Topical Bible: Bad Dreams

◄ Bad Dreams ►

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Nature
Bad dreams, often referred to as nightmares, are distressing or frightening dreams that can cause the dreamer to wake up feeling anxious or disturbed. In the biblical context, dreams are often seen as a means through which God communicates with individuals, though not all dreams are divinely inspired. Bad dreams, in particular, may be viewed as a reflection of inner turmoil, spiritual battles, or even as a warning from God.

Biblical Instances and Interpretations
The Bible contains several instances where dreams play a significant role, though not all are explicitly labeled as "bad dreams." In some cases, dreams are used to convey divine messages, while in others, they may reflect the dreamer's fears or anxieties.

1. Pharaoh's Dreams (Genesis 41)
Pharaoh's dreams of the seven lean cows and the seven withered ears of grain were troubling and caused him great distress. These dreams, interpreted by Joseph, were a divine warning of an impending famine. While not explicitly described as nightmares, the distress they caused Pharaoh aligns with the concept of bad dreams. Joseph's interpretation highlights the importance of seeking divine wisdom to understand the meaning behind troubling dreams.

2. Nebuchadnezzar's Dreams (Daniel 2 and 4)
King Nebuchadnezzar experienced dreams that left him anxious and troubled. In Daniel 2, his dream of a great statue foretold the rise and fall of empires, while in Daniel 4, his dream of a great tree being cut down was a warning of his impending madness. Both dreams were interpreted by Daniel, who emphasized that these dreams were messages from God. The king's anxiety over these dreams underscores the unsettling nature of bad dreams and their potential to convey significant spiritual truths.

3. Job's Night Terrors (Job 7:14)
Job, in his suffering, lamented that God would "terrify me with dreams and frighten me with visions" (Job 7:14). This expression of distress indicates that Job experienced bad dreams as part of his broader afflictions. These dreams may have been a reflection of his inner turmoil and the spiritual testing he was undergoing.

Theological Considerations
From a theological perspective, bad dreams can be understood in several ways:

· Spiritual Warfare: Bad dreams may be seen as a manifestation of spiritual warfare, where the forces of evil seek to disturb and unsettle believers. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" .

· Divine Warnings: As seen in the cases of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, bad dreams can serve as divine warnings, prompting individuals to seek God's guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" .

· Personal Reflection: Bad dreams may also prompt personal reflection and repentance. They can serve as a mirror to one's inner fears, anxieties, or unresolved issues, encouraging individuals to seek God's peace and comfort.

Practical Responses
In dealing with bad dreams, believers are encouraged to:

· Pray for Peace: Philippians 4:6-7 advises believers to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" .

· Seek God's Wisdom: James 1:5 assures that "if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" . Seeking divine wisdom can provide clarity and understanding regarding the nature and purpose of bad dreams.

· Trust in God's Sovereignty: Romans 8:28 reminds believers that "we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" . Trusting in God's sovereignty can provide comfort and assurance, even in the face of unsettling dreams.

Topical Bible Verses

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Of the Incomparable Love which the Mother of God, Our Blessed Lady ...
... Besides, dear Theotimus, do you not know that bad dreams, voluntarily procured by
the depraved thoughts of the day, are in some sort sins, inasmuch as they are ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii of the incomparable.htm

The Evidence from Dreams Discussed.
... For the man who is inclined to fall in love with a bad woman, does not ... For it seems
to me impossible that impious men should receive dreams from God in any way ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xv the evidence from dreams.htm

Of the Creation, Sin, and Punishment of Man; and of Angels, Both ...
... the Creation, Sin, and Punishment of Man; And of Angels, Both Good and Bad. ... the gods
appear to have displayed their majesty by auguries, by dreams, by oracles ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvii of the creation sin.htm

Bad Ecclesiastics and Base Plots
... So the Bishop of Gabala was successful beyond his wildest dreams, and"heaven of ... Every
bad, mean, and worldly ecclesiastic gnashed upon him with his teeth, as ...
/.../chapter xxxix bad ecclesiastics and.htm

Whether an Angel Can Change Man's Imagination?
... I answer that, Both a good and a bad angel by their own natural power ... Vigil.) [*De
Insomniis iii.], when assigning the cause of visions in dreams, that "when ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel can change.htm

Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint.
... of wheat with no grain in them; and the seven bad heads of wheat ate up the seven
good ones. In the morning Pharaoh was troubled about these dreams, and called ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter vii joseph a servant.htm

They Deceive, Instead of Healing.
... with him, so he who is not bad but associates with the bad, having dealings ... of certain
persons, and producing a sense of their presence by dreams, command them ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xviii they deceive instead of.htm

Terror by Night
... They were bad enough by day: after sunset, they became hells on earth. ... that terror
about our own sinfulness, folly, weakness which comes to us in dreams or in ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xvi terror by night.htm

Chapter xli
... The seven skinny cows must be years, too, and bad ones"that is to ... These dreams are
centred in God's merciful kindness; Pharaoh should gratefully record that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

The Story of Joseph
... His master's wife accused him of doing wrong, and declared he was thoroughly bad. ...
and both these were sorely troubled one night because of the dreams they had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/joseph the dreamer/the story of joseph.htm