Hear God

Through Your Dreams

Are You Wasting 1/3 of Your Life?

I will bless the Lord

who has counseled me;

Indeed, my mind instructs

me in the night.

(Ps. 16:7 NAS)

Mar &

k Patti Virkler

Hear God Through

Your Dreams

by

Mark and Patti Virkler

This manual is the result of the united efforts of both authors. The concepts and ideas are a culmination of cooperative study and revelation. The experiences described are common to both. The pronoun “I” is used to demonstrate the unity of our thoughts.

©1985, Revised 2000, 2003

by Mark and Patti Virkler

ii

Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................. ix Part 1 ............................................................................................................................. 1

Principles of Christian Dream Interpretation ................................................................ 3

The Art of Dream Interpretation .................................................................................. 15

The Student, the Fish, and Agassiz .............................................................................. 16

Biblical Meditation ...................................................................................................... 18

Biblical Research Concerning Dreams and Visions .................................................... 21

1. God’s Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21) ....................................................................... 21

2. Abraham’s Treachery Toward Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18) ................................................... 21

3. Jacob’s Covenant Dream (Genesis 28:10-22) ........................................................................... 21

4. Jacob’s Dream Concerning Goats (Genesis 31:10-29) ............................................................. 22

5. Joseph’s Childhood Dreams (Genesis 37:1-11) ........................................................................ 22

6. The Cupbearer’s and Baker’s Dreams (Genesis 40:1-23) ......................................................... 23

7. Pharoah’s Dream (Genesis 41:1-49) ......................................................................................... 23

8. Israel Encouraged to Go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7) ................................................................. 24

9. God’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Numbers 12:6-8) ....................................................... 24

10. Balaam’s Prophecy (Numbers 24:1-25) .................................................................................. 24

11. Laws Concerning Judging Dreams (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) .................................................... 25

12. Dream Encouraging Gideon (Judges 7:9-18) ......................................................................... 25

13. Saul Inquires of the Lord (I Samuel 28:6) .............................................................................. 26

14. Solomon’s Dream (I Kings 3:5-28) ........................................................................................ 26

15. Eliphaz Received a Vision of the Night (Job 4:12-21) ........................................................... 26

16. Elihu’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Job 33:14-18) ........................................................ 27

17. Solomon’s Proverb Concerning Vision (Proverbs 29:18) ....................................................... 27

18. Isaiah’s Visions (Isaiah 1:1; 2:1; 6:1; 13:1; 21:2) ................................................................... 27

19. Jeremiah’s Vision (Jeremiah 1:11-19) .................................................................................... 28

20. The False Dreamers (Jeremiah 23:25-40) ............................................................................... 28

21. More about False Dreamers (Jeremiah 27:9-11) ..................................................................... 29

22. Ezekiel’s Visions (Ezekiel 1:1,3; 8:1-18) ............................................................................... 29

23. Daniel’s Ability to Understand Dreams (Daniel 1:17) ............................................................ 29

24. Nebuchadnezzar’s Forgotten Dream (Daniel 2:1-49) ............................................................. 30

25. Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision of a Great Tree (Daniel 4:4-37) ..................................................... 31

26. Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1-28) ................................................................ 32

27. Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and Goat (Daniel 8:1-27) ............................................................ 33

28. Daniel’s Terrifying Vision (Daniel 10:1 - 12:13) .................................................................... 33

29. God’s Review of Old Testament History (Hosea 12:9,10) ..................................................... 34

30. The Promise of the Spirit (Joel 2:28,29) ................................................................................. 34

31. Obadiah’s Vision (Obadiah 1) ................................................................................................. 34

32. Nahum’s Vision (Nahum 1:1,2) .............................................................................................. 35

33. Habakkuk’s Vision (Habakkuk 2) ........................................................................................... 35

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34. The Diviners’ Lying Visions (Zechariah 10:2) ........................................................................ 35

35. Prophesying Forth the Vision (Zechariah 13:4) ..................................................................... 36

36. Joseph’s Dream (Matthew 1:20-25) ........................................................................................ 36

37. Joseph’s Second Dream (Matthew 2:3-15) ............................................................................. 36

38. Joseph’s Third and Fourth Dreams (Matthew 2:19-23) .......................................................... 37

39. The Vision on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) ............................................. 37

40. Prophecy Concerning the Last Days (Acts 2:17) .................................................................... 38

41. Saul’s Vision on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) ............................................................. 38

42. Ananias’ Vision (Acts 9:10-19) ............................................................................................... 38

43. Cornelius’ and Peter’s Visions (Acts 10:1-48) ........................................................................ 39

44. The Macedonian Vision (Acts 16:6-11) .................................................................................. 39

45. Paul’s Vision While in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11) ....................................................................... 40

46. The Visions of John (Book of Revelation) ............................................................................. 40

47. For Further Research .............................................................................................................. 40

The Unchanging God - Dreams Today ........................................................................ 41

Part 2 ........................................................................................................................... 47

The Place of a Teacher’s Guide ................................................................................... 49

Session 1 - Course Overview ...................................................................................... 50

Session 2 - Suggestions for Interpreting Your Dream ................................................. 52

Suggested Format for Sessions 2-9 ............................................................................. 53

Session 10 .................................................................................................................... 54

Session 11 .................................................................................................................... 55

Biblical Research Concerning Dreams and Visions .................................................... 57

1. God’s Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21) ....................................................................... 57

2. Abraham’s Treachery Toward Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18) ................................................... 57

3. Jacob’s Covenant Dream (Genesis 28:10-22) ........................................................................... 57

4. Jacob’s Dream Concerning Goats (Genesis 31:10-29) ............................................................. 58

5. Joseph’s Childhood Dreams (Genesis 37:1-11) ........................................................................ 58

6. The Cupbearer’s and Baker’s Dreams (Genesis 40:1-23) ......................................................... 59

7. Pharoah’s Dream (Genesis 41:1-49) ......................................................................................... 59

8. Israel Encouraged to Go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7) ................................................................. 60

9. God’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Numbers 12:6-8) ....................................................... 60

10. Balaam’s Prophecy (Numbers 24:1-25) .................................................................................. 60

11. Laws Concerning Judging Dreams (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) .................................................... 61

12. Dream Encouraging Gideon (Judges 7:9-18) ......................................................................... 61

13. Saul Inquires of the Lord (I Samuel 28:6) .............................................................................. 62

14. Solomon’s Dream (I Kings 3:5-28) ........................................................................................ 62

15. Eliphaz Received a Vision of the Night (Job 4:12-21) ........................................................... 62

16. Elihu’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Job 33:14-18) ........................................................ 63

17. Solomon’s Proverb Concerning Vision (Proverbs 29:18) ....................................................... 63

18. Isaiah’s Visions (Isaiah 1:1; 2:1; 6:1; 13:1; 21:2) ................................................................... 63

19. Jeremiah’s Vision (Jeremiah 1:11-19) .................................................................................... 64

20. The False Dreamers (Jeremiah 23:25-40) ............................................................................... 64

21. More about False Dreamers (Jeremiah 27:9-11) ..................................................................... 65

iv

22. Ezekiel’s Visions (Ezekiel 1:1,3; 8:1-18) ............................................................................... 65

23. Daniel’s Ability to Understand Dreams (Daniel 1:17) ............................................................ 65

24. Nebuchadnezzar’s Forgotten Dream (Daniel 2:1-49) ............................................................. 66

25. Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision of a Great Tree (Daniel 4:4-37) ..................................................... 67

26. Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1-28) ................................................................ 68

27. Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and Goat (Daniel 8:1-27) ............................................................ 69

28. Daniel’s Terrifying Vision (Daniel 10:1 - 12:13) .................................................................... 69

29. God’s Review of Old Testament History (Hosea 12:9,10) ..................................................... 70

30. The Promise of the Spirit (Joel 2:28,29) ................................................................................. 70

31. Obadiah’s Vision (Obadiah 1) ................................................................................................. 70

32. Nahum’s Vision (Nahum 1:1,2) .............................................................................................. 71

33. Habakkuk’s Vision (Habakkuk 2) ........................................................................................... 71

34. The Diviners’ Lying Visions (Zechariah 10:2) ........................................................................ 71

35. Prophesying Forth the Vision (Zechariah 13:4) ..................................................................... 72

36. Joseph’s Dream (Matthew 1:20-25) ........................................................................................ 72

37. Joseph’s Second Dream (Matthew 2:3-15) ............................................................................. 72

38. Joseph’s Third and Fourth Dreams (Matthew 2:19-23) .......................................................... 73

39. The Vision on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) ............................................. 73

40. Prophecy Concerning the Last Days (Acts 2:17) .................................................................... 74

41. Saul’s Vision on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) ............................................................. 74

42. Ananias’ Vision (Acts 9:10-19) ............................................................................................... 74

43. Cornelius’ and Peter’s Visions (Acts 10:1-48) ........................................................................ 75

44. The Macedonian Vision (Acts 16:6-11) .................................................................................. 75

45. Paul’s Vision While in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11) ....................................................................... 76

46. The Visions of John (Book of Revelation) ............................................................................. 76

47. For Further Research .............................................................................................................. 76

v

Dedicated To

The Dreamer within,

the Holy Spirit,

Who grants every individual direct,

ongoing contact with the living God.

May we learn to hear

His voice and be directed

and adjusted by what we hear.

“Hear my Words; If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream.” (Num. 12:6) Those skilled in dream interpretation, such as Daniel or Joseph, were revered.

Those who understood the revelations God had given them, such as Abraham or Solomon, became great and wise.

Those who were overcome by their inner experience, such as St. Paul or

Ezekiel, became great missionaries and prophets.

“I will bless the Lord who counsels me; He gives me wisdom in the night.

He tells me what to do.” (Ps. 16:7 LB)

Note: God counsels us nightly through dreams.

viii

Introduction

The Gift of Dreams:

I first met Herman Riffel near Toronto, Ontario. I

was doing a weekend Communion with God

God graciously brought Rev. Herman Riffel into my

seminar and Herman was doing a Christian Dream

life to teach me Christian dream interpretation. This

Interpretation seminar in the same city. Since my

was another area of the Bible I just never took

seminar finished before his, I went over to pick up

seriously, probably because dreams are outside our

the end of his seminar and make his acquaintance.

culture’s scope of rationalism. Therefore, our

From that meeting, a wonderful relationship devel-

culture looks down its nose at them and assumes

oped and we were able to invite him to our church-

they are leftover, undigested pizza from yesterday.

centered Bible school to videotape him teaching

Obviously, this view is nowhere found in Scripture,

twelve hours on the principles of Christian Dream

but the Bible over and over declares unconditionally

Interpretation. On the videos he actually interviews

that it is God Who speaks to us through the dream

students and interprets their dreams. Wow! A Daniel

(Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17) and it is God Who counsels

in our midst. And we have this statesman on audio

us at night through our dreams (Ps. 16:7).

and video tape so we can pass on his lifetime

knowledge of Christian dream interpretation to the

With such awesome declarations and such a won-

Church. What a blessing to the body of Christ!

derful opportunity to receive God’s counsel free of

charge on a nightly basis, you would think we

Now I can put my journal next to my bed and record

would all jump at the opportunity to record our

my dreams when I awake. Then I can ask God for an

dreams and seek God for the interpretation of them.

interpretation of these dreams. As I quiet myself to

However, probably not one in 10,000 Christians has

hear His voice, I use the same four keys that I had

ever received any formal training on how to inter-

discovered when initially learning to hear God’s

pret dreams. Absolutely astounding!

voice. I become still, picture the dream, tune to

spontaneity, and ask God to help me understand the

Rev. Herman Riffel taught me how to hear God

symbols the dream is using to communicate a

speaking through my dreams. He helped me search

message to me. Following are a few excellent

Scripture and discover how God handles and

biblical principles that Herman teaches which assist

interprets the dream, so I could learn how to inter-

me greatly in understanding how to view a dream.

pret my own dreams and the dreams of those I

counsel. What a blessed gift.

ix

x

Part 1

2

Principles of Christian Dream Interpretation

Defining Dream and Vision:

period. The third time in alpha, the dream period is

1. Dream - “A sequence of images, etc. passing

about 15 minutes, and so on. If one sleeps a full

through a sleeping person’s mind” ( Webster’s

eight hours, the entire last hour is essentially spent

Dictionary)

in alpha level sleep. Thus, the average person sleep-

ing for eight hours a night will dream about one to

2. Vision - “A mental image” ( Webster’s Dictio-

two hours of that time.

nary)

Alpha level sleep is where one has what is called

3. “In a dream, a vision of the night...” ( Job

Rapid Eye Movement (REM). Rapid Eye Movement

33:15)

is exactly what it sounds like: the eyes of the dreamer

begin moving rapidly. He is actually watching the

You will note from this verse the close con-

scenes in the dream, and thus his eyes are literally

nection the Hebrews maintained between the

moving back and forth, observing the action. By

dream and the vision. The words are used al-

observing the alpha level sleep when Rapid Eye

most interchangeably.

Movement occurs, researchers in sleep laboratories

have determined when a person is dreaming and how

Both dreams and visions involve the viewing

much time is spent dreaming in an average night.

of images on the screen within one’s mind.

Often we would think of a dream as the flow

They have discovered that if they awaken a person

of these images while sleeping and a vision as

every time REM begins, preventing him from dream-

the flow of these images while awake.

ing, after about three nights the individual will be-

gin to show signs of having a nervous breakdown.

4. Daydreaming is MAN utilizing the visionary

Clearly dreams are an inner release mechanism

process. This is not encouraged, and may be

which helps provide us with emotional balance and

what is referred to in Ecclesiastes 5:7. It is

maintain our sanity. Dreams can be considered

better to present the eyes of the heart to God

guardians of our mental and emotional well-being.

and ask Him to fill them with a divine flow of

dreams, visions and godly imaginations.

Seven Reasons We Should Listen to Our

Dreams

Some Scientific Observations

1. God declared that He WOULD speak through

Concerning Dreams

dreams and visions in the Old Testament.

Sleep laboratories have proven that everyone

dreams one to two hours each night during a

And He said, “Hear now my words: If there

certain period of sleep known as alpha level,

be a prophet among you, I the LORD will

which is light sleep. Every 90-minute cycle of

make myself known unto him in a vision, and

sleep begins with alpha, then goes into deeper

will speak unto him in a dream” (Num. 12:6).

sleep which is called theta, and finally deepest

sleep which is called delta.

2. God declared that He DID speak through

dreams and visions in the Old Testament.

At the close of the first 90-minute cycle each night,

the individual returns to alpha level sleep, where he

“I have also spoken by the prophets, and I

has a short, five-minute dream period. The next time

have multiplied visions, and used similitudes,

he cycles up to alpha, he has a ten-minute dream

by the ministry of the prophets” (Hos. 12:10).

3

3. God declares that He WILL communicate

In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon

through dreams and visions in the New Testa-

in a dream by night: and God said, “Ask

ment.

what I shall give thee....”

“And it shall come to pass in the last days,”

“Give therefore thy servant an understand-

saith God, “I will pour out of My Spirit upon

ing heart to judge Thy people, that I may

all flesh: and your sons and your daughters

discern between good and bad: for who is

shall prophesy, and your young men shall

able to judge this Thy so great a people?”

see visions, and your old men shall dream

dreams” (Acts 2:17).

“...Behold, I have done according to thy

words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an

4. God declares that He WILL COUNSEL us at

understanding heart; so that there was none

night through our dreams.

like thee before thee, neither after thee shall

any arise like unto thee....” And Solomon

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;

awoke; and, behold, it was a dream (I Kings

Indeed, my mind (inner man) instructs me in

3:5,9,12,15).

the night (Ps. 16:7 NASB).

Summarizing the Importance of Our

5. Rather than our dreams being fatalistic, dreams

Dreams

are calling us to change SO WE WILL NOT

God has chosen to communicate with mankind

PERISH.

through dreams. He guides and counsels us through

our dreams. He establishes covenants with us

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man

through our dreams. He grants us gifts in our dreams.

perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of

He utilized dreams from Genesis to Revelation, and

the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men,

declared that He would continue to use them in the

in slumberings upon the bed; Then He

last days. When you total up all dreams and visions

openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their

in the Bible, and all the stories and actions which

instruction, That He may withdraw man from

come out of these dreams and visions, you have

his purpose, and hide pride from man. He

about one-third of the Bible, which is equal to the

keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his

size of the New Testament! Dreams are a central

life from perishing by the sword (Job 33:14-

way God has chosen to communicate with us, and

18, emphasis mine).

thus they must be given great weight!

6. God does very significant things WITHIN

Five Things You Can Do to Help Recall

dreams. For example, He established the

Your Dreams

Abrahamic Covenant in a dream.

1. Say to yourself, “I believe dreams contain a

And when the sun was going down, a deep

valid message.”

sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of

great darkness fell upon him....And God said

This is a signal to your heart that you are tak-

to Abram....In the same day the LORD made

ing it seriously and want to hear what it has to

a covenant with Abram, saying... (Gen.

tell you. You are giving it permission, and even

15:12,13,18, emphasis mine).

asking it to awaken you after each dream. Your

heart will do exactly that. You see, if you do

7. God grants supernatural gifts THROUGH

not awaken within five minutes of the dream

dreams.

ending, you will not recall it. If, however, you

4

tell your heart that dreams are leftover undi-

For example, Joseph was a shepherd, and he

gested pizza, then you heart lets you sleep

dreamed of sheaves and sun, moon and stars

through the dream and doesn’t awaken you

bowing down (Gen. 37:1-11). These images

after it is over, and thus you do not recall it.

surround a shepherd boy who lives in the fields.

