Dreams in the Bible

[David Ames]

First off, I don't want this thread derailed with the old "Creation vs. Evolution" or related debate. If you feel like attacking another person's beliefs, there are plenty of other threads and websites where you can argue to your heart's desire. Now, to my question for you folks who have studied the Bible. After reading and studying the Bible for a number of years, I've yet to encounter a passage that deals with communicating with someone other than God in our dreams. For example, Joseph is told to flee to Egypt and ends up saving baby Jesus' life in a dream. To the best of my knowlege, no scenario exists in the Bible where someone is able to communicate with someone who is dead. The dead is often refered to as "sleeping" in several passages (Lazarus, Tabitha) and it may mean that they have no awareness of the living. What other examples of dreaming exists in the Bible other than God speaking to his people?

[DvDGuY]

another example of dreams in the ible. When Joseph was sold to egypt and was encarcerated, 2 people a baker and the pharoe's taster i believe were in the same jail as him. they had dreams and he interpreted them, one was gonna be executed another one go back to work for the pharoe. sometime later teh pharoe had a dream and he had heard of joseph being able to interpret dreams. there are other example of dreams in the bible but thats teh one that comes to mind off hand

[David Ames]

Originally posted by DvDGuY another example of dreams in the ible. When Joseph was sold to egypt and was encarcerated, 2 people a baker and the pharoe's taster i believe were in the same jail as him. they had dreams and he interpreted them, one was gonna be executed another one go back to work for the pharoe. *sometime later teh pharoe had a dream and he had heard of joseph being able to interpret dreams. there are other example of dreams in the bible but thats teh one that comes * * * *to mind off hand Thanks for your response. I'll look up the specific chapters and verses you're referring to. I sometimes wonder if the entire Book of Revelation was John's recollection of a dream....

[Amethyst Star]

Originally posted by David Ames I sometimes wonder if the entire Book of Revelation was John's recollection of a dream.... Well, it was. In my point of view, if God showed someone something specific in a dream and told them to write down what they saw, I don't think the person would easily forget what had happened. If they were meant to recall a prophetic dream, they would. It's interesting how God worked through something as both commonplace and mysterious as dreams. I do think too many people have believed that their normal dreams carry great significance for anyone other than themselves. I've come to the conclusion that a prophetic dream would have to consist of elements that are not found in an individual's ordinary dreams. Even then, one would have to make sure that: a. it was from the right source, b. it was easily recallable, and c. it happened exactly as the dream predicted. I'd love to discuss the matter further if you wish. I always like talking to other people and seeing what we can dig up. -Amé

[Seeker]

Well Jacob wrestled with an angel all night and did speak with him a little. Originally posted by David Ames I sometimes wonder if the entire Book of Revelation was John's recollection of a dream.... You know, it has been a pet theory of mine for quite a while now that a lot of the visions from the bible were in fact lucid dreams. Revelation was quite a vision, or lucid dream. This is one of the reasons I will often just go with the flow in my lucid dreams. Perhaps there is something in them that either my subconcious or God is trying to show me? It would be a real shame to waste the opportunity on trivial things like flying or lucid sex.

[MarthaM]

In the Old Testament Jeremiah was know as the Sleeping Prophet and his prophecies came from dreams. Maybe someone could do a little research and see if these read like LD's or something else.

[David Ames]

Originally posted by Seeker This is one of the reasons I will often just go with the flow in my lucid dreams. *Perhaps there is something in them that either my subconcious or God is trying to show me? *It would be a real shame to waste the opportunity on trivial things like flying or lucid sex. This is exactly what I have difficulty in -- going with the flow in an LD. Often I feel rushed and want to take advantage of every single minute since my LDs are rare. I end up trying to control too much and am unable to communicate with anyone. It almost seems that all the characters are unapproachable or just figures in the background. I have yet to have a thorough conversation with another in an LD.

[jay dawg]

keep an eye out for the term "night visions" in the bible. some think the "angel" jacob westled with was supposedly Jesus. he said he has seen god and lived. yet no man has seen gods face. this paradox can only be explained in this way. or it was a dream and didnt happen. daniel and revelation's prophecies are indeed dreams. there really is no evidence to say that they are dreams from god or not. much of it could be their subconscious minds communicating with them. when they see a massive evil beast, this is representing an empire which they fear or hate. especially after they are sent to prison by them. it would be interesting if someone was able to have prophetic dreams, while not first incubating their minds all their life to produce them.

