the worship of the one true God. It emphasizes the importance of discerning the source and intent of the message, highlighting that true prophecy aligns with God's commandments and character.

2. Jeremiah 23:25-28 : "I have heard what the prophets who prophesy lies in My name are saying: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They suppose the dreams they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through Baal worship. Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain? declares the LORD."

Here, God condemns false prophets who claim to have dreams from Him but are actually spreading lies and leading people astray. The passage contrasts the worthless nature of false dreams with the truth and substance of God's word.

3. Joel 2:28 : "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."

This prophecy from Joel speaks of a future time when God's Spirit will be poured out on all people, resulting in widespread prophecy, dreams, and visions. It indicates a democratization of spiritual gifts, where both men and women, young and old, will receive divine revelations.

Role and Function:

Prophets and dreamers of dreams in the Bible serve various functions, including:

· Revelation of God's Will: They communicate God's plans, purposes, and commands to His people. This can include calls to repentance, warnings of impending judgment, or promises of future blessings.

· Confirmation of God's Word: True prophets and dreamers confirm the truth of God's word and His covenant with His people. Their messages align with the established revelation and do not contradict God's character or commandments.

· Testing of Faithfulness: As seen in Deuteronomy 13, God may allow false prophets to arise as a test of His people's faithfulness. The presence of false prophets challenges believers to discern truth from deception and remain steadfast in their devotion to God.

Discernment and Testing:

The Bible provides criteria for testing the authenticity of prophets and dreamers:

· Alignment with Scripture: True prophecy will not contradict the teachings and principles found in the Bible. Any message that leads away from God or promotes idolatry is to be rejected.

· Fulfillment of Prophecy: A genuine prophet's predictions will come to pass as stated. However, fulfillment alone is not sufficient if the message contradicts God's revealed truth.

· Moral and Spiritual Integrity: The character and conduct of the prophet or dreamer should reflect godliness and adherence to God's commandments.

In summary, while prophets and dreamers of dreams play a vital role in conveying divine messages, the Bible emphasizes the need for discernment to distinguish between true and false revelations. Believers are called to test all things against the standard of God's word and remain faithful to Him.