Nebuchadnezzar, a king, dreamed of statues

2. Ask God to speak to you through dreams as

of gold (Dan 2:31ff), which surround kings

you fall asleep.

who live in palaces.

God does answer prayers, especially when

3. The dream generally speaks of the concerns

prayed in accordance to His will!

which your heart is currently facing. So ask,

“What issues was I processing the day before

3. Put your journal beside your bed and immedi-

I had the dream?”

ately record your dreams upon awakening.

For example, Paul was wondering where to

You will forget most of your dreams by the

go next on his missionary journey and had a

morning, so get up and write them down

dream of a Macedonian man motioning for

when you awaken.

him to come on over (Acts 16:6-11).

Nebuchadnezzar was thinking his kingdom

4. Get eight hours of sleep, as the entire last hour

would go on forever (Dan. 4:28-33) and he

will be dream-time.

had a dream of a tree being chopped off at

the roots (Dan. 4:9-27). Once you know the

5. Awaken naturally, without the use of an alarm

thoughts that were on the dreamer’s heart

clock, as alarms shatter dream recall and blast

when he fell asleep, it is much easier to draw

tidbits of dreams into oblivion where they are

out the meaning of the dream.

never found.

4. The meaning of the dream must be drawn from

If you will do the above five things, you will recall

the dreamer. Realize you know nothing about

dreams every week.

the dream, but through dependence upon the

Holy Spirit and the skillful use of questions,

Seven Foundational Principles for

you can draw the meaning of the dream out

Interpreting Dreams

from the heart of the dreamer.

1. Most dreams are symbolic (including biblical

As for these four children, God gave them

dreams), so view them the same way you

knowledge and skill in all learning and wis-

would view a political cartoon. Throw the

dom: and Daniel had understanding in all vi-

switch in your brain that says, “Look at this

sions and dreams (Dan. 1:17).

symbolically.”

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep wa-

You can learn the art of communicating sym-

ter; but a man of understanding will draw it

bolically by playing the game “Pictionary”

out (Prov. 20:5).

or “Bible Pictionary.”

5. The dreamer’s heart will leap and “witness”

2. The symbols will come from the dreamer’s life,

and say, “Aha!” when it hears the right inter-

so ask, “What does this symbol mean to me?”

pretation, so never accept an interpretation that

or, if working on another’s dream, ask, “What

does not bear witness in the dreamer’s heart.

does this symbol mean to you?”

5

6. Dreams reveal but do not condemn. Their goal

Look at the action of the dream next. Ask the Holy

is to preserve life, not to destroy it (Job 33:13-

Spirit to show you the symbolism of the action. For

18).

example, if the symbol in your dream is that your

car is going backward, ask, “In what way do I feel

7. Never make a major decision in your life based

that I am going backward, that I am not moving for-

only on a dream without receiving additional

ward in this area of my life?” If someone else is

confirmation from the other ways that God

driving your car in the dream, ask, “In what way is

speaks to us and guides us (peace in our hearts,

this person driving or controlling my life (e.g., my

the counsel of others, illumined Scriptures,

reactions, attitudes, behaviors) at this time?” or

God’s still small voice, prophecy, anointed rea-

“How is the characteristic that this person symbol-

soning, etc.).

izes controlling me?” (See the section below on the

symbolism of people in your dreams.) If you are fall-

Discerning Dreams About Yourself

ing, ask “In what way do I feel like I am falling,

At least 95% of your dreams will be about you –

losing ground, or out of control in my life at this

your inner self, your current situation, your relation-

time?” If you are soaring, ask, “In what way or what

ships. Your dreams come from your heart and will

area of my life do I feel like I am flying, that I am

express the things that are important to your heart.

rising above my problems or my abilities?” If you

The most common area your spirit will reveal will

are being chased, ask, “How and why do I feel like I

be your emotional, heart struggles and sanctifica-

am being pursued or hunted?” If you are naked, ask,

tion issues, expressed symbolically. Body and health

“In what way do I feel like I am exposed and vulner-

issues are also important to your spirit, so they may

able?” If you dream of dying, ask, “What is dying

be revealed, again in a symbolic way. Your relation-

within me?” (This may be a good thing, for perhaps

ships to other people are important to your heart, so

you are dying to pride, or to self, or to workaholism.)

these may be conveyed in signs and symbols. And

the circumstances and events that surround your life,

Remember, actions in the dream are to be viewed

ministry or vocation are also important to your heart,

symbolically. If your dream wanted to really show

so these may be portrayed symbolically in your

you that you were going to die, it would picture that

dreams.

event symbolically. For example, just a few days

before his assassination, President Lincoln dreamed

Because the vast majority of dreams are about your

of a casket.

inner self, begin the process of interpreting your

dream with the assumption that it probably is about

Once you have used the feeling and action of the

something you are or should be dealing with in your

dream to identify the aspect of your life that it is

own life right now.

revealing to you, the rest of the symbols will be much

easier to identify.

Isolate the feeling of the dream first. How did you

feel upon first awakening? Was your heart pound-

The people in your dreams often represent charac-

ing in fear? Were you confused, frustrated, angry,

teristics within you. You can determine what facet

rejected, or threatened? Did you feel loved, excited,

of yourself they are representing by simply asking,

happy, or content? Did you feel exposed, unprepared,

“What is the dominant personality trait of this per-

or disappointed? What was the overall emotion that

son, as I know him?” The answer will tell you what

the dream evoked? In what aspect of your life are

aspect of yourself you are dreaming about. For ex-

you also feeling this emotion? If it is not immedi-

ample, your heart may want to show you the entre-

ately obvious to you, ask the Lord to reveal it to

preneur, the hospitable host, the administrator, the

you.

class clown, the spiritual leader, the laid back one,

6

the workaholic, etc. that is within you by the ap-

When you face the animal representing your emo-

pearance in your dream of an individual who epito-

tions in your dream rather than running from it, you

mizes that kind of person to you. Your pastor may

may find that the animal changes into a different

be the spiritual part of you; a president or king may

one. It is good to face your emotions.

symbolize other leadership qualities within you; a

policeman, judge, or dictator may be the authority

Numbers in dreams generally represent the identi-

figure in you; people in uniform (nurses, waiters,

cal number in real life. However, the number will

choir members) may represent your desire to con-

probably be linked to something which needs to be

form.

interpreted symbolically. For example, when Joseph

dreamed of eleven stars, the eleven was literal but

It is also possible that the person’s name may be the

the stars were symbolic and actually represented his

point that the dream is trying to bring out, especially

brothers. Joseph was dreaming about his eleven

if that name is spoken within the dream. Dreaming

brothers (Gen. 37:1-11). Likewise, the cupbearer’s

of a friend named Charity or Joy or Grace or Joshua

dream of three branches stood for three days (Gen.

or David may be your heart’s way of calling your

39:12), and for the chief baker, the three baskets rep-

attention to the qualities that are seen in the mean-

resented three days (Gen. 39:18). In Pharaoh’s

ing of the name. Or the name may actually sound

dream, the seven cows were seven years (Gen.

like the message the dream is trying to convey. For

41:26). So expect the number to mean that exact

example, dreaming of “Sharon” might be your

number of something. It will take prayer, discern-

heart’s way of pointing out an area in which you

ment and the revelation of the Spirit (confirmed by

should be “sharing” something you are not, or should

the leap in your heart) to determine what it means.

not be sharing something you are. One person re-

ported dreaming of a friend named “Anita Cook”

Continue to move through the dream, seeking rev-

and finding the interpretation to be “I need to cook.”

elation on symbol after symbol, until you sense in

your spirit that the interpretation is complete.

It is also possible that the Lord Himself or one of

His angels may meet you in the dream.

Occasionally you may have dreams that relate to

more than your personal, inner life. If you have ex-

Animals often represent your emotions. Ask, “What

amined the dream carefully, in full reliance upon the

emotion might this animal be symbolizing to me?”

Holy Spirit to bring the interpretation, and you can-

This will depend on your geographical home, your

not see how the symbols of the dream apply to you,

personal experiences, your knowledge of the Bible,

seek the input of your spiritual counselors. They may

and your own culture. For example, a bull might be

be able to see your blind spots and recognize the

anger (an “angry bull”); a fox, craftiness; a cat, cu-

message your heart is trying to give you.

riosity; a dove, peace; an eagle, freedom; a snake,

subtlety; a lion, royalty, and so on. Keep in mind

If your counselors agree that the dream does not

that in the Bible, a lion is used to represent both

apply to your inner life, you may then consider the

Christ (“the Lion of the tribe of Judah”) and satan

possibility that it is a dream for or about others. One

(“as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour”).

indication that this may be a dream for another rather

Therefore, you must maintain your dependence upon

than you is if you are an observer of the action of

the Holy Spirit to reveal what the animal represents

the dream, rather than a participant.

in your specific dream.

7

Following are some biblical dreams that demonstrate this principle:

Gen. 15:1-21 Abraham in interaction with God & sleeps = dream about himself Gen. 20:1-18 Abimelech and God in interaction = dream about himself

Gen. 28:10-22 Jacob being spoken to by God = dream about himself

Gen. 31:10-29 Jacob and God in interaction = dream about himself

Gen. 37:1-11 Joseph and brothers in interaction = dream about himself

Gen. 40:1-23 Cupbearer and Baker = dreams about themselves

Gen. 41:1-49 Pharaoh’s dream of 7 cows = dream for others

Gen. 46:1-7 Israel in dialogue with God = dream about himself

Judges 7:9-18 Loaf of bread hitting camp = dream about himself

1 Kings 3:5-28 God and Solomon interact = dream about himself

Daniel 2:1-49 Statue hit by stone = dream about others

Daniel 7:1-28 Four beasts = dream about others

Daniel 8:1-27 Ram and goat = dream about others

Daniel 10:1-12:13 Terrifying vision = dream about others

Matt. 1:20-25 God spoke to Joseph = dream about himself

Matt. 2:3-15 God spoke to Joseph = dream about himself

Matt. 2:19-23 God spoke to Joseph = dream about himself

Summary: Thirteen (13) dreams about the dreamer; four dreams about others.

Two important observations may be made from

It is vital to remember this principle: All kinds of

the biblical example:

dreams can contain symbolic language, literal lan-

guage, or a combination of symbolic and literal lan-

1. The dreams for or about others were prophetic

guage.

in nature and were all given to kings or king’s

advisors concerning the future of their king-

When interpreting dreams, look for metaphors, simi-

doms. The principle which may be drawn from

les, and metonymies of our language. Dreaming

this is that dreams (and indeed all revelation

about ketchup may be calling you to “catch up” in

from the Holy Spirit) are only given to us that

some area. A fire may be trying to warn you that you

apply to our own area of responsibility. We do

are “playing with fire.” A dream of being smothered

not hear from God about people over whom

or drowned may indicate that you are feeling “in

we have no influence, authority or account-

over your head.” A frozen lake, an ice flow, or even

ability.

ice cubes may be cautioning you that you are only

seeing “the tip of the iceberg.” Having your glasses

2. Dreams about self may be for the dreamer

broken may be an indication that you are not seeing

and his descendents. Again, the revelation of

the situation clearly. One lady reported that a dream

the dream was not given to any random indi-

of a fire in the kitchen of her house was a warning

vidual, but to one with authority and influence.

that she had an inflammation in her digestive tract.

Intercessors may be given revelation of oth-

Other examples of word plays that may show up in

ers, so they can pray for them.

your dreams include: “walking a mile in someone

8

else’s shoes;” “being born in a barn;” “being up the

ing place in their communities that night, and which

creek without a paddle;” “as the crow flies;” “throw-

are indeed reported in the newspaper the following

ing the baby out with the bath water;” “on a level

day. These were literal dreams of real life events.

playing field;” “throwing a wrench in the works;”

Obviously, not all dreams about others show such

“at the eleventh hour;” or “speaking with a forked

fearsome pictures. These are just given as examples

tongue.” Your heart may use one of these pictures in

I am personally aware of.

your dreams, expecting that you will understand the

symbolic meaning of the expression.

Dreams about others are shared publicly much more

often than dreams about self, which is why the vast

Think outside the box! Be prepared for unexpected

majority of the dreams in the Bible fall into the cat-

and clever ways for your heart to get its point across

egory of dreams about others.

to your conscious mind. Be open to plays on words

and lateral connections.

CLUES WHICH MAY INDICATE YOUR DREAM IS

ABOUT OTHERS

Finally, always remember that God is big enough

1. You are an observer of the action.

and gracious enough to make sure that you under-

stand the message He wants to give you. If your un-

If you play an active role in the dream, it is

derstanding of dream interpretation is different than

likely a dream about you. If you are only an

that given above, He will meet you in the dream

observer to the activity of the dream, it is likely

according to your expectations.

a dream about others.

THE SIMPLEST METHOD FOR INTERPRETING A

2. The dream just does not fit your life.

DREAM ABOUT YOURSELF

The best way to interpret a dream is to start with the

You should always ask God, “Lord, show me

first symbol and try to interpret that. Then go on to

any way the events in this dream are revealing

the next symbol, and so on. Continually ask the ques-

struggles my heart is currently facing.” If you

tion, “In what way am I experiencing this symbol in

cannot see that the dream is talking about an

my life at this time?”

issue you are facing, and your spiritual coun-

selor cannot help you see how this may be

—————————————————

something your heart is currently processing,

then you may assume that the dream is not

DREAMS ABOUT OTHERS

about you.

Perhaps only 5% of our dreams are about others.

Dreams Which Tell of the Future

This dream is not talking about parts of yourself,

but about real outer situations. I have discovered that

In a sense, many dreams are foretelling the future.

the more right brain a person is (i.e., visionary and

Some dreams may simply be showing what will

intuitive) the more likely he is to dream further away

happen in the near future if one does not repent and

from home (away from his own self). That means

change his ways. Other dreams seem to tell of the

that right brain people may be more likely to have a

very distant future, as some of the Bible dreams ap-

greater number of dreams about others.

pear to do. Perhaps more prophetic people may find

that they dream further into the future and further

For example, I have noted that three different woman

away from themselves, while people who are not

who scored 7.7 on the “Brain Preference Indicator”

prophetic may tend to dream closer to home (i.e.,

test in the Communion with God book (the highest

have dreams which deal with issues concerning their

score I have seen) have vivid dreams about others

own hearts’ struggles).

in which they see the murders, rapes, and thefts tak-

9

Additional Thoughts Concerning

between yourself and a person you know

Working with Dreams

whose chief trait is that of hospitality.

1. Dreams are reliable messengers. They reveal

6. Repeated dreams occur because you did not

the condition of one’s heart (Dan. 2:30), as well

hear and act on the message of the dream when

as the voice of God within one’s heart (Acts

it spoke to you the first time.

2:17). They may from time to time reveal di-

rect attacks of satan or demons upon the heart.

7. Nightmares are the scream of an unhealed

(Job 4:12-21 may be an example of a demon

heart, asking you to apply the prayer minis-

speaking accusation leading toward hopeless-

tries of inner healing and deliverance to the

ness and death - this is the only possible bibli-

areas of need within you. In my own life, a

cal example of a demon speaking through a

recurring nightmare of 15 years disappeared

dream.) In my own life, I have had only one

immediately and completely when I had a de-

dream which the Lord has told me to ignore

mon cast out which was underlying the fear

because it was satanic. Thus, because of the

being portrayed in the nightmare.

biblical evidence and because of my own life’s

experience, I do not attribute many dreams to

8. The most natural interpretation is most likely

satan or demons.

correct.

2. In the Bible, when people awakened, they acted

9. Successive dreams on the same night are usu-

upon their dreams. Act on your dreams!

ally dealing with the same issue, presenting

various approaches to it and offering the proper

3. Do not pose as an expert on interpreting oth-

solution to the dilemma.

ers’ dreams until you have been interpreting

your own for five years. You can offer ideas

10. The dream calls the dreamer to action.

and advice to others concerning their dreams,

however you are not to pose as an expert.

11. As you approach the dream, recognize that you

know nothing about the dream. The dream and

4. As with prophecy, the messages and warnings

the dreamer’s heart will need to tell you what

in dreams are conditioned upon man’s response

it means.

(Ezek. 33:13-16). The dream is calling you to

act or change so some calamity will not befall

12. Religion tries to get to God through develop-

you. If you respond appropriately, the calam-

ing theologies, stirring up emotions, and set-

ity will not come.

ting one’s will. God comes to man through di-

rectly encountering his heart and spirit with

5. Sexual dreams should be viewed symbolically.

His voice, prophecy, dream, vision and anoint-

Sexual intercourse is a symbol of union, so

ing.

ask the question, “In what way is there a union

or joining taking place within me?” This will

13. Dreams release divine creativity. Many discov-

probably be a union of previously warring parts

eries and inventions have come through

of yourself (for example - a merging of the

dreams. The location of the hook of the sew-

workaholic part of yourself with the laid back

ing machine needle came through a dream. The

part of yourself could appear as a dream of

discovery of the round formation of the Ben-

sexual intercourse). Or if you needed to incor-

zene molecular structure came through a

porate the gift of hospitality into your being,

dream. These are just two of what I am con-

you may have a dream of sexual intercourse

vinced are thousands of examples.

10

Warnings About Dreams and

The Key Question Approach Leading to

Visions???

