Night-visions, as depicted in the Bible, are a form of divine communication where God reveals His will, guidance, or future events to individuals during the night. These visions are distinct from dreams, although they may occur during sleep, and are characterized by their clarity and divine origin. Throughout Scripture, night-visions serve as a means for God to interact with His chosen servants, providing them with insight, warnings, and instructions.

Old Testament Instances

One of the earliest references to night-visions is found in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 15:1, the Lord appears to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." This vision reassures Abram of God's promises and covenant, highlighting the role of night-visions in affirming divine promises.

The prophet Daniel is another prominent figure who experienced night-visions. In Daniel 7:2, Daniel recounts, "In my vision by night, I looked, and behold, the four winds of heaven were churning up the great sea." Daniel's night-visions are apocalyptic, revealing future events and the rise and fall of empires. These visions are crucial for understanding God's sovereignty over history and His ultimate plan for redemption.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, night-visions continue to play a significant role. The apostle Paul, for instance, receives guidance through a night-vision in Acts 16:9: "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'" This vision directs Paul's missionary journey, demonstrating how night-visions can guide the spread of the Gospel.

Additionally, in Acts 18:9, the Lord speaks to Paul in a night-vision, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." This encouragement strengthens Paul during his ministry in Corinth, illustrating how night-visions can provide comfort and assurance to God's servants.

Theological Significance

Night-visions underscore the belief in a God who actively communicates with His people. They reveal God's intimate involvement in human affairs and His desire to guide and instruct His followers. These visions often come during times of uncertainty or transition, offering clarity and direction.

From a theological perspective, night-visions affirm the prophetic tradition within Scripture, where God reveals His will through chosen individuals. They also highlight the importance of discernment, as recipients of night-visions must interpret and act upon the divine messages they receive.

Conclusion

Night-visions in the Bible are a profound testament to God's ongoing communication with humanity. They serve as a reminder of His sovereignty, guidance, and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout history.

The vision of Daniel.
... And a little after, "I saw," he says, "in the night visions, and behold, one like
the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 18 the vision of daniel.htm

Watch-Night Service
... We solemnly invoke thee, great Spirit of God! thou who didst rest on Abraham, on
Isaac, and on Jacob; thou, who in the night visions speaketh unto men. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/watch-night service.htm

His Future Work
... Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice
in the earth" (Jeremiah 23:5). "I saw in the night visions, and behold there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm

The Great Assize
... Daniel in the night visions beholds the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven,
and drawing near to the Ancient of Days; then he sits upon the throne of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... We turn first to Dan.7. In vv.7 and 8 we read, "After this I saw in the night visions,
and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

Christ Does not "Receive the Kingdom" Until the Time of his Second ...
... It was the "Kingdom" mentioned by Daniel in 7:13, 14 of his prophecy""And I saw
in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of Man came with the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 christ does not receive.htm

On Daniel. Iv. Other Fragments on Daniel.
... This is the stone which becomes a great mountain, and fills the earth, and of which
it is written: "I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, one like the Son ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iv other fragments.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... He is represented by the prophet Daniel as coming at this time to the Ancient of
days: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

The Marriage of the Lamb.
... For when Daniel saw that "the judgment was set and the books were opened," he also
"saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came in the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the marriage of the lamb.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... He is represented by the prophet Daniel as coming at this time to the Ancient of
Days: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

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

Visions (43 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and, behold, a fourth animal,
awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it ...
/v/visions.htm - 20k

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

Nightwatch

/n/nightwatch.htm - 6k

Underfoot (14 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and, behold, a fourth animal,
awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it ...
/u/underfoot.htm - 11k

Frightening (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and, behold, a fourth animal,
awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it ...
/f/frightening.htm - 7k

Extremely (15 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and, behold, a fourth animal,
awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it ...
/e/extremely.htm - 10k

Dreadful (23 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful
and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it ...
/d/dreadful.htm - 13k

Diverse (15 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and, behold, a fourth animal,
awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it ...
/d/diverse.htm - 14k

Stamped (27 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the nightvisions, and, behold, a fourth animal,
awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it ...
/s/stamped.htm - 16k

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