[Amethyst Star]

Originally posted by jay dawg Some think the \"angel\" jacob westled with was supposedly Jesus. he said he has seen god and lived. yet no man has seen gods face. this paradox can only be explained in this way. or it was a dream and didnt happen. Well, keep in mind that angels are not men, obviously. Secondly since this particular angel was permitted to see the face of God we can assume, also, that he was a very high-ranking angel able to speak with a great deal of authority. As for Revelations, John was specifically told to write down what he saw. I wouldn't imagine many dreams where a divine being has come to the dreamer and said, "Write this down," or "Don't write this down." Along the lines of "seeing God", since John was just a man, it's no wonder he resorted to symbolism to describe the sight. The face of -- was it Jesus or the Father, I can't remember -- would have blown anyone's mind and have been indescribable in terms that make sense to us. The use of specific colors, for example, represents characteristics such as power and righteousness and mercy and whatever else. And Seeker brings up a good point about trying to control LDs too much and missing out on the messages possibly being sent to us. I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I manage one. -Amé

[David Ames]

Originally posted by Amethyst Star Well, keep in mind that angels are not men, obviously. *Secondly since this particular angel was permitted to see the face of God we can assume, also, that he was a very high-ranking angel able to speak with a great deal of authority. As for Revelations, John was specifically told to write down what he saw. *I wouldn't imagine many dreams where a divine being has come to the dreamer and said, \"Write this down,\" or \"Don't write this down.\" *Along the lines of \"seeing God\", since John was just a man, it's no wonder he resorted to symbolism to describe the sight. *The face of -- was it Jesus or the Father, I can't remember -- would have blown anyone's mind and have been indescribable in terms that make sense to us. *The use of specific colors, for example, represents characteristics such as power and righteousness and mercy and whatever else. -Amé One must also account for the limitations of man's understanding. Since John had to have relate all events to his own understanding, much of the original message is lost. As far as God having a "face," I don't believe it's in the literal sense. The Bible often refers to God "walking" or doing other physical activities that humans do. However, since God is not limited, we must use desciptions that would apply to man.

[dreamtamer007]

There are two verses in the Bible I would like to refer to (one in the old and one in the new testament) they have these words. “In the last days young men will see visions and old men will dream, dreams”. No one I have ever talked to or listened to have ever commented on the dreaming part. Notice it does not say old men will have dreams but it says will Dream, Dreams. My personal opinion of why younger people are having dreams is because it is getting late. Very Late. And dreaming in the near future will increase in many ways.

[jay dawg]

Originally posted by dreamtamer007 There are two verses in the Bible I would like to refer to (one in the old and one in the new testament) they have these words. * “In the last days young men will see visions and old men will dream, dreams”. No one I have ever talked to or listened to have ever commented on the dreaming part. Notice it does not say old men will have dreams but it says will Dream, Dreams. My personal opinion of why younger people are having dreams is because it is getting late. Very Late. And dreaming in the near future will increase in many ways. it is interesting, but seeing as how everyone has had dreams throughout history, i dont know what this could be reffering to. unless there will be something more groundbreaking to come. maybe dreaming will move more mainstream and get easy with devices. BTW, it wasnt the angel who saw gods face and lived; it was jacob who saw christ.

[David Ames]

Originally posted by dreamtamer007 There are two verses in the Bible I would like to refer to (one in the old and one in the new testament) they have these words. * “In the last days young men will see visions and old men will dream, dreams”. No one I have ever talked to or listened to have ever commented on the dreaming part. Notice it does not say old men will have dreams but it says will Dream, Dreams. My personal opinion of why younger people are having dreams is because it is getting late. Very Late. And dreaming in the near future will increase in many ways. You are talking about this specific passage in the Book of Acts: Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: [/b] Speculation: The young will be able to see visions during their waking life while older men (who are often less open-minded) will only see the visions in their dreams. Thanks for the passage. This was what I was looking for when I started this thread. I'll share my research results with you.