Heart Revelation (guided self-discovery):

1. There are no warnings in the Bible to beware

a) Write the dreamer’s name on the top right

of your own dreams, with the possible excep-

corner of the blackboard so everyone can

tion of Ecclesiastes 5:3,7, which is probably

address him or her by name. Have the

best understood as a reference to “daydreams”

dreamer standing or sitting in the front of

since all other references in the Bible to

the room, available to answer questions from

“dreams” are positive. When one verse con-

the group.

tradicts many others, you need to seek to un-

derstand that one verse in light of the volume

b) The dreamer reads the dream aloud twice.

of references on the other side of the topic.

While the dream is being read, someone

writes on a blackboard the key elements and

2. The only biblical caution concerning dreams,

events of the dream, leaving space between

then, is when you are listening to another’s

each. If no blackboard is present, each mem-

dream. They may be trying to lead you astray,

ber of the group should create a list on a

to go after other gods (Jer. 14:14; 23:16,25-

paper for their own reference.

27,32; Ezek. 13:1,7; 12:24 Deut. 13:1-5; Jer.

27:9-11; Zec. 10:2).

c) Ask the dreamer:

Rules for Interpreting Dreams in a

• “What was the key feeling in the dream?”

Group

• “What was the key action in the dream?”

• “In what area of your life are you experi-

1. Have group members keep journals beside

encing these?”

their beds and ask God to give them dreams

• This will give the dreamer and the group

which they will immediately record upon

a reference point as to the setting of the

awakening. Dreams shared in classtime are to

dream, and what issue is likely being dis-

be recent ones so that the dreamer knows the

cussed. The answers to these questions

setting of the dream, that is, the issues on his

can be listed across the top of the black-

heart when he went to bed. Also, it is best in

board after the phrases “Key Feeling” and

group dream work to be working with shorter

“Key Action.”

dreams rather than longer ones.

d) Beginning with the first event/element of the

2. In a group setting, never go further in inter-

dream and continuing to the last one, listen-

preting a person’s dream than the dreamer is

ers then ask questions like the following:

willing to go. As the meaning of the dream is

• What is the dominant trait of that person?

being drawn out, the dreamer may suddenly

• What emotion does that animal represent

realize it is speaking about something he or

to you?

she is not ready to discuss openly in front of

• In what way are you experiencing (the

the group. The dreamer therefore always re-

event described in the dream) in your life

serves the right to say, “That is as far as I want

at this time?

to go in interpreting this dream.”

e) If the dreamer cannot come up with an an-

A Method for Interpreting Dreams in a

swer to any of the above questions:

Group

• Remind him to relax and tune to flowing

thoughts, rather than analytical thoughts,

1. With the group leader presiding over the in-

thus moving from his mind to his heart.

teraction, interpret two or three dreams using

the following approach.

11

• Have the group brainstorm (“heart

Question: “In what way do I feel like a horse on the

storm”), offering suggestions of what the

stairwell?”

item in the dream might mean. These are

Answer: “I feel extremely awkward tuning to the

listed on the board.

flow of God’s Spirit, seeing vision, and journaling.

• The dreamer then comes to the board and

This way of living is an art I will need to practice

draws a line through the ones that defi-

until I become comfortable with it. Right now, I feel

nitely do not ring true in his heart, and

like a ‘bull in the china closet.’”

circles the ones which his heart leaps to,

offering any interpretation God is reveal-

Question: “In what way will this path take me up a

ing to him.

flight of stairs?”

Answer: “Hearing God’s voice, seeing God’s vi-

2. Break the class into groups of four to six and

sion, and recording them will take me to a higher

have them work for two to three hours on

place in my walk with God.”

dreams of individuals within their groups.

Follow the “Rules for Interpreting Dreams in

Question: “In what way will I be getting out some

a Group” given above. Instruct the groups to

cleaning supplies?”

use “The Key Question Approach.” If they

Answer: “Hearing God’s voice will clean up some

need help, they should raise their hand to at-

areas of my life.”

tract the attention of the classroom leader to

come and work with their group.

Dream # 2 - on the same night as the above dream:

I had pulled my car into a parking lot and turned off

When the seminar/classroom leader is not as-

the ignition. However, the engine would not stop; it

sisting a specific group, he should rotate from

kept backfiring.

group to group making sure things are pro-

gressing well in each.

Interpretation

Question: “What am I trying to turn off that is not

Examples of Dream Interpretation

turning off?”

I had two dreams on the night following the day I

Answer: “My analytical brain, so I can tune to intu-

learned to hear God’s voice, see God’s vision, and

ition and thus hear the voice of God.”

journal (write out what God was speaking to me).

The simple act of putting my journal next to my bed

So the above two dreams are talking about issues

and asking God to speak brought me several dreams

taking place within me and are counseling and en-

that first night.

couraging me, saying, “Even though I feel awkward

about this new direction in my life (of hearing God’s

Dream # 1

voice, seeing vision, and journaling), if I will keep

I had a new job as caretaker of a house. I was in the

with it, it will take me to a higher place in God, and

house going up a flight of stairs and I was riding a

it will clean up some areas in my life. And yes, it is

horse. At the top of the stairs I entered the bathroom

going to be a struggle to shut down the analytical

and took out some cleaning supplies.

reasoning process in my life which has ruled me and

been a god in my life for many years.”

Interpretation

Question: “In what way do I have a new job?”

_____________________________

Answer: “Just today, I have begun to hear God’s

voice, see vision and journal.”

12

A dream by Mike Bastien: Recently I had the honor

“The symbols in the dream include:

of teaching a Communion with God seminar to about

* school = place where we are educated and learn

35 pastors who had come for a week of training to

* bus = transportation to the place of learning

the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. Toward

* being left behind = fear of being left behind

the end of the week, one pastor, Rev. Mike Bastien,

“So the question you would ask yourself is, ‘In what

voiced some concerns that he was not getting all the

sense am I being educated at this time in my life,

information I was unloading on them at breakneck

and am I afraid I am going to be left behind?’

speed. I assured him that he probably wasn’t, but

that it was all right since he could take the Com-

“I suspect the answer is that you are being educated

munion with God book and cassettes and videos

in the area of communion with God, and that there

home with him to review at his leisure. However,

is a part of you that is afraid that you are being left

this advice was not heard by all parts within Mike,

behind (i.e., not going to get it all). You actually ex-

as he e-mailed me a day or two later with a trou-

pressed exactly that fear in class. I assume it is that

bling dream he had had. Following are the e-mails

fear in your heart which was expressed in your

which went back and forth between us over the next

dream.

few days. Mike has given me permission to share

them and his dream.

“However, God showed you in the dream that there

was hope. Another bus came along and took you to

The dream as Mike sent it to me: “Here it goes:

school. So you do not need to fear missing some

The school bus was coming to my home when I was

parts of the teaching the first time around. There is

in high school. I was running late and saw the bus

another way to get it. For example, reading the whole

coming and was running towards it and I saw my

Communion with God book; taking the three-month

father-in-law (Fred) get on the bus and before I could

Communion with God course with Christian Lead-

get on, just before I reached it, it left. I was a bit

ership University and having me as a mentor; pur-

upset that he didn’t wait for me. I tried to look to see

chasing the videos which were made; purchasing

if it was George driving the bus and thought it was.

the cassettes of me teaching the entire course; pur-

(George and I talked once in awhile and he was the

chasing the CWG Teacher’s Guide; getting a couple

actual bus driver when I was in high school.)

of spiritual counselors in your church or area who

are right-brain and sharing your journaling with them

“But soon after, I saw another school bus coming

and having them cover it, etc.

and knew it was going to the public school in the

same town and asked the lady if I could take it and

“Don’t be concerned that the person in your dream

she said yes. So I got on. Don’t remember any of the

died a year ago. People in our dreams most often

ride. Next I remember talking to my father-in-law

are part of ourselves. The way we discover what part

and asking him why George left me and didn’t wait.

is to ask, “What is the dominant characteristic of

He gave me a mumbled answer which didn’t make

the person?” Then, it is usually that part of ourselves

sense and which I can’t remember at all now.

we are dreaming about. The dream is not about you

dying.”

“And that was the dream. One thing that really con-

cerns me is that my father-in-law died this past De-

Mike’s second letter: “Thank you, Mark, for re-

cember of cancer at the age of 61.”

sponding. To be honest, it was not what I expected.

It sounds good but I have this big question...why

My first response: “I’ll be glad to offer a few ques-

was my father-in-law in this dream and why was it

tions and suggestions for you to consider.

so evident that he was in it? He must have some-

thing to do with the dream?”

13

My second response: “When you think of your fa-

In the dream, she entered her house and smelled

ther-in-law, Fred, what is the most dominant char-

smoke. She went upstairs looking for the fire but

acteristic of him? That is your key. Once you iden-

she couldn’t find it. Then she looked downstairs,

tify that characteristic, you are then talking about

but could not find it. She went into the kitchen and

that part of yourself. Your heart is drawing pictures

the smoke smell was stronger. She opened upper

(like Bible Pictionary - if you have ever played it),

kitchen cabinets and could not find the fire. She

to communicate a message to you.

opened the lower kitchen cabinets, flames leapt out,

and she awoke.

“Whatever part of you that Fred is representing, that

part of you is OK with the message of CWG and is

At the time, we could not understand what the dream

getting along with it and on time (as evidenced by

was saying. Two months later, she went to the doc-

the fact that he got on the bus OK). Some other part

tors with an intestinal ailment which was diagnosed

of you is struggling with the message of CWG, be-

as inflammation of the intestines. It was a stress-

ing afraid you are not getting it all.

related disease, and the doctor put her on medica-

tion which took care of the inflammation.

“Any chance that Fred is a ‘heart’ kind of a guy as

opposed to a ‘head’ kind of a guy?

Do you see that her dream was warning us of this

physical ailment two months before the doctor di-

“My guess is that your heart is fine with the CWG

agnosed it?

message but your left-hemisphere is afraid that it

hasn’t got all the pieces yet (which is true - it hasn’t).

Her dream said, “In her house there was a fire.” Her

However, as I mentioned earlier, your head doesn’t

house was the place that she lived - her body.

need to get all the pieces in my four mornings of

teaching you, because I have provided books and

The fire was in the kitchen. The kitchen is the place

cassettes and videos which you can take home and

we eat, and thus symbolized her digestive tract.

study in detail.

The fire was not in the upper cabinets, which would

“My guess is that your left-hemisphere (your ana-

symbolize her upper digestive region, or her stom-

lytical reasoning brain) is uptight, but that your heart

ach.

(as perhaps represented by an ‘easy going Fred’) is

fine with the message of Communion with God.

It was in the lower kitchen cabinets, which would

symbolize her lower digestive region - her intestines.

“What do you think?”

The dream said, “In your intestines, there is a fire,”

Mike’s final response: “Mark. Wow. That’s exactly

two months before the doctor diagnosed it.

how he was. Easy going. Laid back. Blessings,

Mike”

A year later the dream returned. She realized imme-

diately that if she did not relax, the stress she was

—————————————————

experiencing would bring another visit to the

doctor’s office. She did relax and was able to offset

Another Example of Dream Interpretation - from

another attack. Awesome counsel! Worth listening

a co-worker: A lady who used to edit my materials

to, and worth acting upon. This is an example of a

and take Bible school classes from me came to me

dream which was talking about things taking place

with the following dream.

within the individual. It was providing her with

God’s counsel, instructing her of calamity to come

if she did not mend her ways. WOW!

14

The Art of Dream Interpretation

The best way to gain a biblical appreciation of

is time once again for the Church to open Her ears

dreams is to examine the 220 references to dreams

and begin listening to God as He speaks to us

and visions in the Bible. Many of these references

through this medium.

unfold an entire story concerning a dream, with the

resulting revelation and action. The following

As we study, our prayer shall be, “Lord, show us

investigation involves researching well over 1,000

anything You desire concerning dreams and dream

verses, as we seek to come to a biblical understand-

interpretation.”

ing concerning dreams. We shall go from Genesis to

Revelation researching the words: dream, dreamer

This research manual is designed to be covered in a

and vision. By prayerfully reflecting on each dream

classroom setting under the guidance of an instruc-

we can come to a balanced and complete biblical

tor using the accompanying Teacher’s Guide

view of dreams.

(Part 2).

We will learn how God speaks through dreams. We

The following worksheets are designed to provide a

will also examine the language used in the dream,

solid biblical basis for your understanding and

whether it is symbolic, literal, or both.

experiences in dreams and visions. As you complete

these worksheets, you will discover that dreams and

The Bible records many dreams which use symbolic

visions were of great significance in the lives of

language. In some cases, these dreams are followed

men and women of God, from Genesis through

by an interpretation of these symbols. We will study

Revelation. Do not simply read the Scripture

these interpretations for the purpose of becoming

references in order to answer the questions; ask God

comfortable with the use of symbolism in our own

for insight and understanding, take time to meditate,

dreams.

and allow God to reveal His truth to you. What God

shows you will form the basis for part of our class

Some symbols have a universal interpretation, while

discussion. Be prepared to share.

other symbols apply only to a specific dream. This is

true not only in the biblical accounts but also in

As you read, look for biblical principles regarding

present day dreams.

dreams and vision. These will begin to take shape as

you read, meditate, and share in discussion.

We will discover that “God grants the interpreta-

tion;” therefore, we will learn to present our dreams

Not only does God commune with us during our

before God and rely upon Him to unlock the mean-

waking hours, but He also counsels us at night

ing of our dreams through communion and

through our dreams.

journaling.

“I will bless the Lord who counsels me; He

It is obvious that God spoke through the dream in

gives me wisdom in the night. He tells me

every era from Genesis to Revelation, with no

what to do.” (Ps. 16:7 LB)

indication that He would stop doing so. Therefore, it

15

The Student, the Fish, and Agassiz

As you study the assigned Scripture portions in this

unhesitantly plunged to the bottom of the jar to

book consider what the following article, “The

produce the fish was infectious; and though this

Student, the Fish, and Agassiz,” teaches concerning

alcohol had “a very ancient and fish-like smell,” I

careful and thorough examination of the passages

really dared not show any aversion within these

you are to meditate upon.

sacred precincts and treated the alcohol as though it

were pure water. Still, I was conscious of a passing

It was more than fifteen years ago that I entered the

feeling of disappointment, for gazing at a fish did

laboratory of Professor Agassiz and told him I had

not commend itself to an ardent entomologist.

enrolled my name in the scientific school as a

student of natural history. He asked me a few

In ten minutes, I had seen all that could be seen in

questions about my object in coming, my anteced-

that fish and started in search of the professor, who

ents generally, the mode in which I afterwards

had, however, left the museum; and when I returned

proposed to use the knowledge I might acquire, and

after lingering over some of the odd animals stored

finally, whether I wished to be well-grounded in all

in the upper apartment, my specimen was dry all

departments of zoology, I purposed to devote myself

over. I dashed the fluid over the fish as if to resusci-

specially to insects.

tate it from a fainting fit, and looked with anxiety

for a return of the normal, sloppy appearance. This

“When do you want to begin?” he asked.

little excitement over, nothing was to be done but

return to a steadfast gaze at my mute companion.

“Now,” I replied.

Half an hour passed, an hour, another hour; the fish

began to look loathsome. I turned it over and

This seemed to please him, and with an energetic

around; looked it in the face — ghastly! I was in

“Very well,” he reached from a shelf a huge jar of

despair; at an early hour I concluded that lunch was

specimens in alcohol.

necessary, so with infinite relief the fish was care-

fully replaced in the jar, and for an hour I was free.

“Take this fish,” said he, “and look at it; we call it a

Haemulon; by and by I will ask what you have

On my return, I learned that Professor Agassiz had

seen.”

been at the museum but had gone and would not

return for several hours. My fellow students were

With that he left me, but in a moment returned with

too busy to be disturbed by continued conversation.

explicit instructions as to the care of the object

Slowly I drew that hideous fish out. Instruments of

entrusted to me.

all kinds were interdicted. My two hands, my two

eyes and the fish; it seemed a most limited field. I

“No man is fit to be a naturalist,” said he, “who

pushed my fingers down its throat to see how sharp

does not know how to take care of specimens.”

its teeth were. I began to count the scales in the

different rows until I was convinced that that was

I was to keep the fish before me in a tin tray, and

nonsense. At last a happy thought struck me — I

occasionally moisten the surface with alcohol from

would draw the fish; and now with surprise I began

the jar, always taking care to replace the stopper

to discover new features in the creature. Just then

tightly. Those were not the days of ground glass

the professor returned.

stoppers and elegantly shaped exhibition jars; all the

old students will recall the huge, necklace glass

“That is right,” said he; “a pencil is one of the best

bottles with their leaky, wax-smeared works, half-

eyes. I am glad to notice, too, that you keep your

eaten by insects and begrimed with cellar dust.

specimen wet and your bottle corked.” With these

Entomology was a cleaner science than ichthyology,

encouraging words, he added, “Well, what is it

but the example of the professor who had

like?”

16

He listened attentively to my brief rehearsal of the

His thoroughly pleased “Of course, of course!”

structure of parts whose names were still unknown

repaid the wakeful hours of the previous night. After

to me; the fringed gill-arches and movable opercu-

he had discoursed most happily and enthusiastically

lum; the pores of the head, fleshy lips, and lidless

- as he always did - upon the importance of this

eyes; the lateral line, the spinous fin, and forked tail;

point, I ventured to ask what I should do next.

the compressed and arched body. When I had

finished, he waited as if expecting more, and then,

“Oh, look at your fish!” he said, and left me again to

with an air of disappointment: “You have not looked

my own devices. In a little more than an hour he

very carefully; why,” he continued, more earnestly,

returned and heard my new catalogue.

