Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, visions are frequently depicted as divine communications imparted to individuals during the night. These nocturnal revelations serve as a means by which God conveys His will, guidance, and prophetic messages to His chosen servants. The Bible provides numerous accounts of such visions, underscoring their significance in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.Old Testament Examples One of the earliest instances of a night vision is found in the account of Abram. In Genesis 15:1 , it is recorded, "After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.'" This vision reassured Abram of God's promises and covenant, highlighting the role of visions in affirming divine commitments. The prophet Samuel also experienced a significant night vision. In 1 Samuel 3:3-4 , we read, "Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, 'Here I am.'" This vision marked the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry, illustrating how God calls and commissions His servants through visions. The book of Daniel provides further examples of night visions. Daniel 7:13 states, "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence." Daniel's visions were apocalyptic, revealing future events and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. New Testament Examples In the New Testament, visions continue to play a crucial role in divine revelation. The apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, experienced a transformative vision on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:3-4 recounts, "As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'" This vision was pivotal in Paul's conversion and subsequent mission to the Gentiles. The apostle Peter also received a significant vision that expanded the early church's understanding of God's inclusive plan. In Acts 10:9-11 , it is written, "About noon the following day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners." This vision led to the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community, demonstrating the role of visions in breaking down cultural and religious barriers. Theological Significance Visions in the night season are a testament to God's initiative in communicating with humanity. They often occur when individuals are in a state of rest or contemplation, suggesting a divine orchestration that transcends human effort. These visions serve as a bridge between the divine and the human, providing clarity, direction, and assurance of God's presence and purpose. Throughout Scripture, visions are not merely personal experiences but are often intended for the broader community of faith. They carry messages that impact the course of history, shape the understanding of God's will, and inspire faithfulness among God's people. As such, visions remain a vital aspect of the biblical witness to God's ongoing interaction with His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 46:2And God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 2:19 Library The Immaculate Conception Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Another Wonderful Record of 25. The Sixth vision "On Earth" Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... Christ a Complete Saviour: Resources How should Christians view the idea of Muslims having dreams/visions about Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org Why is the lack of visions and divinations considered a punishment (Micah 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
    |