[dreamtamer007]

Speculation: The young will be able to see visions during their waking life while older men (who are often less open-minded) will only see the visions in their dreams. Thanks for the passage. This was what I was looking for when I started this thread. I'll share my research results with you. . That verse is in the Old Testament also, almost word for word. The program I had to look up verses is on the blink, so I can’t tell you exactly where it’s located. . quote=\"jay dawg\"] it is interesting, but seeing as how everyone has had dreams throughout history, i dont know what this could be reffering to. unless there will be something more groundbreaking to come. maybe dreaming will move more mainstream and get easy with devices. [/quote] Yea, I’m not sure, but I can only account for myself. When I was younger I in fact remember having a specific vision. Now I have dreams. Can’t tell for sure what the rest of the world is doing.

[artificer]

Act 2:17 is referring to the end of the old Jewish system when it talked about the last days. The Jewish system ended on 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed the temple. The destruction of the temple was one of the prophecies, visions and dreams that the young and the old had back them. So this particular quotes is not referring to our times.

[jay dawg]

Originally posted by artificer Act 2:17 is referring to the end of the old Jewish system when it talked about the last days. The Jewish system ended on 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed the temple. The destruction of the temple was one of the prophecies, visions and dreams that the young and the old had back them. So this particular quotes is not referring to our times. yeah thats called "preterism". i was really into that for a time. the idea that all prophecy has been fulfilled in 70AD. i think it does mean that spiritually, and that it still will literally come to pass (not how most ppl think tho) soon. unless there is an outbreak of spiritually prophectic dreams in the near future, not sure what it may mean. although the idea of people prophecying in the last days is just refering to people saying stuff like "oh crap the illuminati is bringing about the new world order" or stuff like, "bush is taking over the middle east because we are the false prophet". stuff like that is already come true.

[TAISIA]

In Danial, it talks about King Nebicanezer's dreams. I am going to search for a passage,, I can not recall lat the moment, but it seems to refer to AP I will be back....

[Leo Volont]

Originally posted by David Ames To the best of my knowlege, no scenario exists in the Bible where someone is able to communicate with someone who is dead. The dead is often refered to as \"sleeping\" in several passages (Lazarus, Tabitha) and it may mean that they have no awareness of the living. What other examples of dreaming exists in the Bible other than God speaking to his people? There had been Problems within the Hebrew Community regarding the belief in Life after Death, and for THESE Doctrinal Reasons, the Hebrew Scholars may have carefully eliminated any reference to a dream which might prove the survival of any Deceased Soul. We have Jesus, in his Transfiguration, conversing with Moses and Elijah, but then afterward we have him instructing his disciples not to tell anybody. It was simply too controversial a doctrine back then. Then we have the Dispensational Theory suggested by Anne Catherine Emmerich, Catholicism's foremost Visionary and Seer, who put forward the idea that with the advent of Christ the spiritual distance, or rate of vibration between the living and dead was brought much closer together. Before Christ there may have been the continuation of the Dead at some level, but after the Advent, there was then some crossover possible between planes of the Living and the Dead. Likewise, there had been other changes. Before the advent there really had been a great many Earth Spirits and Demigod Spirits which made the Mythologies more than mere superstitions. In some strange way, with the Advent of Christ, these Demi-god Spirits departed our Vibratory Reach and seemed to hand over that Realm to our own Departed Dead. What we see is Spiritual Evolution. What many of the Organizations are saying is that we are quickly coming up to another Vibratory Shift... probably by or commencing at 2012.

[TAISIA]

Here are some references: Dreams are mentioned 98 times in the Bible, God appeared to people and communicated with his elected servants in Gen 20:3, Gen 20:6, Gen 28:12 (where Jacob percieved Jacob's Ladder), Gen 31:10-11, Gen 31:24, Gen 37:6-10, in Gen 41-42 God communicates with Joseph through the dreams of egyptians and the Pharoah, Gen 42:9, in Numbers 12:6 God says he communicates through dreams, more communication in Judges 7:13-15, we see that God communicates by dreams in 1 Sam 28:6 and 28:15, talks to Solomon via dreams in 1Kings 3:5-15, we see allusions to dream-nature of God in Job 4:3, 7:14, 20:8, 33:15, same in Psalm 126:1, Ecclesiastes 5:3, again we see God speaking to prohets in dreams in Jeremiah 23:28, Daniel was very in tune with dreams communicating with God and interpreting them in Dan 1:17, 2:1-45, 4:1-28, and his prophecies came in dreams (7:1, 7:15), more of this theme in Joel 2:28 and Zechariah 10:2. In the new testament we can see similar themes in Matt 2:12-22, Matt 27:19, and Acts 2:17. Also, the word Spirit is mentioned 63 times. .