“you haven’t seen one of the most conspicuous

features of the animal, which is as plainly before

“That is good, that is good!” he repeated, “but that

your eyes as the fish itself. Look again; look again!”

is not all; go on.” And so for three long days he

and he left me to my misery.

placed that fish before my eyes, forbidding me to

look at anything else, or to use any artificial aid.

I was piqued; I was mortified. Still more of that

“Look, look, look,” was his repeated injunction.

wretched fish? But now I set myself to the task with

a will, and discovered one new thing after another,

This was the best entomological lesson I ever had -

until I saw how the professor’s criticism had been

a lesson whose influence has extended to the details

correct. The afternoon passed quickly, and towards

of every subsequent study; a legacy the professor

its close the professor inquired,

has left to me, as he left it to many others, a legacy

of inestimable value, which we could not buy, with

“Do you see it yet?”

which we cannot part.

“No,” I replied, “I am certain I do not, but I see how

A year afterwards some of us were amusing our-

little I saw before.”

selves with chalking outlandish beasts upon the

blackboard. We drew prancing star-fishes, frogs in

“That is the next best,” said he earnestly, “but I

mortal combat; hydra-headed worms; stately drew

won’t hear you now; put away your fish and go

fishes, standing on their tails, bearing aloft umbrel-

home; perhaps you will be ready with a better

las; and grotesque fishes, with gaping mouths and

answer in the morning. I will examine you before

staring eyes. The professor came in shortly after,

you look at the fish.”

and was as much amused as any at our experiment.

He looked at the fishes.

This was disconcerting; not only must I think of my

fish all night, studying, without the object before

“Haemulons, every one of them,” he said. “Mr.

me, what the unknown but most visible feature

_________ drew them.” True; and to this day, if I

might be, but also, without reviewing my new

attempt a fish, I can draw nothing but haemulons.

discoveries, I must give an exact account of them

the next day. I had a bad memory; so I walked home

The fourth day a second fish of the same group was

by Charles River in a distracted state, with my two

placed beside the first, and I was bidden to point out

perplexities.

the resemblances and differences between the two;

another and another followed, until the entire family

The cordial greeting from the professor the next

lay before me, and a whole legion of jars covered

morning was reassuring; here was a man who

the table and surrounding shelves; the odor had

seemed to be quite as anxious as I was that I should

become a pleasant perfume; and even now, the sight

see for myself what he saw.

of an old, six-inch worm-eaten cork brings fragrant

memories.

“Do you mean perhaps,” I asked, “that the fish has

symmetrical sides with paired organs?”

The whole group of Haemulons was thus brought

into view; and whether engaged upon the dissection

of the internal organs, preparation and examination

17

of the body framework, or the description of the

In the space below, list principles from this article

various parts, Agassiz’s training in the method of

that can be applied to your course of study. Then

observing facts and their orderly arrangement was

apply them. I repeat: then apply them. Consciously

ever accomplished by the urgent exhortation not to

use these principles until they become a way of life

be content with them.

when you meditate on God’s Word.

“Facts are stupid things,” he would say, “until

brought into connection with some general law.”

Biblical Meditation: The principles that were

taught in the above story of “The Student, the Fish,

At the end of eight months, it was almost with

and Agassiz” are the principles which one is to

reluctance that I left those friends and turned to

follow when he meditates upon the Bible. Following

insects; but what I gained by this outside experience

is a review of the principles of biblical meditation.

has been of greater value than years of later investi-

gation in my favorite groups.

(Borrowed - source unknown)

Biblical Meditation

Resulting in illumination, revelation knowledge, anointed reasoning

Do Not Do This:

But Do This:

LEFT-BRAIN

WHOLE-BRAIN/HEART

STUDY/RATIONAL HUMANISM

MEDITATION/DIVINE REVELATION

1. Have unconfessed sin

1. Be washed by Jesus’ blood

2. Have a pre-conceived attitude

2. Have a teachable attitude

3. Be independent: “I can...”

3. Pray: “Lord, show me”

4. Read quickly

4. Slow down, ponder, muse

5. Rely on reason & analysis only

5. Combine anointed reason,

flowing pictures, music &

speech

6. Read without specific purpose

6. Read with focused purpose

7 .Take credit for insights

7 . Glorify God for insights

T h e S e v e n S t e p s o f B i b l i c a l M e d i t a t i o n E x p l a i n e d : 1. LORD, CLEANSE ME BY YOUR BLOOD: Since

from God (Matt. 7:6), and confess any sin in

receiving divine revelation is at the heart of

your life, so you are not cut off from ongoing

biblical meditation, you must prepare yourself

revelation (Is. 59:1,2; I Jn. 1:9).

to receive from the Holy Spirit by repenting

and being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.

2. LORD, GRANT ME A TEACHABLE ATTITUDE:

You must be obedient to previous revelations

Revelation is given to those who maintain an

18

attitude of humility, and it is withheld from

and searching heart will cause you to see

the proud and the arrogant. So keep an open,

things you would not normally see (Matt.

humble attitude before God, allowing Him the

5:6).

freedom to shed greater light on any ideas you

currently hold and to alter them as He sees fit

7. THANK YOU, LORD, FOR WHAT YOU HAVE

(Jas. 4:6; II Pet. 1:19).

SHOWN ME: Realizing that the revelation came

from the indwelling Holy Spirit, give all the

3. LORD, I WILL NOT USE MY FACULTIES MYSELF:

glory to God for what has been revealed (Eph.

You can do nothing of your own initiative but

3:21).

only what you hear and see by the Spirit (Jn.

5:19,20,30). You do not have a mind to use,

The Hebrew and Greek definitions of

but a mind to present to God so He can use it

meditation

and fill it with anointed reason and divine

vision (Prov. 3:5-7; Rom. 12:1,2). If you use

According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance,

your mind yourself, it is a dead work (Heb.

there are several Hebrew and Greek words which

6:1,2).

underlie the words “meditate” and “meditation” in

the Old and New Testaments. The Strong’s numbers

4. L

for these words in the Old Testament are: 1897,

ORD, I PRAY THAT THE EYES OF MY HEART

1900, 1901, 1902, 7878, 7879, 7881. The New

MIGHT BE ENLIGHTENED: Slow down as you

read, mulling the text over and over in your

Testament numbers are 3191 and 4304.

heart and mind, praying constantly for God to

give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in

THE LITERAL MEANINGS OF MEDITATE AND MEDITATION

the knowledge of Him (Eph. 1:17,18; Ps.

as listed by Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are:

119:18).

“To murmur; to converse with oneself, and

5. L

hence aloud; speak; talk; babbling; communica-

ORD, I PRESENT THE ABILITIES TO REASON AND

tion; mutter; roar; mourn; a murmuring sound;

TO IMAGINE TO YOU TO FILL AND FLOW

i.e., a musical notation; to study; to ponder;

THROUGH BY YOUR SPIRIT: Meditation in-

volves presenting your faculties to God for

revolve in the mind; imagine; pray; prayer;

Him to fill and use. These include your left-

reflection; devotion.”

brain reasoning capacities as well as your

right-brain visual capacities. Look for the

LEFT-HEMISPHERE FUNCTIONS LISTED ABOVE

river of God (i.e., “Spirit flow”) to guide and

INCLUDE:

fill both hemispheres, granting you anointed

study, revolve in the mind, murmur, mutter,

reasoning and dream and vision (Jn. 7:37-39).

converse, speak, talk, communication (Note:

Music can assist you, as can muttering,

Reason and speech are left-brain.)

speaking, and writing as you go through the

discovery process (II Kings 3:15).

RIGHT-HEMISPHERE FUNCTIONS LISTED ABOVE

INCLUDE:

6. L

imagine, a musical notation, mourn, babbling

ORD, SHOW ME THE SOLUTION TO THE PROB-

(Note: Tongue speaking has been registered in

LEM I AM FACING: Focused attention brings

additional energies of concentration of heart

experiments at Fuller Theological Seminary as

and mind, which help release revelation. For

taking place in the right hemisphere. Pictures,

example, note the difference between a ray of

music and emotion are also right-brain.)

sunlight hitting a piece of paper, and sunlight

going through a magnifying glass to hit a

HEART (OR THIRD-BRAIN) FUNCTIONS LISTED

piece of paper. The focused energy creates a

ABOVE INCLUDE:

ray so concentrated that the paper bursts into

pray, prayer, devotion, reflection, ponder (i.e.,

flames. When you have a hunger to master a

enlightened reasoning by adding Spirit-flow to

new understanding and discipline, that hungry

the reasoning process - Eph. 1:17,18.)

19

Meditation results in illumined verses every time

three instances that the King James Version uses

one reads the Bible and every time he meditates on

“study,” and you will see that they are all inaccurate

any subject. Illumination is experienced as insights

translations. So I, a left-brain individual, repented

jumping off the page and hitting you between the

for studying, and purposed in my heart to only

eyes.

meditate from now on when I come to the Word of

God or to any topic that God sets before me to

Meditation is a whole-brain and heart

explore.

process, and study is often left-

hemisphere only

Another Great Aid to “Seeing”: Writing

Out Scripture

I asked a pastor who scored as extremely left-brain

(2.4) on the Brain Preference Indicator Test how he

When you write or type out a verse, you discover

studied the Bible. Did he use pictures a fair amount?

words which you otherwise might have missed.

He replied, “Never.” Then I asked a right-brain

pastor (6.7) how he studied the Bible. Did he use

The following is the law which God gave for new

pictures much? He said, “Always.” He had a

kings who had just been crowned and were coming to

constant stream of flowing pictures when he stud-

sit upon their throne for the first time:

ied. (Note: 5.0 is perfectly balanced.)

“Now it shall come about when he sits on the

Do you see that a left-brain person will tend to study

throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a

the Bible differently than a right-brain person? We

copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the

tend to miss this, because we assume that everyone

Levitical priests” (Deut. 17:18).

else studies the way we do. This could not be further

from the truth. Left-brain people study using

Since we are kings and priests, are we to do any less (I

primarily logic, reason, and analysis. Right-brain

Pet. 2:9)? Let us make the writing out of Scriptures an

people study (or could we say, meditate) using

important part of our lives. Perhaps some of us will

primarily pictures and flow combined with reason,

discover that writing does for us what muttering did

analysis, speech, and song.

for the Israelites when they meditated. Since many

of them did not write, muttering took its place. As

R

one talks about something over and over to himself,

EPENTING FOR STUDYING: So, in meditation, the

whole brain is being controlled and guided by the

he begins to see it more and more clearly. That is

indwelling Holy Spirit, whereas in study, primarily

exactly what happens when I write. As I write and

the left brain is being used, and it is under the

rewrite, the Word becomes clearer and clearer, until

control of self. Wow! What a startling insight,

illumination strikes! The revelation is full and

especially when we realize that the Bible (NASB)

complete, and presented before me! Therefore, I am

never encourages study, but 20 times does

going to suggest that you either mutter or write - or,

encourage meditation. Look up the Greek in the

of course, you might want to do both.

20

Biblical Research Concerning

Dreams and Visions

1. God’s Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21)

vs. 1

How does this encounter begin?_______________________________________________

vs. 12

What does this develop into?_________________________________________________

vss. 1-21

What is happening?________________________________________________________

What is the essential content of the message?_________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both?____________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

2. Abraham’s Treachery Toward Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18)

vs. 3

Who spoke to Abimelech in a dream? __________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

vss. 4-7

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

vss. 8,9

What is the response to the dream? ____________________________________________

vss. 17,18

What is the end result? _____________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

3. Jacob’s Covenant Dream (Genesis 28:10-22)

vs. 12

What symbols are used? ____________________________________________________

vss. 13-15

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

What is the essential content of the message? ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

21

vss. 16-22

What is Jacob’s response to the dream? _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

4. Jacob’s Dream Concerning Goats (Genesis 31:10-29)

vs. 10

Note Jacob’s action: ________________________________________________________

vss. 10-16

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

vs. 17

What is Jacob’s response? ___________________________________________________

vs. 24

What’s happening? ________________________________________________________

vs. 29

What is Laban’s response? ___________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

5. Joseph’s Childhood Dreams (Genesis 37:1-11)

vs. 6

Do you believe Joseph showed indiscretion in sharing his dream? _______________________

What lesson is in this, concerning sharing our dreams? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 7-9

Note what each of the following items in Joseph’s dream represent:

Joseph’s sheaf ____________________________________________________________

Brother’s sheaf ____________________________________________________________

Sun _____________________________________________________________________

Moon ___________________________________________________________________

Bowing down _____________________________________________________________

Eleven stars ______________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

vss. 8,10,11 What is the response? ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

This negative response may be another indicator that Joseph shared his dreams with indiscretion.

Gen. 42:6-9 Note the accuracy of the interpreted dream. ______________________________________

22

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

6. The Cupbearer’s and Baker’s Dreams (Genesis 40:1-23)

vs. 8

What is the problem/need? __________________________________________________

What is the solution? _______________________________________________________

vss. 9-19

Note what each of the following items in the dreams represent:

Three branches ____________________________________________________________

Putting the cup into Pharoah’s hand ____________________________________________

Three baskets _____________________________________________________________

Birds eating food from basket on head __________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

vss. 20,21

What are the results? _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

7. Pharoah’s Dream (Genesis 41:1-49)

vs. 8

Note two problems: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 16

Who interprets dreams? _____________________________________________________

vs. 25

What are the dreams about? __________________________________________________

vss. 26-32

Note what each of the following items in the dream represents:

Seven ___________________________________________________________________

Good cows and good ears ___________________________________________________

Lean cows and thin ears _____________________________________________________

Repeating dream __________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

23

vss. 33-36

What action did Joseph recommend? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 37-49

What was Pharoah’s response? _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

8. Israel Encouraged to Go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7)

vs. 2

What is a dream also called? _________________________________________________

vs. 3

What is the purpose of the dream? _____________________________________________

vss. 2-4

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

vss. 5-7

What was Israel’s response? _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

9. God’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Numbers 12:6-8)

vs. 6

How will God reveal Himself to a prophet? ______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 7,8

How did God speak to Moses? _______________________________________________

Do you think God speaks to the Christian in each of these three ways?

__________________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

10. Balaam’s Prophecy (Numbers 24:1-25)

vs. 3

How is Balaam described? ___________________________________________________

24

________________________________________________________________________

What do you think it means to be a “man whose eye is opened?” _______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Can this ability be cultivated? __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

11. Laws Concerning Judging Dreams (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)

vss. 1,2

List characteristics of the dreamer whom you are not to heed or follow. ________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 3

What is God doing through this situation? _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What should your response be? _______________________________________________

vs. 5

What did the law say should happen to him? _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

12. Dream Encouraging Gideon (Judges 7:9-18)

vs. 9

What is God doing? ________________________________________________________

vss. 13,14

Note what each of the following items mean:

Loaf of barley bread ________________________________________________________

Struck ___________________________________________________________________

Tent lay flat ______________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

vs. 15

What is Gideon’s response? __________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

25

13. Saul Inquires of the Lord (I Samuel 28:6)

vs. 6

What are the three basic ways listed by which God might answer one who seeks Him?

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

14. Solomon’s Dream (I Kings 3:5-28)

vs. 5

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

vss. 6-9

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

vs. 9

What does Solomon request? _________________________________________________

vss. 10-14

Note the content: __________________________________________________________

vss. 6-14

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

vs. 15

What was Solomon’s response to the dream? ____________________________________

vss. 16-28

Illustrate that “the wisdom of God was in him (Solomon) to administer justice.”

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

15. Eliphaz Received a Vision of the Night (Job 4:12-21)

vss. 12-15

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

vs. 16

What does Eliphaz do? _____________________________________________________

vs. 16

What occurs as a result? _____________________________________________________

vss. 17-21

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

Do you feel this was a demon or the Holy Spirit? Why? ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

26

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

16. Elihu’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Job 33:14-18)

vss. 14,15

How does God speak to men? ________________________________________________

vs. 14

How often might He speak? __________________________________________________

vs. 14

Does man tend to notice? ____________________________________________________

vs. 16

What does God do? ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 17,18

What is the purpose? _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

17. Solomon’s Proverb Concerning Vision (Proverbs 29:18)

vs. 18

Write out this verse. ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

18. Isaiah’s Visions (Isaiah 1:1; 2:1; 6:1; 13:1; 21:2)

Note how Isaiah’s prophecies flow out of visions.

1:1

________________________________________________________________________

2:1

________________________________________________________________________

6:1

________________________________________________________________________

13:1

________________________________________________________________________

21:2

________________________________________________________________________

27

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

19. Jeremiah’s Vision (Jeremiah 1:11-19)

Although the entire books of Isaiah and Jeremiah could be studied by one seeking the art of dream interpretation, we will examine only two of Jeremiah’s visions. Like Isaiah, it seems that much of Jeremiah’s prophecy flowed out of vision.

