In the biblical narrative, prophets hold a significant role as intermediaries between God and humanity, often serving as interpreters of divine messages conveyed through dreams. Dreams, as a medium of divine communication, are prevalent throughout the Scriptures, and prophets are frequently depicted as those endowed with the ability to discern and elucidate these enigmatic visions.

Joseph: The Dream Interpreter

One of the most prominent figures associated with dream interpretation is Joseph, the son of Jacob. His account, found in the Book of Genesis, highlights his God-given ability to interpret dreams, which plays a crucial role in his life and the history of Israel. Joseph's own dreams, which he shared with his brothers, foreshadowed his future rise to power (Genesis 37:5-11). Later, while imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which led to his introduction to Pharaoh (Genesis 40:5-22). Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, ultimately resulted in his elevation to a position of authority in Egypt (Genesis 41:14-40).

Daniel: The Prophet of Visions and Dreams

Daniel, another key figure, is renowned for his ability to interpret dreams and visions. The Book of Daniel recounts how he interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. In one instance, Daniel revealed and explained the king's dream of a great statue, which symbolized successive empires (Daniel 2:31-45). Daniel's insight was attributed to divine revelation, as he declared, "There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28). Daniel's own visions, such as those recorded in Daniel 7 and 8, further illustrate his role as a prophet who receives and interprets divine messages through dreams.

Dreams in the New Testament

In the New Testament, dreams continue to serve as a conduit for divine revelation. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, receives guidance through dreams on several occasions. An angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20). Later, he is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus to escape Herod's wrath (Matthew 2:13). These instances underscore the ongoing significance of dreams as a means of divine communication.

The Role of Prophets in Dream Interpretation

Throughout the Bible, prophets are depicted as individuals chosen by God to convey His messages, often through the interpretation of dreams. Their ability to discern the meaning of dreams is not attributed to human wisdom but to divine revelation. As stated in the Book of Numbers, God declares, "If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream" (Numbers 12:6). This underscores the belief that true interpretation comes from God, who imparts understanding to His chosen servants.

Conclusion

The role of prophets as interpreters of dreams is a testament to their unique position as conduits of divine wisdom. Through their interpretations, they provide insight into God's plans and purposes, guiding individuals and nations according to His will. The biblical accounts of Joseph, Daniel, and others highlight the enduring significance of dreams as a means of divine communication and the essential role of prophets in unveiling their mysteries.Daniel 1:17
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Soul and the Mind, and their Affections.
... and a remarkable accomplishment, [1935] and the answers of our prophets have been
after ... [1934] Thus Joseph and Daniel were interpreters of dreams: and the ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap xviii of the soul and.htm

The Seventh Book Shows from Various Statements Made to The
... in any passage, how can Eunomius here once more imitate the interpreters of dreams,
and bid ... set in opposition to God, but have regard to the prophets and to ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 1 the seventh book.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... in time past unto the fathers by the prophets." [3047] This ... elders sometimes, as
you say, by dreams and visions ... not then surprise us if some interpreters of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
... people of the Lord shall be prophets, not against ... overlooked"as, among the older
interpreters, has been ... the words, "They prophesy, they dream dreams, they see ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/exposition of chap iii ii.htm

Sanctification.
... and the sense of almost all interpreters, doubtless ought ... afterwards to the Christian
church, by all the prophets. ... and your old men shall dream dreams; and on ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xl sanctification.htm

His Missionary Travels
... Messiah hoped for by their fathers and promised by their prophets had come ... The city
swarmed with wizards, fortune-tellers, interpreters of dreams and other ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
... This is why the interpreters of the spirit of the ... Two prophets will come to console
mankind, and to ... civilization into Asia, threw it back upon its dreams. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter iv the order of.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... their disobedience unto God, and unto the voices of his prophets, was the ... Whereupon
were called all the diviners, interpreters of dreams, and soothsayers ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

Acts II
... only effects foretold by the prophet are dreams, visions, and ... in the burdens of all
the prophets of Israel ... It is commonly agreed among interpreters, that in the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... "Beware of false prophets," says the ... reaching to heaven (Gen.28:12-15); Pharaoh's
two dreams of the ... Yet there is a class of interpreters who seem to think that ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org

What was a prophet in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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