[David Ames]

Originally posted by Leo Volont Then we have the Dispensational Theory suggested by Anne Catherine Emmerich, Catholicism's foremost Visionary and Seer, who put forward the idea that with the advent of Christ the spiritual distance, or rate of vibration between the living and dead was brought much closer together. *Before Christ there may have been the continuation of the Dead at some level, but after the Advent, there was then some crossover possible between planes of the Living and the Dead. * Likewise, there had been other changes. *Before the advent there really had been a great many Earth Spirits and Demigod Spirits which made the Mythologies more than mere superstitions. *In some strange way, with the Advent of Christ, these Demi-god Spirits departed our Vibratory Reach and seemed to hand over that Realm to our own Departed Dead. *What we see is Spiritual Evolution. What many of the Organizations are saying is that we are quickly coming up to another Vibratory Shift... probably by or commencing at 2012. Although I'm a Catholic, I've got to admit that there are many pratices within our church without any scriptural basis. Would you happen to know if Emmerich's theory originated from scripture?

[David Ames]

Originally posted by TAISIA Here are some references: Dreams are mentioned 98 times in the Bible, God appeared to people and communicated with his elected servants in Gen 20:3, Gen 20:6, Gen 28:12 (where Jacob percieved Jacob's Ladder), Gen 31:10-11, Gen 31:24, Gen 37:6-10, in Gen 41-42 God communicates with Joseph through the dreams of egyptians and the Pharoah, Gen 42:9, in Numbers 12:6 God says he communicates through dreams, more communication in Judges 7:13-15, we see that God communicates by dreams in 1 Sam 28:6 and 28:15, talks to Solomon via dreams in 1Kings 3:5-15, we see allusions to dream-nature of God in Job 4:3, 7:14, 20:8, 33:15, same in Psalm 126:1, Ecclesiastes 5:3, again we see God speaking to prohets in dreams in Jeremiah 23:28, Daniel was very in tune with dreams communicating with God and interpreting them in Dan 1:17, 2:1-45, 4:1-28, and his prophecies came in dreams (7:1, 7:15), more of this theme in Joel 2:28 and Zechariah 10:2. In the new testament we can see similar themes in Matt 2:12-22, Matt 27:19, and Acts 2:17. Also, the word Spirit is mentioned 63 times. *. My original queries within the internet lead me to the following theories which is supported by your references above: - Communicating with the dead is either not possible or forbidden in dreams - God uses dreams as a communication tool to speak to chosen ones directly

[TAISIA]

You know, I have had many dreams with loved one that have passed over. These are just dreams. Sometimes they make me feel really happy. I would never, nor do I want to make a loved one a DC in a lucid dream. I just feel in my gut that it would be some how wrong.... Just how I feel.

[jay dawg]

i also have dreamed of deceased relatives. very weird dreams. in no way would i assume that they were more than just DCs.

[TAISIA]

It's funny how when I read stuff on here and talk about it, I end up dreaming about it. Last night, I drempt about my Dad, who passed away in 2001. It was a happy dream, not a lucid dream. Then I woke up, went back to sleep, and drempt my sister came over and I was telling her about this great dream of our Dad. I told it word for word how it happened, even at one part in the dream I was eating and I told my sister, what I was eating and we both laughed about eating in a dream.. and then I woke up.. so strange how your mind works. And..... then back to sleep, I had SP..I was trying so hard to call my husband, I had collapsed on the stairs, I ended up waking him up and then he woke me up, thank God,, I hate that feeling when you know you need to wake up, but just cant. This is the second time for this in the last few weeks.