For example, record Jeremiah 1:11. ______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

How are the following symbols interpreted?

vss. 11,12

rod of an almond tree _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 13,14

boiling pot facing away from the north _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

20. The False Dreamers (Jeremiah 23:25-40)

vss. 25,26

What kind of dreamers are found here? _________________________________________

vs. 27

What does the false dreamer seek to do? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 32

What is God’s attitude toward those who prophesy false dreams? _____________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 40

What is the end result? ______________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

28

21. More about False Dreamers (Jeremiah 27:9-11)

vs. 9

What were the false dreamers saying? __________________________________________

vs. 11

What was the truth? ________________________________________________________

vs. 9

What was their response to be toward the false dreamers? (See also Jeremiah 29:8,9.) ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

22. Ezekiel’s Visions (Ezekiel 1:1,3; 8:1-18)

Like Isaiah and Jeremiah, it appears that much of Ezekiel’s prophecy flowed out of vision. As an example, record pertinent phrases from 1:1 and 1:3 which show this. ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Do the same for 8:1-18. _______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Therefore, for one seeking the art of dream interpretation, the entire book of Ezekiel could also be examined. However, since our focus is primarily dreams of the night, we will not study Ezekiel at this time.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

23. Daniel’s Ability to Understand Dreams (Daniel 1:17)

vs. 17

List the abilities Daniel had. _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

29

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

24. Nebuchadnezzar’s Forgotten Dream (Daniel 2:1-49)

vs. 1

What did Nebuchadnezzar experience as a result of his dreams? _____________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 3

What else did he experience? _________________________________________________

vs. 16

What does Daniel do? ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 17,18

What else does Daniel do? ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 19

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

Notice how the words night and vision are connected. What does this suggest concerning the Hebrew’s view of the relationship between visions and dreams? _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

vss. 19-23

What is Daniel’s first response to the revelation given by God? ______________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 24

What is Daniel’s second response? ____________________________________________

vs. 28

What is Daniel’s third response? ______________________________________________

vs. 28

Write out the phrase that shows the Hebrew connection between dream and vision. _______

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 29

Who was the source of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? ____________________________

What was the dream about? __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 30

Note: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is also referred to as “the thoughts of [his] heart.” This verifies the idea that dreams are our hearts speaking to our minds, which is an incredibly insightful and exciting truth.

vss. 31-45

Note what each of the following items mean:

The statue ________________________________________________________________

Head of fine gold _______________________________________________________

Breast and arms of silver ____________________________________________________

Belly and thighs of bronze ___________________________________________________

Legs of iron _______________________________________________________________

Feet partly clay and partly iron ________________________________________________

Stone cut without hands _____________________________________________________

30

Stone struck statue, crushing it ________________________________________________

Stone became a mountain, filling earth _________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? __________________________________________________

vss. 46-48

List three results of the interpreted dream.

a.______________________________________________________________________

b.______________________________________________________________________

c.______________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

25. Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision of a Great Tree (Daniel 4:4-37)

vs. 4

To whom is the dream given? ________________________________________________

vs. 5

What is the dream also called? ________________________________________________

What effect did the dream have on Nebuchadnezzar? _______________________________

vs. 6

What action did Nebuchadnezzar take in response to the dream? ______________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 8

How is Daniel described? ___________________________________________________

vs. 10

What does the phrase “I was looking” indicate? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 13

Record the truths you find in verse 13. __________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Record the interpretation given to the following symbols:

vs. 22

The great tree _____________________________________________________________

vs. 23

Decree of angelic watcher ___________________________________________________

vs. 25

Seven periods of time ______________________________________________________

vs. 26

Leaving the stump _________________________________________________________

vs. 25

Eating grass ______________________________________________________________

vss. 16,34

Mind changed from man’s to beast’s ___________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

vs. 26

What is God trying to get Nebuchadnezzar to realize? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 27

Describe what is happening. _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 29

How much time passed? ____________________________________________________

31

vs. 30

Had Nebuchadnezzar heeded Daniel’s advice? ____________________________________

vss. 31-33

What happened? __________________________________________________________

vss. 34,35

Did Nebuchadnezzar finally learn humility? ______________________________________

vs. 36

Notice, the rest of the dream is fulfilled.

vs. 37

Write out this verse: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

The dream has completed its task.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

26. Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1-28)

vs. 1

Who is receiving the dream? _________________________________________________

What is the dream also called? ________________________________________________

What was the first thing Daniel did with his dream? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 2,6,9,13 What was Daniel doing in his vision by night? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 15,16

List Daniel’s initial responses to the dream.

a.______________________________________________________________________

b.______________________________________________________________________

c.______________________________________________________________________

vss. 16,17

Who gave the interpretation? _________________________________________________

Record the interpretation given to the following symbols:

vs. 17

Four great beasts __________________________________________________________

vss. 14,18

The Son of Man given dominion, glory and a kingdom _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 23

Fourth beast devouring and trampling __________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 24

Ten horns ________________________________________________________________

vss. 8,24

Additional later horn pulling out three horns _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Notice that after warfare this king’s dominion will be taken away and everlasting dominion given to the saints.

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

32

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

27. Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and Goat (Daniel 8:1-27)

vs. 1

How much later is this vision than the previous dream recorded in Daniel 7:1? ___________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 2

Notice “I looked in the vision.” The element of active looking appears over and over again.

vs. 19

The dreams pertain to what time? _____________________________________________

Record the interpretation given to the following symbols:

vs. 20

Ram with two horns ________________________________________________________

vs. 21

Shaggy goat ______________________________________________________________

Large horn between his eyes __________________________________________________

vs. 22

Broken horn and four horns that arose in its place _________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? __________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

28. Daniel’s Terrifying Vision (Daniel 10:1 - 12:13)

vss. 2,3

What was the prelude to the vision? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 4

What was the physical setting in which the vision took place? _______________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 5

What did Daniel do? _______________________________________________________

vs. 7

Did they all see the vision? _______ Their response? ______________________________

Why do you suppose Daniel saw and the others did not? ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 8,9

How does Daniel respond physically? __________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 10,11

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

33

vss. 12,13

What is the story? _________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 14

To what time period does the vision pertain? _____________________________________

vs. 18

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Notice that chapters 11 and 12 record the content of this vision.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

29. God’s Review of Old Testament History (Hosea 12:9,10)

vs. 10

Note God’s review of history. ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

30. The Promise of the Spirit (Joel 2:28,29)

vs. 28

Write out this promise of God. ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

31. Obadiah’s Vision (Obadiah 1)

vs. 1

What is the relationship between vision and prophecy demonstrated in this verse?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

34

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

32. Nahum’s Vision (Nahum 1:1,2)

vss. 1,2

What is the relationship between vision and prophecy demonstrated in these verses?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

33. Habakkuk’s Vision (Habakkuk 2)

vss. 1,2

List how Habakkuk primed himself to receive prophecy from God. ___________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

34. The Diviners’ Lying Visions (Zechariah 10:2)

vs. 2

What is the problem here? ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

35

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

35. Prophesying Forth the Vision (Zechariah 13:4)

vs. 4

Record the Scriptural phrase which describes the relationship between vision and prophecy.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

36. Joseph’s Dream (Matthew 1:20-25)

Notice that the background to this dream experience is that Joseph is considering how to resolve a problem in his life.

vs. 20

Who appeared to him in a dream? _____________________________________________

vss. 20-23

What does the angel do? ____________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

vs. 24

What is Joseph’s response to the dream? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

37. Joseph’s Second Dream (Matthew 2:3-15)

vs. 13

What happens to Joseph in the dream? _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

36

vs. 14

What’s Joseph’s response? ___________________________________________________

vs. 15

Note that obedience to this dream caused prophecy to be fulfilled.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

38. Joseph’s Third and Fourth Dreams (Matthew 2:19-23)

Who appears to Joseph in these dreams? __________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

What is the response to the dream? ______________________________________________________

Notice again prophecy is being fulfilled.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

39. The Vision on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)

vs. 1

What is the location? _______________________________________________________

vs. 2

What do the disciples see? ___________________________________________________

vs. 3

What else do they see? ______________________________________________________

vs. 5

What else happens? ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 6

Note the disciples’ response: __________________________________________________

vs. 7

Note Jesus’ response: _______________________________________________________

vs. 8

What did the disciples see? __________________________________________________

vs. 9

What does Jesus call this experience? __________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

37

40. Prophecy Concerning the Last Days (Acts 2:17)

vs. 17

What will be poured out in the last days? _______________________________________

What will accompany this outpouring?__________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

41. Saul’s Vision on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)

vs. 3

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

vs. 4

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

22:9

Did the others standing around understand the voice? ______________________________

vs. 5

What’s happening? ________________________________________________________

26:19

What does Paul call this entire experience? ______________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

42. Ananias’ Vision (Acts 9:10-19)

vs. 10

Who appears to Ananias in a vision? ___________________________________________

vs. 10

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

vs. 12

What is God saying? _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 17

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

vs. 18

What was the result? _______________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

38

43. Cornelius’ and Peter’s Visions (Acts 10:1-48)

vss. 1,2

How is Cornelius characterized? ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 3

What happens to him? ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 4-6

What does Cornelius do? ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 7,8

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

vss. 9,17-23 Note the timing of this vision: _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 10-16

What happens to Peter? _____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 11-16

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

vs. 21

What is Peter’s response? ___________________________________________________

vss. 44-48

What is the end result? ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

44. The Macedonian Vision (Acts 16:6-11)

vss. 6-8

What is the background for this vision? _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 9

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 10

What did they conclude? ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 11

What was Paul’s response? __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

39

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

45. Paul’s Vision While in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11)

vss. 1-8

Note the background for the vision: ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 9

What happened? __________________________________________________________

vs. 10

What was the content of the vision? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 11

Note Paul’s response: _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

46. The Visions of John (Book of Revelation)

The entire 22 chapters flow out of vision. You are encouraged to work your way through the Book of Revelation, as you have time and interest, using the same method of investigation used in the preceding questions.

47. For Further Research

Since dream and vision in the Major Prophets was treated only briefly, you may wish to do a more thorough study of one or more of these books.

You may also desire to do a word study of some of the following words:

vision

trance

ecstatic state

to see

revelation

in spirit

to perceive

40

The Unchanging God - Dreams Today

I am constantly amazed at how God continues to

matter where we went, this man would find us. And

speak to us through dreams. Following are several

my little sister pointed to Heaven and said, “Go to

dreams showing the power of God’s voice as it

Heaven, God will save you.” I hesitated, but then I

comes through our dreams.

said, “No, we’ll go.” And so my sister and I went to

Heaven and I saw God, and God saved us, and

A Dream Granting Protection

from that point on, the man, even though he tried to

get us, he could not see us and he could not touch

I have been aware of my dreams from a very early

us. It was as if we were invisible.

age. As young as five years of age, I can recall being

fascinated by adventures I would experience during

When I told my Mom about the dream, she had me

my sleeping hours. Even at this young age, God was

read in my Vietnamese Bible the 10th chapter of

affecting my life through my dreams. His hand of

John, the parable of the Good Shepherd. I started to

protection was already upon me as He kept me from

cry and cry. I couldn’t believe that I had never read

very probable harm and injury by warning me in a

this Bible before and yet God gave me a dream from

dream not to ride my sled down a hill which ran

the Bible. I was upset and scared though, because I

perpendicular to a driveway at the base of the hill.

thought that maybe something had happened to my

little sister in Vietnam; maybe she died. But my

The day after having this dream, I was playing with

Mom and Dad tried to comfort me and explained

my friends and as my turn to go down the hill on my

that God gave me the dream because He wanted me

sled came, the Holy Spirit brought the dream back

to become part of His flock and how much He loved

to my remembrance. Instead of getting on the sled, I

me and wanted to save me and to protect me from

let it go down by itself. As the sled proceeded to the

the evil one.

point where the driveway and the hill met, a car

came down the driveway hitting the sled broadside

My Mom asked me if I wanted to ask Jesus into my

and carrying it several feet before coming to a stop.

heart. I said, “No, I need to think about this.” I felt

This dream has never left me and still overwhelms

guilty when I thought about forgetting Buddha. I

me with a reverent awe for God’s communication

had asked Buddha to get me safely to America and I

capacity with us through dreams.

felt he answered my prayer. My Mom told me to

Johanna Thurn

talk to Jesus when I went to bed that night, and ask

Dreams Initiating Salvation

Him to reveal Himself to me. So I said that I would

do that. I told my Mom that when I went to bed I

At the time she had this dream, Amy was a young,

was going to ask Jesus to do something for me, and

Vietnamese teenager, a devout Buddhist. She had

if He did it, then I would believe in Him. That night

been living for almost a year in a Christian home

when I went to bed, I said, “Jesus, if You are really

with her foster parents, and had been attending Full

real, and You really want me to know who You are,

Gospel Tabernacle. She also worked after school at

then let me have a dream about my boyfriend in

the Day Care at the Tabernacle. This is her dream:

Louisiana.” And He did. The next day, when my

Mom came to drive me to work, I told her, “I did it,

In my dream, I was with my two younger sisters in

I did it! I asked Jesus into my heart.” I told her that

Vietnam. There was a man chasing us, trying to hurt

God had given me a dream, and in the dream my

us. He was trying to cut us and he succeeded in

boyfriend came to visit at our home. I was so happy.

killing my one younger sister. I picked up my other

I went to work and told everybody, “I used to

little sister, she was about three years old in the

believe in Buddha, but now I have Jesus in my

dream, and we tried to escape from this man. There

heart. Isn’t God wonderful?”

was a whole bunch of little white animals around

Amy Porter

us: sheep. We were running here and there, but no

41

Epilogue

my breast, I fed this little baby and prayed that he

would live. As I nursed and cared for him, he began

One university instructor writes that he finds

to grow at an amazing rate. Before my eyes, in only

assigning students to keep a journal of their dreams

a matter of a day, he went from crawling in the grass

for six months often causes them to become con-

to running and trying to catch butterflies, to a young

vinced of a living God seeking to communicate to

boy fishing in the pond, and then to a grown young

them through their dreams. This opens up a whole

man. He was so very handsome, and I knew he was

new avenue of evangelism.

a fine person, gentle and caring. My heart welled up

Mark Virkler

with love for him and pride for the strong, healthy

A Dream Granting Inner Healing

young man he had become. I knew the nurturing I

had so freely given had brought his growth and

Over the past several years I have experienced a

maturity.

nightmare which I’ve never understood and have

felt emotional trauma as a result of its continuous

The young man now turned to me, held out his hand

reoccurrences. Finally out of frustration I prayed

and invited me to walk with him. We walked toward

God would help me understand the nightmare and

a lovely wooded area, then into an open grassy field

bring healing to my life in this area or stop these

with beautiful flowers growing everywhere. There

awful nightly occurrences. As a result of that prayer,

in the midst was a crystal clear stream gently

God has brought much healing to my life and

flowing and rippling over the rocks.

helped me to understand the value of dreams and

God’s desire to bring healing, guidance, wholeness

The young man walked me into the water, deeper

and balance to my life.

and deeper. What an exhilarating feeling! It felt as

though the waters were flowing through me. We

The Nightmare

then stepped out of the waters onto the banks and

I am riding in a van down the street I live on, and

there laid garments of long, white, flowing robes for

young children are playing near the edge of the

each of us. We put them on and walked toward a

road. The van swerves hitting the children. I can see

blanket spread on the ground. On the blanket was a

the children bruised and bleeding as they are thrown

bowl of fruit and plate of cheese and crackers. After

to the grassy lawns near the road. I turn to the driver

we ate we stood to walk for awhile. I found myself

begging and pleading with him to stop and let me

wondering who this young man was — so kind and

help the children, but the van goes faster down the

caring, who had grown from the young child I had

road. No matter what I say or do the driver will not

held in my arms such a short time ago. And what

stop.

had become of the other young children I hadn’t

been able to find? Where were they? Were they all

The Healing Dream

right?

This dream began with the same beginning as the

nightmare. This time after begging and pleading

It soon became cool and the sun was setting. The

with the driver to stop, I turned and said, “I will not

young man and I lay down to rest. When I awoke I

allow this to happen anymore,” and I jumped from

found a pen and book beside me and I began to

the van and rolled onto the grassy lawn. It hurt: my

record the events that had been happening to me. As

knees were bruised, my hands were skinned, and my

I wrote, I felt God saying to me, “I will be with you

forehead was bleeding. But I jumped to my feet,

always.” And as I recorded God’s words to me, the

searching for the injured children, frantically

young man stood and walked toward me. His whole

praying they were not dead. I finally found one of

being blended into me. I suddenly realized he was

the children. I scooped him into my arms, crying

the part of me, the Christ within, that I had not been

over the pain I knew he must be in. He was so dirty

nurturing and caring for.

and bruised; his face appeared deformed. But I felt

instant love in my heart for him. I carried him to a

From a distance I heard sounds, as I looked up, I

nearby pond. I washed both of us off, sewed him

saw a lamb, a farm, and young lion cub. I walked

clothes and covered his little body. Drawing him to

toward them and they frolicked away. I continued to

42

follow them when I suddenly realized I was no

Then a second child showed me there was another

longer in the lovely lighted forest, but in a very

silver charm on the bracelet; it was a piano. As I

dense, dark, ugly place. From the darkness sprang a

touched the charm it turned into a grand piano. I sat

huge three-headed monster. He lunged for me. This

down to play the piano, and the children danced and

monster surrounded me with his gangly arms. I

waved lovely streamers in the air. The young child

struggled, fought, and desperately tried to flee, but I

who gave this gift to me walked toward me and he

could not get away. This monster was far too strong

also blended with me and I became one with the

for me.

child.

Just as my strength was gone and I felt I could no

Another child stepped forward to give the gift of a

longer fight, the young man stepped from me to

lovely music box. As the child wound the music box

appear in a form of his own. He was still dressed in

it played beautiful music, and I sang. Each of the

white but had on a helmet, breast plate, and shoes,

children sang with me, lifting their hands and

and carried a sword. He raised his sword against the

praising the heavenly Father. And now this lovely

monster, and this ugly three-headed monster fled

child blended into me to become one with me.

deep into the dark forest. I collapsed in exhaustion

onto the ground.

