Night-vision, in the context of the Bible, refers to the ability to perceive or receive divine messages, guidance, or revelations during the night. This phenomenon is often associated with dreams or visions granted by God to His chosen individuals. Throughout the Scriptures, night-visions serve as a means for God to communicate His will, provide warnings, or reveal future events.

Biblical Instances of Night-Vision:

1. Abraham's Vision: In Genesis 15:12-13, as the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. During this time, God spoke to Abram, revealing the future of his descendants and the covenant He was establishing with him. This night-vision was pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for the nation of Israel.

2. Jacob's Dream at Bethel: In Genesis 28:11-12, Jacob, on his journey to Haran, stopped for the night and had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. In this night-vision, God reiterated the covenant He made with Abraham, promising Jacob land and numerous descendants.

3. Daniel's Visions: The Book of Daniel contains several instances of night-visions. In Daniel 7:1-2, Daniel had a dream and visions while lying on his bed, where he saw the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea. These visions were symbolic and prophetic, revealing future kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

4. Joseph's Dreams: In the New Testament, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, received guidance through dreams. In Matthew 1:20, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife. Again, in Matthew 2:13, Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's massacre.

5. Paul's Vision in Troas: In Acts 16:9, Paul had a vision during the night of a man from Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This night-vision directed Paul and his companions to bring the Gospel to Europe, marking a significant moment in the spread of Christianity.

Theological Significance:

Night-visions in the Bible underscore the sovereignty of God in revealing His purposes and guiding His people. They demonstrate that God is not limited by time or circumstance and can communicate with His servants in various ways. These visions often come during times of uncertainty or transition, providing clarity and direction.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

Night-visions are often rich in symbolism, requiring discernment and sometimes divine interpretation. For instance, Daniel's visions were filled with symbolic imagery that needed interpretation by divine messengers. This highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding when interpreting such revelations.

Role in Divine Revelation:

Night-visions play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. They are a testament to God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, guiding them according to His will. These visions often serve as a confirmation of God's promises and a means of preparing His people for future events.

In summary, night-visions in the Bible are a profound means by which God communicates with His people, offering guidance, revelation, and assurance of His divine plan. They are a testament to the ongoing relationship between God and His creation, demonstrating His desire to lead and instruct those who seek Him.

Chapter xlvi
... And God said to Israel in a night vision: Jacob, Jacob! And he said: Here am I.
And He said: I am the true God (El), the God (Elohim) of thy father. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

God's Spokesman.
... spokesman speaks as God. Isaac has a night-vision and Jacob a dream and a
night meeting with a mysterious wrestler. Moses spoke with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/gods spokesman.htm

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... interpretation thereof. In answer to this united praying, it is recorded: "Then
was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... Twice during Solomon's reign the Lord had appeared to him with words of approval
and counsel"in the night vision at Gibeon, when the promise of wisdom, riches ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

Alexander.
... longer able to perform his official duties, [1822] the Providence of God called
to the office with him, by a revelation given him in a night vision, the above ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter xi alexander.htm

His Childhood and Youth.
... suspicion of Herod; the star of Bethlehem; the journey of the magi from the distant
East; the dim light of astrology; the significant night-vision of Joseph ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/his childhood and youth.htm

Of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Sending of the Apostles ...
... The prophet Daniel [1551] had long before shown this, saying, "I saw in the night
vision, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xlvii of the resurrection of.htm

The Miraculous Events that Accompanied the Birth of Christ.
... A struggle ensued in his feelings, and then occurred the night vision which
brought his mind to a final decision. [40]. Footnotes: ...
/.../section 14 the miraculous events.htm

Of the Prophecy of Daniel and Ezekiel, Other Two of the Greater ...
... But of His power and glory he has thus spoken: "I saw in a night vision, and, behold,
one like the Son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven, and He came ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 34 of the prophecy of.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... I doubt whether any of them thought of Europe, for later on even Paul himself tried
to go back into Asia, till the night vision called him by the will of God. ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

Night-vision (2 Occurrences)
Night-vision. Night-time, Night-vision. Night-visions . Multi-Version
Concordance Night-vision (2 Occurrences). Genesis ...
/n/night-vision.htm - 7k

Night-time (1 Occurrence)
Night-time. Nighttime, Night-time. Night-vision . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Nighttime, Night-time. Night-vision . Reference Bible.
/n/night-time.htm - 6k

Night-visions (2 Occurrences)
Night-visions. Night-vision, Night-visions. Nightwatch . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV). Night-vision, Night-visions. Nightwatch . Reference Bible.
/n/night-visions.htm - 7k

Fortifications (7 Occurrences)
... of all the nations that war against Ariel, even all that war against her and her
fortifications, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a nightvision. ...
/f/fortifications.htm - 8k

Munition (2 Occurrences)
... of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and
her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a nightvision. ...
/m/munition.htm - 7k

What are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.org

What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org

How did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus