When Actions Follow Dreams

Bible characters thought about their dreams.  They accepted the fact that, although most dreams were insignificant, some dreams carried a divine message.  

At the time of the Temple, Hebrew people taught that dreams “followed the mouth.”  In other words, dreams were neither negative nor positive.  But, actions would follow the verbal interpretation of the dream (Talmud, Berachot 55b).  For this reason, 24 dream interpreters resided in Jerusalem to help people with accurate interpretations of their dreams.

When Joseph told his brothers his dream in Genesis 37:9, they were immediately agitated.  In the dream, his sheaf stood upright while their sheaves gathered around and bowed to his sheaf.  They knew what the dream meant.  Its meaning was so apparent, it was unnecessary for Joseph to offer an interpretation.

In the 21st century, we would find a dream of this nature amusing.  But, Joseph’s brothers reacted sharply. “Do you intend to reign over us?” they snapped.  Joseph’s dream signified a specific event, and the image was disturbing.

A dream from the Almighty doesn’t have to be interpreted.  Its meaning can be obvious.  The dreamer may choose to reflect on the dream over time, or simply to forget the dream.  Dreams, however, can be a warning to protect us from harm.  They can convey specific directions and instructions.  Or, they can be a prompting to act or pray.  

My husband and I had the same two dreams on the same night.  The dreams involved travel to a distant city.  Some time later, we learned of an interesting conference being held in that city.  We immediately signed up, and traveled there to attend.  We acted on the invitation because we had been called to attend through matching dreams.

Your dreams, too, can put you on the right path when they come from the Almighty.

Published December 20, 2016