The fourth child knelt to hand me a silver paint

brush. As I touched the brush, it became a regular

The young man turned, picked me up and carried

paint brush, and an easel and drawing paper ap-

me from the dark forest to the lighted garden. He

peared before me. I began to paint and was enjoying

carried me back to the river and into the deep crystal

it very much when I was suddenly startled by

clear swirling waters. I felt refreshed and at peace

someone behind me; it was the young man. I tried to

again. We walked out of the river to the bank; there

hide the painting from him. He asked why I wanted

on the bank were spread dry clothes. I dried off and

to hide this painting from him. I answered and said I

put on the long white robe. I turned to say thank you

was sure he would find it of no interest. But as he

to the young man. I felt a cold chill — but the young

peered over my shoulder he was truly delighted with

man had anticipated my need, for he held a long

the swirls of colors I had placed on the paper.

velvet deep purple robe, and he placed it around my

shoulders. He then touched my hair and it was

I had drawn a rainbow, white stars, a yellow moon

instantly dry, and a tiara of diamonds and gold

and brightly colored flowers in a green grassy field.

appeared on my head.

Each item I knew had a very special meaning to me,

and suddenly it no longer mattered if no one liked it,

He led me to the blanket spread on the grass and

because it made me feel very good to swirl these

invited me to sit beside him. As I sat down my eyes

colors into a lovely design that pleased me. And so

fell upon several gifts, all made of silver. He said

this child, too, blended with me to become one.

each of these belonged to me. I gazed upward to the

grassy field, and my heart leaped with joy as I saw

The young man invited me to rest with him for

the young children playing ever so happily in the

awhile. He handed me my pen and book and I began

garden place. One of the young children walked

to record all that I had seen and felt. I then realized

toward me, picked up one of the gifts and handed it

the young man was also a part of me that desired so

to me. The gift was a silver charm bracelet. As I

much to care for me, to love me, and to teach me to

touched the silver charm, it turned into a fine

become whole.

crafted wooden clarinet. I began to play it. The

children danced around the field, except for the

I glanced up and saw a dear friend walking toward

child who had handed me the gift. That child

me. He had a long white robe on and a book and pen

walked closer and closer toward me until we

under his arm. He knelt to pick up the last gift. It

blended as one.

was a long-stemmed silver rose, but as he touched

the rose it turned to the most lovely shade of pink. I

knew I was really becoming the rose of beauty he

told me I would be.

43

As I awoke I pulled from my Bible a paper given to

I knew that each gift of silver was a part of me that I

me by my friend. These are the words I read:

had set aside and no longer allowed to have any

place in my life. As I had neglected these gifts from

“All of life is revealed in a rose. It begins as a little

God, they had become abused parts of me needing

bulb, very small and closed. As it grows it becomes

much healing. Each had been put aside because I

larger, more beautiful. So shall your life be. You

had been made to feel these parts were useless, no

shall grow and as you do your beauty and splendor

good, or not good enough to meet someone else’s

shall continue to unfold until you are at full bloom

expectations. The gift of the clarinet was something

for all to see your breath-taking beauty.”

I had done for eight years, but felt I was never good

enough, so I set it aside.

Interpretation of the Dream

As this dream unfolded and I saw more and more of

The first part of this dream had been most frustrat-

its meaning, I was blessed to see that my God cares

ing to me for several years. I often awoke feeling

for me, that He not only speaks to me throughout

totally helpless and desperate. I think the children

the day in prayer time and journaling, but continues

being hit by the van spoke to me first of the inner

to bring healing and edification to my spirit even as

child within me that had not been properly nurtured

I sleep.

and cared for. It also spoke of the ministry God has

placed me in to nurture and care for children that

I believe the rivers of water in the dream showed me

they might grow in their walk with God. The van

the need in my life to more frequently allow the

signified the powerful overwhelming destruction

Holy Spirit to refresh me, comfort me, and bring

that Satan tries to pass on us.

peace to my troubled spirit. The white garments

were significant of my purity in Christ as I stepped

The young boy child that grew into such a fine

from the waters of the Holy Spirit. The food set

young man seemed to be the Christ within me that

before us reminded me of the nourishment I need

desires to guide me, protect me, and lead me into a

daily in God’s Word.

life of wholeness. I am reminded of Philippians 2:12

& 13, where we are encouraged “to work out our

When the young man handed me a pen and book, I

salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who

realized this was the healing blessing of journaling

is at work in us.” Because of my willingness to pay

which I had set aside in my life because of outside

attention to Him, He in turn could grow and lead me

pressure. I had allowed circumstances to rob me of

into the fullness of God’s rich blessings. I am

this blessing. This was God gently nudging me that

reminded of verse 7 in Psalm 16 that says, “I will

I needed journaling to be a part of my life, that my

bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed my

journal could let Christ be the best friend I so

mind instructs me in the night.”

desperately needed in my life.

The three-headed monster that lurked in the forest

The piano was something I so enjoyed but again set

represents three areas of my life that God is dealing

aside because I felt I wasn’t good enough. Singing

with. The monster seems to be so large to me

was the one area I had nurtured the most, but being

because these areas seem impossible to overcome.

overly-sensitive, even that had been laid down. The

But because of the dream and words I saw in my

paint brush was the artistic part of me that I’ve not

journal and the young man who stepped out to fight

allowed to develop. This particular part of the dream

the battle for me, I feel more confident that God will

was especially precious to me because I now feel the

win, has won the battle and He is always there to

freedom to enjoy doing something that pleases me,

protect and guide me in every situation.

regardless of the response of others.

I felt assured that the Holy Spirit is always there to

As I’ve pondered these things in my heart, I’ve seen

refresh us and heal our battle wounds.

that each of these areas of my life are gifts God has

given me to express His creativeness in me. As a

result of being able to understand this, I’ve felt great

44

freedom in allowing these parts of me to grow. I no

As a pastor’s wife, a Christian for 15 years, in-

longer fear criticism, judgment or rejection, but

volved in full-time ministry in the Christian Educa-

instead I choose to bless God back with the gifts He

tion Department at our church, I’m truly excited to

has so graciously given me.

see that there is so much more God desires to do in

my life. I’ve personally found that learning to heed

This dream has brought much healing in my life.

my dreams; pay attention to them and act upon that

Learning to accept things in my life that I’ve

which God has shown me through them, has

rejected and put aside has released me of the stress

brought healing, guidance and direction, and

of the feelings of rejection that I never realized were

tremendous growth and wholeness in my life.

coming so much from deep within me.

Cheryl Spiller

45

Part 2

48

The Place of a Teacher’s Guide

A teacher’s guide is never to be the focus of a teaching session. It may be studied ahead of time and referred to occasionally during the teaching session, but that is all. The living truth among those present is the focus; and don’t forget that the Holy Spirit is One of those present. Don’t be concerned if every last detail is not covered; simply ensure coverage of the major concepts.

The subject must be living within the instructor. Throughout the course, he cooperates with the Holy Spirit to cause the subject to live within the students. The classroom is a place for corporate sharing of this living truth.

You cannot teach and impart life above or beyond that which you are living. Classroom time is devoted entirely to the corporate sharing of life. According to Jesus, truth is very personal.

From my journal:

“Have not I spoken that ‘I am truth’? Go and be thou likewise.”

In preparation for class, seek God concerning what He wants to speak to His people. Speak out of that which He says.

One’s knowledge of his subject must be vast and extensive so the right piece can be fit into the right spot during the classroom interaction, and so that grace may be ministered to those who hear. Therefore one must be deeply experienced and learned in his subject if life is going to be ministered out through him.

One cannot impart life in an area in which he does not live. In honor we prefer one another, placing teachers in the areas in which they are learned and experienced and in which they live.

The classroom is a place for conveying prophetic truth. Prophetic truth is that truth which interacts between the heart of God, the teacher and the students. Prophetic truth is the living Word for the moment in which we are living. It is that which is alive within us. It is that which we are experiencing. It is not simply that truth found in a text. It is that truth which is found “fleshed out” in our lives. Therefore, class time is not primarily a focus on texts; it is a focus on the experiences we are living, in light of the truths presented in the texts set before us. Therefore, never focus primarily on the text during class. Use the text as a springboard for classroom interaction concerning our experiences with God and life as they touch on the truths mentioned in our texts. The discussion of life is fully equal in weight and importance to the discussion of the printed word.

Wisdom and maturity are found in the effective integration of these two.

The focus is not merely on covering the material, but most importantly, on interacting with the basic concepts produced in the material so that it becomes life. Therefore, the detailed information given in this guide may not necessarily be covered in its totality.

49

Session 1 - Course Overview

For additional information note the “Suggested Format for Sessions 2-9,” beginning on page 51.

Purposes:

1. To provide an overview of the course, granting perspective and focus.

2. To establish the basic premise that dreams are a language to be taken seriously.

A. Introduction

1. Worship

2. Prayer

3. Attendance and personal introductions

B. Course Overview

1. Cover course syllabus.

2. Cover Table of Contents of required texts.

3. Possibly share a personal dream and its interpretation.

4. Define:

DREAM - the counsel of the Lord or the instruction of my heart during sleep.

VISION - a dream we have while semi-conscious or awake.

5. Copy the “Brainwave Activity Levels” chart on the following page; hand it out and go over it.

C. Biblical Overview - God speaks through the dream.

1. Numbers 12:6 - “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream.”

2. I Samuel 28:6 - Dreams: one of the ways God uses to communicate with man.

3. Genesis to Revelation (i.e., Gen. 15:12 through the entire Book of Revelation) 4. Job 33:12-18 - Compensatory nature of dreams may easily be God calling one to balance.

5. Daniel 2:27-30 - “Know the thoughts of your mind (i.e., the heart).” This offers a biblical basis for the Jungian belief that dreams are often the voice of the unconscious speaking to the conscious.

Westerners have decided that a man can find God through rational thinking, or group experience, or education, or formal worship - everywhere except in his own soul, which is in fact the fountainhead of religious experience. Dreams allow us an avenue of direct contact with the living God.

D. Break time

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51

Session 2 -

Suggestions for Interpreting Your Dream

Purpose

To give the students a basic foundation out of which they may begin recording and interpreting their dreams (through covering Chapter 7 of Adventure Inward by Morton Kelsey).

A. Introduction

1. People dream an average of 1-1/2 hours per night (about 6 or 7 different dreams).

“When deprived of sleep for five nights, some will try to dream as many as thirty times during eight hours sleep. Also, they begin showing signs of mental breakdown.”

Dr. Dement concluded his talk to the American Psychiatric Association in 1960 with the following words: “We believe that if anybody were deprived of dreams long enough, it might result in some sort of catastrophic breakdown.”

Freud said, “Dreams are the guardians of sleep.”

Dr. Dement’s data would suggest that they are the “very guardians of sanity.”

Taken from Dreams: God’s Forgotten Language, John Sanford, p. 121.

2. Dreams are the attempts of our inner man to communicate with us.

B. Seventeen Suggestions for Interpreting Your Dreams

Since part of the course requirement is to record your dreams and God’s interpretations, we will sketch out some basic principles of dream interpretation.

Cover Chapter 7, pages 105-122 of Adventure Inward by Morton Kelsey.

C. Corporate Application

Share a recent dream you have had and discuss its interpretation, or better still, have someone in the class share a recent dream he has had and help him explore possible interpretations of it.

D. Personal Application (20 minutes)

If time permits, break into small groups of three and allow students a chance to get acquainted by sharing with one another a bit of their dream experiences.

52

Suggested Format for Sessions 2-9

1. On the following pages you will find suggested answers for the exercises in Part 1. A good percentage of class time is to be devoted to working through these verses as a group.

2. Instruct students to work ahead of you each week in filling in the guided self-discovery research sheets. They are to come to class prepared to share their discoveries and insights.

3. Students are also to be instructed to come to class prepared to share insights from their readings. This will assist in promoting classroom interaction.

4. You, as the teacher, should come prepared to share your own insights and thoughts on the textbook reading and be prepared to ask a couple of discussion questions.

5. Make every attempt to moderate the discussion time rather than monopolize it. Work to get the students to direct discussion toward each other. Encourage students to share from the truth that lies within them. (Where class size allows, arranging chairs in a circle or semi-circle will encourage this.) 6. Each week incorporate small-group discussion of dreams. Have the class break into groups of three.

Have each group choose a group moderator who is responsible:

a. to see that each person in the group gets a chance to share any dreams and interpretations God has given them in the last week.

b. to see that help in interpreting dreams is offered to individuals, and not pushed upon them.

c. to see that the group selects something to be shared from the small group with the entire class and selects someone to share it. (More than one person may share.) You may share dreams that are interpreted or dreams which yet need an interpretation.

7. After a short while in small groups, open the discussion of dreams to the full class. Ask students for suggested interpretations. Discuss these. Help them understand that learning to interpret dreams and visions necessitates practice.

8. A suggested format for the class period:

a. Discussion of assigned Scripture readings

45 minutes

b. Discussion of assigned text readings

30 minutes

c. Small-group sharing of dreams/visions

15 minutes

d. Large-group sharing of dreams/visions

30 minutes

53

Session 10

Plan ahead of time to spend this class time in a chapel or place conducive to prayer. Lead the students into a visionary experience as described in Adventure Inward, Chapter 9, pages 141-154. Read this now.

Start the evening with a good time of worship and prayer. Then describe the value of getting to know the parts of yourself better, so you are not driven first by one drive within you and then by another, as so often happens. It is very valuable to become acquainted with these various forces within you, to see them function-ing effectively in relationship with each other and with Christ.

The tool we will use to assist you in this encounter will be vision. Simply relax, picture yourself in a log cabin, near the lakeshore, on a cold rainy night, with a warm fire going in the fireplace and you relaxing in front of it in a rocking chair.

You hear a knock on the door and you go to open it. Standing there is an individual who wants to come in.

As you invite him in, you realize he represents one of the forces or drives or parts of you. He sits down at the table, and you begin to talk. Shortly you hear another knock on the door and in comes another individual who represents another part of your being. Eventually several people will have entered, including Jesus, and they will be dialoging together in the room. This is the creative and healing aspect of this visionary encounter. One has clearly identified the various forces within him and has gotten them to dialogue together in the presence of Christ. Jesus will speak to them, helping them settle their squabbles, and find their proper places.

Encourage the students to journal this entire episode through. Give them 45 minutes or so, and if possible allow them the opportunity to move to different rooms. Instruct them that this is to be a spontaneous encounter, not a contrived one. You are to allow to bubble up from your heart that which is there and is seeking expression.

You, as the instructor, are to successfully complete this visionary experience first so you can encourage your students by sharing your own experience before they begin. You will be amazed at how faithful God is to meet each one in this way. It will probably be the greatest experience of the entire semester. I have done this several times in my own life, very successfully, finding great healing and balancing coming from it each time.

In a recent time, the first to walk into the room was a well-dressed, overfed, somewhat pushy, businessman.

When he entered the room I found two other people already there (I’m not sure how they got there - they were just there). One was a family man. The other, a man of prayer. The family man was quite well-fed and content but was shoved around a bit by the businessman. The man of prayer, was emaciated and scrawny, and was shoved around quite a bit by the overfed, pushy businessman.

The Lord spoke to me and told me to take half the time that was currently being given to the businessman and give it to the man of prayer. He was showing me the imbalance between the work side of me and the prayer side of me and directing me to balance. Needless to say, acting on a vision such as this brings real healing into our lives and is tremendously worthwhile.

After the students have spent 45 minutes in vision and journaling take a fellowship break with coffee and refreshments. Have the entire class come together after that and have two or three share what God has revealed to them. Close in worship and prayer.

54

Session 11

Seat yourself in a large circle with your students and spend the evening going around the circle, allowing each the opportunity to share what God ministered to them the week before. This can be a time of deep joy and excitement; however, it requires the atmosphere of “family” and hospitality in order for students to feel secure to share openly. Create that atmosphere through what you say and do.

If there is time left, go around the circle a second time, having students share concepts from their final reports. Specifically, what principles have they formulated concerning the place, role, and value of dreams and visions in our lives today?

During break time and at the close of class have students show you their completed textbooks and turn in their final reports.

Dream Lab

My students requested that this course be followed up by a “dream lab” course where instead of teaching we would spend the entire semester gaining skill in interpreting dreams and visions by doing the kind of thing we did over the last two weeks for an entire semester, as well as sharing dreams together and the interpretations God has given us. In this way they could become more established and confident in this field of dream interpretation which they had just begun. You, too, may want to offer a dream lab course.

55

56

Biblical Research Concerning

Dreams and Visions

1. God’s Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21)

vs. 1

How does this encounter begin?_______________________________________________

With a vision

vs. 12

What does this develop into?_________________________________________________

a dream

vss. 1-21

What is happening?________________________________________________________

Abraham and God are in dialogue

What is the essential content of the message?_________________________________________________

A covenant is established

__________________________________________________________________________________

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both?____________________________________________________

literal

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

This dream is not only a foundational experience in Abram’s life, it __________________________________________________________________________________

establishes the entire Old Covenant. It shows us how important

__________________________________________________________________________________

dreams can be. It shows us one can dialogue with God in his dreams.

__________________________________________________________________________________

2. Abraham’s Treachery Toward Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18)

vs. 3

Who spoke to Abimelech in a dream? __________________________________________

God

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

literal

vss. 4-7

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

dialogue with God in a dream

__________________________________________________________________________________

vss. 8,9

What is the response to the dream? ____________________________________________

Abimelech acts on the dream

vss. 17,18

What is the end result? _____________________________________________________

Healing is brought to all

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God dialogued with man in a dream. Warned him of danger. The man acted __________________________________________________________________________________

on the warning and averted harm to many people.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

3. Jacob’s Covenant Dream (Genesis 28:10-22)

vs. 12

What symbols are used? ____________________________________________________

A ladder with angels ascending and descending.

vss. 13-15

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

both

What is the essential content of the message? ______________________________________________

The covenant is reaffirmed.

__________________________________________________________________________________

57

vss. 16-22

What is Jacob’s response to the dream? _________________________________________

Jacob responded with reverence.

__________________________________________________________________________________

He established a monument and renamed the place.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dreams involved symbols and direct speech. God speaks through the dream.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Again, this shows the great significance dreams can play.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

4. Jacob’s Dream Concerning Goats (Genesis 31:10-29)

vs. 10

Note Jacob’s action: ________________________________________________________

He lifted up his eyes; he saw a dream.

vss. 10-16

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

literal

vs. 17

What is Jacob’s response? ___________________________________________________

He acted on the dream.

vs. 24

What’s happening? ________________________________________________________

God is warning Laban not to harm Jacob.

vs. 29

What is Laban’s response? ___________________________________________________

He honors God’s warning in the dream.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

We should lift up our eyes and watch our dreams. We should act on our __________________________________________________________________________________

dreams. God speaks through the dream. Through the dream, God can

__________________________________________________________________________________

influence our enemies not to harm us. God gives interconnecting dreams to __________________________________________________________________________________

a variety of people with perfect timing, to fulfill His will.

5. Joseph’s Childhood Dreams (Genesis 37:1-11)

vs. 6

Do you believe Joseph showed indiscretion in sharing his dream? _______________________

Yes, I believe so.

What lesson is in this, concerning sharing our dreams? _____________________________

We should be sensitive

______________________________________________________________________

to the proper people and time when we share our dreams.

__

vss. 7-9

Note what each of the following items in Joseph’s dream represent:

Joseph’s sheaf ____________________________________________________________

Joseph

Brother’s sheaf ____________________________________________________________

brothers

Sun _____________________________________________________________________

father

Moon ___________________________________________________________________

mother

Bowing down _____________________________________________________________

bowing down

Eleven stars ______________________________________________________________

11 brothers

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

mostly symbolic

vss. 8,10,11 What is the response? ______________________________________________________

Hatred, rebuke, and jealousy comes from the

________________________________________________________________________

brothers. His father, however, kept the sayings in mind.

This negative response may be another indicator that Joseph shared his dreams with indiscretion.

Gen. 42:6-9 Note the accuracy of the interpreted dream. ______________________________________

Years later his brothers actually

58

________________________________________________________________________

did bow down before him.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God spoke through dream, using mostly symbolism mixed with a bit of

__________________________________________________________________________________

literality. Discretion should be exercised when sharing dreams. It may __________________________________________________________________________________

take years before dreams are fulfilled.

__________________________________________________________________________________

6. The Cupbearer’s and Baker’s Dreams (Genesis 40:1-23)

vs. 8

What is the problem/need? __________________________________________________

There must be one who is able to interpret.

What is the solution? _______________________________________________________

God can interpret dreams.

vss. 9-19

Note what each of the following items in the dreams represent:

Three branches ____________________________________________________________

three days

Putting the cup into Pharoah’s hand __________________________________________

the cupbearer’s reinstatement, or restoration to his of _

fice.

Three baskets _____________________________________________________________

three days

Birds eating food from basket on head __________________________________________

The baker will be hung on a tree and

________________________________________________________________________

the birds will eat his flesh.

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

both

vss. 20,21

What are the results? _______________________________________________________

All of Joseph’s interpretations came to pass.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

These dreams speak of the immediate future. The wisdom to interpret

__________________________________________________________________________________

them is clearly attributed to God. They are essentially in symbolic

__________________________________________________________________________________

language except that three stands for three. Often a number in a

__________________________________________________________________________________

dream stands for that same literal number in the outer world.

7. Pharoah’s Dream (Genesis 41:1-49)

vs. 8

Note two problems: ________________________________________________________

Pharaoh’s spirit is troubled as a result of the dream,

________________________________________________________________________

and he can find no interpreter.

vs. 16

Who interprets dreams? _____________________________________________________

God

vs. 25

What are the dreams about? __________________________________________________

What God is about to do.

vss. 26-32

Note what each of the following items in the dream represents:

Seven ___________________________________________________________________

seven years

Good cows and good ears ___________________________________________________

years of plenty

Lean cows and thin ears _____________________________________________________

years of famine

Repeating dream __________________________________________________________

The matter is determined by God, and God will bring it about quickly.

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

largely symbolic

59

vss. 33-36

What action did Joseph recommend? ___________________________________________

That Pharaoh appoint overseers and

________________________________________________________________________

apportion one-fifth of the crops for storage.

vss. 37-49

What was Pharoah’s response? _______________________________________________

He elevated Joseph to the position of ruler.

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God spoke to an evil king in a dream concerning what He was about to do.

__________________________________________________________________________________

God emphasizes the point through repetition. The righteous who is filled with __________________________________________________________________________________

the wisdom of God is likely to be elevated to a high position as his wisdom is __________________________________________________________________________________

effectively demonstrated. We see that dreams are to be acted on.

8. Israel Encouraged to Go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7)

vs. 2

What is a dream also called? _________________________________________________

vision of the night

vs. 3

What is the purpose of the dream? _____________________________________________

to alleviate Israel’s fear

vss. 2-4

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? ________________________________________

literal

vss. 5-7

What was Israel’s response? _________________________________________________

He arose and departed for Egypt

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

A “dream” may also be called a “vision of the night.” God gives dreams to __________________________________________________________________________________

heal our fears. Dreams are to be acted on.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

9. God’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Numbers 12:6-8)

vs. 6

How will God reveal Himself to a prophet? ______________________________________

He will give him a vision, or He

______________________________________________________________________

will speak with him in a dream.

__

vss. 7,8

How did God speak to Moses? _______________________________________________

“mouth to mouth”

Do you think God speaks to the Christian in each of these three ways?

__________________________________________________________________________________

yes

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God’s intent is to speak to His prophets through dreams and visions.

__________________________________________________________________________________

To some he will also speak mouth to mouth, not in dark sayings.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

10. Balaam’s Prophecy (Numbers 24:1-25)

vs. 3

How is Balaam described? ___________________________________________________

the man whose eye is open, who hears

60

______________________________________________________________________

the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty.

__

What do you think it means to be a “man whose eye is opened?” _______________________________

Such a man has learned

__________________________________________________________________________________

to look using vision and is able to see into the spirit world.

Can this ability be cultivated? __________________________________________________________

I believe so. The Bible says to desire earnestly

__________________________________________________________________________________

to prophesy (I Cor. 14:1).

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

We must learn to open our eyes so we, too, can see. We must learn to __________________________________________________________________________________

become seers.

__________________________________________________________________________________

11. Laws Concerning Judging Dreams (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)

vss. 1,2

List characteristics of the dreamer whom you are not to heed or follow. ________________

He gives a

________________________________________________________________________

sign or wonder that comes true, saying, “Let us go after other gods.”

vs. 3

What is God doing through this situation? _______________________________________

Testing to see if you love the

________________________________________________________________________

Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

What should your response be? _______________________________________________

Refuse to listen to him.

vs. 5

What did the law say should happen to him? _____________________________________

He should be put to death.

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dreams are to be judged against the Bible. Discrimination is to be used.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

12. Dream Encouraging Gideon (Judges 7:9-18)

vs. 9

What is God doing? ________________________________________________________

Positioning Gideon to hear the dream.

vss. 13,14

Note what each of the following items mean:

Loaf of barley bread ________________________________________________________

Sword of Gideon

Struck ___________________________________________________________________

struck

Tent lay flat ______________________________________________________________

tents destroyed

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

both

vs. 15

What is Gideon’s response? __________________________________________________

He worshipped; then went to war.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God may use rhema as a means of properly positioning one to hear the __________________________________________________________________________________

dream He has for his ears. God speaks through the dream - even of the __________________________________________________________________________________

wicked. God mixes literalism and symbolism in the same dream. Dreams __________________________________________________________________________________

are to be acted on.

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13. Saul Inquires of the Lord (I Samuel 28:6)

vs. 6

What are the three basic ways listed by which God might answer one who seeks Him?

________________________________________________________________________

Dreams, urim, or prophets who themselves often hear through dreams.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dreams were considered one of the standard ways in which God spoke to __________________________________________________________________________________

man.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

14. Solomon’s Dream (I Kings 3:5-28)

vs. 5

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

God appears and says, “Ask what you wish....”

vss. 6-9

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

Solomon is speaking to God in a dream.

vs. 9

What does Solomon request? _________________________________________________

“An understanding heart to judge Thy people.”

vss. 10-14

Note the content: __________________________________________________________

God’s pleasant response.

vss. 6-14

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

literal

vs. 15

What was Solomon’s response to the dream? ____________________________________

reverence, worship and celebration

vss. 16-28

Illustrate that “the wisdom of God was in him (Solomon) to administer justice.”

________________________________________________________________________

Wise solution concerning babies resulted in fame.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

One can have direct, literal, verbal interchange with God in a dream and __________________________________________________________________________________

receive imparted gifts through it.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

15. Eliphaz Received a Vision of the Night (Job 4:12-21)

vss. 12-15

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

A spirit is preparing to speak to Eliphaz.

vs. 16

What does Eliphaz do? _____________________________________________________

Eliphaz stills himself, seeking to discern its appearance.

vs. 16

What occurs as a result? _____________________________________________________

There was a silence, then he heard a voice.

vss. 17-21

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

The spirit is speaking.

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

literal

Do you feel this was a demon or the Holy Spirit? Why? ______________________________________

Demon. The tone is accusative;

__________________________________________________________________________________

verse 18 may contain a lie; what is said leads toward hopelessness and death.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

It appears that even in one’s sleep, one can quiet himself to hear the __________________________________________________________________________________

prophetic word. One must be careful to examine all that one hears. God 62

__________________________________________________________________________________

was displeased with what Eliphaz had spoken (Job 42:7).

__________________________________________________________________________________

16. Elihu’s Declaration Concerning Dreams (Job 33:14-18)

vss. 14,15

How does God speak to men? ________________________________________________

in dreams, visions of the night

vs. 14

How often might He speak? __________________________________________________

once or twice

vs. 14

Does man tend to notice? ____________________________________________________

no

vs. 16

What does God do? ________________________________________________________

He opens their ears and seals their instruction.

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 17,18

What is the purpose? _______________________________________________________

To turn man aside from his conduct and keep

______________________________________________________________________

man from pride and keep his soul from the pit.

__

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God opens the ears of our heart at night, and speaks to us trying to alert __________________________________________________________________________________

us. We need to be sure to listen to our dreams.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

17. Solomon’s Proverb Concerning Vision (Proverbs 29:18)

vs. 18

Write out this verse. ________________________________________________________

Where there is no vision (or revelation) the

______________________________________________________________________

people are unrestrained.

__

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

The dreams and visions of a leader can be that which makes a group

__________________________________________________________________________________

cohesive, flowing in God’s direction as a unit.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

18. Isaiah’s Visions (Isaiah 1:1; 2:1; 6:1; 13:1; 21:2)

Note how Isaiah’s prophecies flow out of visions.

1:1

______________________________________________________________________

The vision of Isaiah

__

2:1

______________________________________________________________________

The word which Isaiah ... saw concerning Judah.

__

6:1

______________________________________________________________________

“In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord sitting....” __

13:1

______________________________________________________________________

“The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah ... saw.”

__

21:2

______________________________________________________________________

“A harsh vision has been shown to me.”

__

63

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Considering vision and dream as essentially the same inner experience, __________________________________________________________________________________

Isaiah’s prophecies appear to come to him from this inner level. The __________________________________________________________________________________

prophecies appear to be formed in and spoken out of a vision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

19. Jeremiah’s Vision (Jeremiah 1:11-19)

Although the entire books of Isaiah and Jeremiah could be studied by one seeking the art of dream interpretation, we will examine only two of Jeremiah’s visions. Like Isaiah, it seems that much of Jeremiah’s prophecy flowed out of vision.

For example, record Jeremiah 1:11. ______________________________________________________

“And the word of the Lord came to me saying,

__________________________________________________________________________________

“What do you see, Jeremiah?”

__________________________________________________________________________________

How are the following symbols interpreted?

vss. 11,12

rod of an almond tree _______________________________________________________

Emblem of alertness and activity, blossoming in

________________________________________________________________________

late winter - symbolizes God watching over His word to perform it.

vss. 13,14

boiling pot facing away from the north _________________________________________

evil pouring out of the north on

________________________________________________________________________

all the inhabitants of the land.

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

both

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Much of the prophet’s message appears to have been received in the

__________________________________________________________________________________

context of a vision. The language of visions may be symbolic, but God will __________________________________________________________________________________

interpret it for the prophet.

__________________________________________________________________________________

20. The False Dreamers (Jeremiah 23:25-40)

vss. 25,26

What kind of dreamers are found here? _________________________________________

false ones

vs. 27

What does the false dreamer seek to do? ________________________________________

Make God’s people forget

________________________________________________________________________

God’s name through wrong uses of dreams.

vs. 32

What is God’s attitude toward those who prophesy false dreams? _____________________

He is against those

______________________________________________________________________

who prophesy false dreams and lead His people astray by their falseho _

ods and reckless boasting. _

vs. 40

What is the end result? ______________________________________________________

They will experience everlasting humiliation.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

For every truth there is a counterfeit, and an abuse. This principle applies __________________________________________________________________________________

to dreams and dream interpretation as well.

__________________________________________________________________________________

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21. More about False Dreamers (Jeremiah 27:9-11)

vs. 9

What were the false dreamers saying? __________________________________________

They should not serve the King of Babylon.

vs. 11

What was the truth? ________________________________________________________

They should serve the King of Babylon.

vs. 9

What was their response to be toward the false dreamers? (See also Jeremiah 29:8,9.) ______________________________________________________________________

They were not to listen to them.

__

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

We are not to listen to a false dreamer.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

22. Ezekiel’s Visions (Ezekiel 1:1,3; 8:1-18)

Like Isaiah and Jeremiah, it appears that much of Ezekiel’s prophecy flowed out of vision. As an example, record pertinent phrases from 1:1 and 1:3 which show this. ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

“...The heavens were opened and I saw visions of God....”

__________________________________________________________________________________

“The word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel....”

__________________________________________________________________________________

Do the same for 8:1-18. _______________________________________________________________

“...I looked and beheld...” “...brought me in the

__________________________________________________________________________________

visions of God...” “...do you see...” (used many times) and “see...”

__________________________________________________________________________________

“...I looked...”

__________________________________________________________________________________

Therefore, for one seeking the art of dream interpretation, the entire book of Ezekiel could also be examined. However, since our focus is primarily dreams of the night, we will not study Ezekiel at this time.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God speaks to His prophets through visions, which the prophets then speak __________________________________________________________________________________

forth to the people as prophecy. (See Ezekiel 11:25.)

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

23. Daniel’s Ability to Understand Dreams (Daniel 1:17)

vs. 17

List the abilities Daniel had. _________________________________________________

He had knowledge and intelligence in

________________________________________________________________________

every branch of literature and wisdom and understood all kinds

________________________________________________________________________

of visions and dreams.

________________________________________________________________________

65

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

A learned background can serve as a benefit in a skillful dream

__________________________________________________________________________________

interpretation.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

24. Nebuchadnezzar’s Forgotten Dream (Daniel 2:1-49)

vs. 1

What did Nebuchadnezzar experience as a result of his dreams? _____________________

His spirit was

________________________________________________________________________

troubled and his sleep left him.

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 3

What else did he experience? _________________________________________________

His spirit was anxious to understand the dream.

vs. 16

What does Daniel do? ______________________________________________________

He requests that the king give him time in

________________________________________________________________________

order that he might declare the interpretation to the king.

vss. 17,18

What else does Daniel do? ___________________________________________________

He asks his friends to request

______________________________________________________________________

compassion from God.

__

vs. 19

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

The mystery is revealed to Daniel in a night dream.

Notice how the words night and vision are connected. What does this suggest concerning the Hebrew’s view of the relationship between visions and dreams? _________________________________________

They are essentially

__________________________________________________________________________________

synonymous.

vss. 19-23

What is Daniel’s first response to the revelation given by God? ______________________

Worship

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 24

What is Daniel’s second response? ____________________________________________

Action

vs. 28

What is Daniel’s third response? ______________________________________________

To give the glory to God.

vs. 28

Write out the phrase that shows the Hebrew connection between dream and vision. _______

“This

________________________________________________________________________

was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed.”

vs. 29

Who was the source of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? ____________________________

God

What was the dream about? __________________________________________________

A revelation of what would take place

________________________________________________________________________

in the future.

vs. 30

Note: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is also referred to as “the thoughts of [his] heart.” This verifies the idea that dreams are our hearts speaking to our minds, which is an incredibly insightful and exciting truth.

vss. 31-45

Note what each of the following items mean:

The statue ________________________________________________________________

four kingdoms

Head of fine gold ___________________________________________________________

King Nebuchadnezzar

Breast and arms of silver _____________________________________________________

the second kingdom - inferior - Mede-Persia

Belly and thighs of bronze ____________________________________________________

the third kingdom - Greece

Legs of iron _______________________________________________________________

the fourth kingdom - Rome

Feet partly clay and partly iron ________________________________________________

partially strong, partially brittle

Stone cut without hands ______________________________________________________

God is setting up a Kingdom

66

Stone struck statue, crushing it ________________________________________________

His Kingdom will crush other kingdoms.

Stone became a mountain, filling earth _________________________________________

It will endure forever.

