Prophetic dreams of the Bible

[edit] What is a Prophetic Dream?

Prophetic dreams are had by individuals specifically about them or a group of people or someone else. Most likely, the dream is intended for the dreamers themselves and required interpretation. A prophetic dream for one person will have a different meaning and purpose than another prophetic dream of another individual. It is an actual dream and not a vision. Christian prophetic dreams are considered as dark speeches given to the person by God. Not all require interpretation, but most will and do. Whatever the interpretation it should be directly from God whether from the dreamer or another person interpreting the dream. Most Christian prophetic dreams took place in the Old Testament of the Bible.

[edit] Ambilech

Ambilech had married a woman who he believed to be another man's sister. Abraham was the man and Sarah was his wife. Sarah had also acknowledged her husband as her brother in front of Ambilech. Therefore, he married Sarah. Ambilech's dream was directly from God telling him not to marry Sarah or he would die. Ambilech was able to speak with God in this dream and recount what he had been told about the couple. God showed mercy and gave Ambilech very clear instructions as to what he must do to stay alive.

This dream is directed to the individual and there was no need for interpretation since God spoke directly to Ambilech. It was also prophetic by nature as it spoke of what would happen to Ambilech depending on which path he chose.

[edit] Solomon

Solomon was the daughter of David and Bethsheba, the product of an unholy union. He was believed to be the one spoken of, in his half brother Nathan's prophecy, as being the king of an eternal kingdom. After he took the kingship, he built a temple to God. Before it was completed, Solomon would give offerings in Gibeon. Solomon was there one night and had a dream. God spoke to him and told him to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment in leading his people. God was very pleased and told Solomon he would be wise with discernment. God added wealth and honor to the list. When Solomon woke up, he knew it had been a dream and gave more offerings to God.

This dream is again directed to the individual and no need for interpretation is needed because once again God spoke directly to the person. Prophetic dreams like this may take some time to come to fruition, but here with Solomon we read later that he was very wise and discerning throughout his reign.

[edit] Nebuchadnezzar

The last Christian prophetic dream to use as an example of prophetic dreams is one of many that Nebuchadnezzar had during his reign as king. Nebuchadnezzar called on many types of people to interpret this dream for him, but it was ultimately Daniel who was able to give a clear meaning as to what the king had seen. The king dreamed of a statue being completely demolished by a rock and swept away by the wind while the rock became a mountain that filled the entire earth. Daniel's interpretation talked about the future of this kingdom, what kind of kingdom it would turn into and how the kingdom would be divided. He adds that God will establish a never-ending kingdom at some point that will crush all others.

This prophetic dream is special for a number of reasons. It was a dream given to an individual that they were not able to interpret themselves. Therefore, another person was needed to explain the meaning of the dream. Secondly, the dream was not meant purely for the dreamer, but referred to large groups of people to come, which makes it prophetic. In addition, there is some apocalyptic meaning to the dream as Daniel says God will establish a kingdom that will be highest and reign forever.