Day 248, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Daniel 7–8
Dreams and Visions
We all have dreams. Some claim to have visions. What are the purposes of dreams and visions? Why do we have them, and what do they mean? Are they just a result of consuming a late-night pizza, too much caffeine, medication, or something else causing them?
Solomon, the wisest man to ever live (outside of Jesus Christ), said, “...a dream comes when there are many cares” (Ecclesiastes 5:3, NIV). That is often the case. If we watch a scary movie, do our taxes, have an argument, or are worried about life situations, we often have dreams. A peaceful mind, however, usually gives a person a restful sleep. Are there times when dreams or visions show us the future? Read on.
Dreams and visions once revealed the future
In today’s Bible reading, God speaks to Daniel and shows him things to come. He does this as an encouragement to the Jewish people in exile. The LORD reveals three dreams to Daniel, several years apart. Although they are different in content, they basically predict the same events. Why show Daniel three night-visions? God probably does this to demonstrate the certainty of their fulfillment.
Dream 1: a statue
As we saw in Daniel 2, the first dream was of a great statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, and feet with a mixture of iron and clay. They represented the four kingdoms: Babylon (which was in power), Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, respectively.
Dream 2: Four Beasts
Another night vision corresponding to the one given in Daniel 2 is recorded in chapter 7. King Belshazzar, a successor and Nebuchadnezzar’s descendant by marriage, is now king. He, too, has a dream. The interpretation of the dream and nations in Daniel 7 are found in Daniel 8 and 11. Here is the dream and interpretation:
In his night vision, there are four beasts.
First, he sees a lion with eagle wings. They are torn off, and then the beast is lifted up off the ground and made to stand like a man. Finally, it is given a man’s heart.
This beast represents his patriarchal father, Nebuchadnezzar, the great majestic king of Babylon. Like the lion with the eagle wings torn off, Nebuchadnezzar’s power and nobility were stripped from him until he repented (Daniel 4). King Belshazzar forgot the lesson King Nebuchadnezzar learned about being arrogant and taking away God’s glory.
The second beast, a bear, represents Medo-Persia. Daniel sees her lying on her side, meaning that one side will be higher (greater) than the other. Persia will become more powerful than Media, and like the bear devouring three ribs, she will devour three nations. Theologians are not sure exactly which nations these are. The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests these nations might be Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt or Lydia. If so, Ezekiel’s prophecy of Egypt’s destruction has not yet occurred.
The next beast is a leopard with the wings of a bird. It represents the nation of Greece and the speed with which Alexander the Great will conquer the entire known world. He will even destroy the proud mercantile nation of Tyre. Four horns issue out of the leopard’s head. They represent four rulers that will succeed Alexander after his untimely death.
The last beast is fierce, with iron teeth and bronze claws. It crushes all in its path. This beast represents Rome. In the last days of the earth as we know it, another beast-like nation will rise up to crush nations. Some suggest this to be a revived Roman empire. There will be ten rulers, and then one prominent ruler will rise up from among them.
At this time, the Lord Jesus will come back, the ruler will be thrown into hell (a place of burning torment), and the Lord will reign on the earth for 1,000 years.
Dream 3: The Ram and Shaggy Goat
This vision is just a different version of the dreams recorded in Daniel 2 and 7. In this dream, Babylon is left out because Medo-Persia is on the verge of conquering them. The ram with two horns represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia, respectively, with the more prominent horn being Persia.
The fleet-footed, shaggy goat with the single prominent horn represents Greece and Alexander as its king. Four other horns (or rulers) take his place after its horn is broken off (i.e., he dies). From one of these ruling horns rises a master of intrigue (probably Antiochus Epiphanies). He will be empowered (probably by Satan) to crush and destroy. He will defile the Jewish temple and seek to destroy God’s people. But God will later kill him.
What is the significance of these dreams?
- The LORD is Sovereign and in control of all nations and their destinies.
- Challenging times are ahead for the exiled Jews. Again, their land will be trampled and torn by wars.
- God will preserve a remnant of his people. His Son [Jesus] will one day rule over them with all authority, glory, and sovereign power forever (Daniel 7:14).
- His kingdom will never be destroyed. His saints (believing Jews who survive the Great Tribulation) will receive the kingdom promised them since the days of Abraham, and they will possess it forever.
Do dreams and visions warn us of future events?
While God may use night visions to warn us, we should not think of them as prophecies. The writer of the book of Hebrews says,
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe (Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV).
Prophetical dreams, therefore, are no longer necessary because God has spoken to us through his Son and through his Word, the Bible. Do we know him? He offers us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life, which will last forever.
Endnote: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p. 1350
Discussion
What would happen to the exiled Jewish people and the land of Israel after Babylon conquered Judah?
Why did God share these dreams and their interpretations with Israel and us?
Should we think of dreams as prophecies? Why or why not?
End Note: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p. 1350
Focus Verse
John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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Looking Ahead: Learn How God is Working in our World in our Next Lesson from the book of Daniel.
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