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? __________________________________________________

mostly symbolic, except for “crush”

vss. 46-48

List three results of the interpreted dream.

a.______________________________________________________________________

The king worships Daniel.

b.______________________________________________________________________

The king worships Daniel’s God.

c.______________________________________________________________________

The king promotes Daniel.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God can speak to wicked kings through the interpreted dream. God will use Christians skilled __________________________________________________________________________________

in dream interpretation, if they are prepared and available. The interpretation of the dream __________________________________________________________________________________

saved the wise men’s lives. The one who can interpret dreams is likely to be highly __________________________________________________________________________________

esteemed and honored. Dreams can foretell the future hundreds of years in advance.

25. Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision of a Great Tree (Daniel 4:4-37)

vs. 4

To whom is the dream given? ________________________________________________

King Nebuchadnezzar

vs. 5

What is the dream also called? ________________________________________________

fantasies, visions of the mind

What effect did the dream have on Nebuchadnezzar? _______________________________

It kept alarming him.

vs. 6

What action did Nebuchadnezzar take in response to the dream? _______________________

He called for the

________________________________________________________________________

wise men, that they might make known the interpretation.

vs. 8

How is Daniel described? ___________________________________________________

One in whom is a spirit of the holy gods.

vs. 10

What does the phrase “I was looking” indicate? __________________________________

He was passive, in that he

________________________________________________________________________

was being moved upon; he was active in that he was looking.

vs. 13

Record the truths you find in verse 13. ___________________________________________

In his vision, he was looking; the visions were

________________________________________________________________________

being seen in his mind. He saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descend from heaven, ________________________________________________________________________

speaking. Therefore, the visions of angels descending and speaking are seen within.

Record the interpretation given to the following symbols:

vs. 22

The great tree _____________________________________________________________

King Nebuchadnezzar

vs. 23

Decree of angelic watcher ___________________________________________________

the decree of the Most High

vs. 25

Seven periods of time ______________________________________________________

seven years

vs. 26

Leaving the stump _________________________________________________________

your kingdom will be assured to you

vs. 25

Eating grass ______________________________________________________________

eating grass

vss. 16,34

Mind changed from man’s to beast’s ___________________________________________

mind changed from man’s to beast’s

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

both

vs. 26

What is God trying to get Nebuchadnezzar to realize? _____________________________

That it is heaven

______________________________________________________________________

that rules.

__

vs. 27

Describe what is happening. _________________________________________________

Daniel is advising Nebuchadnezzar to

______________________________________________________________________

change so that the predicted calamity will not occur.

__

vs. 29

How much time passed? ____________________________________________________

12 months

67

vs. 30

Had Nebuchadnezzar heeded Daniel’s advice? _____________________________________

no

vss. 31-33

What happened? __________________________________________________________

The punishment fell upon him.

vss. 34,35

Did Nebuchadnezzar finally learn humility? ______________________________________

yes

vs. 36

Notice, the rest of the dream is fulfilled.

vs. 37

Write out this verse: ________________________________________________________

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and

_______________________________________________________________________

honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways _

______________________________________________________________________

just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

__

The dream has completed its task.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God can and does speak to evil kings. The vision of God speaking was __________________________________________________________________________________

seen within the mind. If one responds to the warning given in a dream, __________________________________________________________________________________

one can avert the coming calamity. If the warning goes unheeded, the __________________________________________________________________________________

calamity will come.

26. Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1-28)

vs. 1

Who is receiving the dream? _________________________________________________

Daniel

What is the dream also called? ________________________________________________

visions in his head

What was the first thing Daniel did with his dream? _______________________________

He wrote it down in

________________________________________________________________________

summary form.

vss. 2,6,9,13 What was Daniel doing in his vision by night? __________________________________

looking

________________________________________________________________________

vss. 15,16

List Daniel’s initial responses to the dream.

a.______________________________________________________________________

His spirit was distressed.

b._____________________________________________________________________

Visions kept alarming him.

_

c._____________________________________________________________________

Daniel appr

_

oached one in his dream and asked for its exact meaning.

vss. 16,17

Who gave the interpretation? _________________________________________________

the one in his dream.

Record the interpretation given to the following symbols:

vs. 17

Four great beasts __________________________________________________________

four kings who will arise

vss. 14,18

The Son of Man given dominion, glory and a kingdom _____________________________

The saints of the

______________________________________________________________________

Highest One will receive the Kingdom and possess it forever.

__

vs. 23

Fourth beast devouring and trampling __________________________________________

a king who will destroy

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 24

Ten horns ________________________________________________________________

10 kings rising

vss. 8,24

Additional later horn pulling out three horns _____________________________________

a later king who will subdue

________________________________________________________________________

three other kings

Notice that after warfare this king’s dominion will be taken away and everlasting dominion given to the saints.

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

both

68

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Again, angelic visitations are seen in one’s head. One should write down his __________________________________________________________________________________

dreams. One can ask for a being in the dream to interpret the dream.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dreams are not intended to be obscure, but to communicate a message

__________________________________________________________________________________

symbolically. Dreams often combine literal and symbolic language.

27. Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and Goat (Daniel 8:1-27)

vs. 1

How much later is this vision than the previous dream recorded in Daniel 7:1? ___________

________________________________________________________________________

two years

vs. 2

Notice “I looked in the vision.” The element of active looking appears over and over again.

vs. 19

The dreams pertain to what time? _____________________________________________

the time of the end

Record the interpretation given to the following symbols:

vs. 20

Ram with two horns ________________________________________________________

the kings of Media and Persia

vs. 21

Shaggy goat _______________________________________________________________

the kingdom of Greece

Large horn between his eyes __________________________________________________

the first king

vs. 22

Broken horn and four horns that arose in its place _________________________________

four kingdoms which will

________________________________________________________________________

arise from his nation, although not with his power

Is the language literal, symbolic or both? __________________________________________________

both

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Again one comes to explain the interpretation. Thus Daniel says, “It is __________________________________________________________________________________

God who gives the interpretation.” Dreams can refer to many years in __________________________________________________________________________________

the future. Dreams can combine both literal and symbolic language.

__________________________________________________________________________________

28. Daniel’s Terrifying Vision (Daniel 10:1 - 12:13)

vss. 2,3

What was the prelude to the vision? ___________________________________________

a three-week partial fast

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 4

What was the physical setting in which the vision took place? _______________________

by the bank of

________________________________________________________________________

the river Tigris

vs. 5

What did Daniel do? _______________________________________________________

lifted up his eyes and looked

vs. 7

Did they all see the vision? _______ Their response? ______________________________

no

dread and fear

Why do you suppose Daniel saw and the others did not? ___________________________

Daniel was prepared

______________________________________________________________________

(fasted) and was looking

__

vss. 8,9

How does Daniel respond physically? __________________________________________

His strength left him, and he fell

________________________________________________________________________

into a deep sleep with his face to the ground.

vss. 10,11

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

An angel touched him and spoke, and Daniel

________________________________________________________________________

stood up.

69

vss. 12,13

What is the story? _________________________________________________________

An angel had been sent with the message

________________________________________________________________________

immediately upon request and had been detained 21 days by a

________________________________________________________________________

demonic prince, the prince of the kingdom of Persia, until the

________________________________________________________________________

angel was helped by Michael, one of the chief princes.

vs. 14

To what time period does the vision pertain? _____________________________________

the future

vs. 18

What is happening? ________________________________________________________

Daniel was strengthened by a touch from the

________________________________________________________________________

one in his vision.

Notice that chapters 11 and 12 record the content of this vision.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Proper preparation of holiness, fasting and looking can enable one person __________________________________________________________________________________

to see visions while others standing by only vaguely sense that something __________________________________________________________________________________

is happening in the spiritual world. One can experience a loss and a gain __________________________________________________________________________________

of physical strength through experiencing various aspects of vision.

29. God’s Review of Old Testament History (Hosea 12:9,10)

vs. 10

Note God’s review of history. ________________________________________________

“I have also spoken to the prophets,

________________________________________________________________________

and I gave numerous visions.”

________________________________________________________________________

Insights: God was true to speak to His people through visions.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

30. The Promise of the Spirit (Joel 2:28,29)

vs. 28

Write out this promise of God. ________________________________________________

“And it will come about after this,

________________________________________________________________________

that I will pour out My spirit on all mankind; And your sons and

________________________________________________________________________

daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your

________________________________________________________________________

young men will see visions.”

________________________________________________________________________

31. Obadiah’s Vision (Obadiah 1)

vs. 1

What is the relationship between vision and prophecy demonstrated in this verse?

________________________________________________________________________

Prophecy flows out of vision.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

70

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

It seems to be a principle that very often prophecy flows out of vision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

32. Nahum’s Vision (Nahum 1:1,2)

vss. 1,2

What is the relationship between vision and prophecy demonstrated in these verses?

______________________________________________________________________

Prophecy flows out of vision.

__

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

It seems to be a principle that very often prophecy flows out of vision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

33. Habakkuk’s Vision (Habakkuk 2)

vss. 1,2

List how Habakkuk primed himself to receive prophecy from God. ___________________

He sought a

________________________________________________________________________

quiet place; he looked for visions. (Note that he wrote down

________________________________________________________________________

what he received.)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Those who desire to receive prophecy from God can facilitate this by __________________________________________________________________________________

finding a quiet place to wait on God and by looking for (expecting to see) __________________________________________________________________________________

a vision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

34. The Diviners’ Lying Visions (Zechariah 10:2)

vs. 2

What is the problem here? ___________________________________________________

The diviners see lying visions and tell

______________________________________________________________________

false dreams.

__

________________________________________________________________________

71

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Those who speak falsely in the name of the Lord will be severely dealt __________________________________________________________________________________

with by God.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

35. Prophesying Forth the Vision (Zechariah 13:4)

vs. 4

Record the Scriptural phrase which describes the relationship between vision and prophecy.

________________________________________________________________________

“his vision when he prophesies”

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

This is another of the many Scriptural passages which clearly indicate __________________________________________________________________________________

that prophecy frequently results directly from vision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

36. Joseph’s Dream (Matthew 1:20-25)

Notice that the background to this dream experience is that Joseph is considering how to resolve a problem in his life.

vs. 20

Who appeared to him in a dream? _____________________________________________

an angel of the Lord

vss. 20-23

What does the angel do? ____________________________________________________

delivers a message to him

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

literal

vs. 24

What is Joseph’s response to the dream? ________________________________________

He got up and did what the

________________________________________________________________________

angel of the Lord commanded.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

An angel can speak to us in our dreams and give us instruction for solving __________________________________________________________________________________

life’s problems. We are to act upon the instruction.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

37. Joseph’s Second Dream (Matthew 2:3-15)

vs. 13

What happens to Joseph in the dream? _________________________________________

An angel of the Lord appears to

______________________________________________________________________

him and speaks to him.

__

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

literal

72

vs. 14

What’s Joseph’s response? ___________________________________________________

instant obedience

vs. 15

Note that obedience to this dream caused prophecy to be fulfilled.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

An angel can speak to us in our dreams and give us warning which, when __________________________________________________________________________________

heeded, can provide deliverance. (See also Matthew 2:12.)

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

38. Joseph’s Third and Fourth Dreams (Matthew 2:19-23)

Who appears to Joseph in these dreams? __________________________________________________

an angel of the Lord

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _________________________________________________

literal

What is the response to the dream? ______________________________________________________

Joseph acted on his dreams.

Notice again prophecy is being fulfilled.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

An angel may speak into your dream, which when acted upon, ushers in __________________________________________________________________________________

God’s guidance and provision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

39. The Vision on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)

vs. 1

What is the location? _______________________________________________________

on a high mountain

vs. 2

What do the disciples see? ___________________________________________________

Jesus transfigured before them

vs. 3

What else do they see? ______________________________________________________

Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus

vs. 5

What else happens? ________________________________________________________

the disciples are overshadowed by a bright

________________________________________________________________________

cloud and the voice of God speaks out of the cloud

vs. 6

Note the disciples’ response: __________________________________________________

they fell on their faces with fear

vs. 7

Note Jesus’ response: _______________________________________________________

He touched them and comforted them.

vs. 8

What did the disciples see? __________________________________________________

no one except Jesus

vs. 9

What does Jesus call this experience? __________________________________________

a vision

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

(Draw your own conclusions. Also consider Hebrews 12:18-24, especially __________________________________________________________________________________

verse 23.) These passages could at least allow tolerance toward the belief __________________________________________________________________________________

of communion with the saints, as exemplified in verse 4 of Wesley’s song, __________________________________________________________________________________

“The Church’s One Foundation.”

73

40. Prophecy Concerning the Last Days (Acts 2:17)

vs. 17

What will be poured out in the last days? _______________________________________

God’s Spirit

What will accompany this outpouring?__________________________________________

prophecy, dreams, and visions

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God said He would speak using dreams and visions during the Old

__________________________________________________________________________________

Testament, and He did. Then, after 400 years of silence, He says He will __________________________________________________________________________________

again speak using dream and vision. The remainder of the New Testament __________________________________________________________________________________

records the initial fulfillment of this prophecy.

41. Saul’s Vision on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)

vs. 3

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

A light from heaven flashes around Saul.

vs. 4

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

He fell on the ground and heard a voice.

22:9

Did the others standing around understand the voice? ______________________________

no

vs. 5

What’s happening? ________________________________________________________

Saul is dialoguing with the voice he hears.

26:19

What does Paul call this entire experience? ______________________________________

a heavenly vision

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

One can encounter God through a visionary experience, and dialogue with __________________________________________________________________________________

God in it. Others standing by may not totally sense what is going on.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

42. Ananias’ Vision (Acts 9:10-19)

vs. 10

Who appears to Ananias in a vision? ___________________________________________

The Lord

vs. 10

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

They begin a dialogue.

vs. 12

What is God saying? _______________________________________________________

That He (God) has also given Saul a vision

________________________________________________________________________

that will dovetail with this vision.

vs. 17

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

Ananias acts on this vision.

vs. 18

What was the result? _______________________________________________________

A miracle of healing and salvation.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God can and does grant interlocking visions with incredible timing in order __________________________________________________________________________________

to accomplish His purpose. One can dialogue with God in a vision. We are __________________________________________________________________________________

to act on these visions.

__________________________________________________________________________________

74

43. Cornelius’ and Peter’s Visions (Acts 10:1-48)

vss. 1,2

How is Cornelius characterized? ______________________________________________

A centurion - a devout man who

________________________________________________________________________

feared God with all his household, gave alms and prayed to God

________________________________________________________________________

continually.

vs. 3

What happens to him? ______________________________________________________

At 3:00 in the afternoon he sees a clear

________________________________________________________________________

vision of an angel of God coming to him.

vss. 4-6

What does Cornelius do? ____________________________________________________

He fixes his eyes upon the angel and

________________________________________________________________________

they begin to dialogue.

vss. 7,8

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

Cornelius acts on his dream.

vss. 9,17-23 Note the timing of this vision: _______________________________________________

Noon the following day - at the

________________________________________________________________________

exact time Cornelius’ servants appear seeking him.

vss. 10-16

What happens to Peter? _____________________________________________________

He falls into a trance. Peter sees a vision

________________________________________________________________________

and hears a voice which he interprets as the Lord’s voice.

vss. 11-16

Is the language literal, symbolic, or both? _______________________________________

symbolic

vs. 21

What is Peter’s response? ___________________________________________________

He acted on his vision.

vss. 44-48

What is the end result? ______________________________________________________

The Holy Spirit was poured out upon

________________________________________________________________________

the Gentiles.

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Significant directional moves in ministry can flow out of vision. God speaks __________________________________________________________________________________

through interconnecting dreams and visions. It is facilitative to fix your __________________________________________________________________________________

eyes on what is taking place in the dream.

__________________________________________________________________________________

44. The Macedonian Vision (Acts 16:6-11)

vss. 6-8

What is the background for this vision? _________________________________________

Paul was pressing to go in

________________________________________________________________________

certain directions, and the Holy Spirit was forbidding him.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 9

What happens? ____________________________________________________________

Paul sees a vision of the night of a man of

________________________________________________________________________

Macedonia saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 10

What did they conclude? ____________________________________________________

That God had called them to preach

________________________________________________________________________

the gospel in Macedonia.

vs. 11

What was Paul’s response? __________________________________________________

To act on his dream by setting sail

________________________________________________________________________

immediately.

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What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God speaks through visions of the night. We are to listen to them and __________________________________________________________________________________

act on them.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

45. Paul’s Vision While in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11)

vss. 1-8

Note the background for the vision: ____________________________________________

Paul was in a new city, a large

______________________________________________________________________

city, and was being resisted by the Jews.

__

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 9

What happened? __________________________________________________________

God spoke to Paul at night.

vs. 10

What was the content of the vision? ___________________________________________

Encouragement - not to fear,

______________________________________________________________________

speak in faith, assurance of God’s protection.

__

________________________________________________________________________

vs. 11

Note Paul’s response: _______________________________________________________

He settled there a year and six months,

______________________________________________________________________

teaching the word of God among them.

__

What truths concerning dreams and visions have you discovered from the answers you have given?

Are there additional insights?

__________________________________________________________________________________

God will grant us encouragement through dreams of the night.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

46. The Visions of John (Book of Revelation)

The entire 22 chapters flow out of vision. You are encouraged to work your way through the Book of Revelation, as you have time and interest, using the same method of investigation used in the preceding questions.

47. For Further Research

Since dream and vision in the Major Prophets was treated only briefly, you may wish to do a more thorough study of one or more of these books.

You may also desire to do a word study of some of the following words:

vision

trance

ecstatic state

to see

revelation

in spirit

to perceive

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Table of Contents

Part 1

Epilogue

Part 2