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A state of mind in which images, thoughts, and impressions pass through the mind of a person who is sleeping. Dreams have had a prominent place in the religious literature of ancient peoples. In ancient times, dreams-- especially those of kings and priests-- were thought to convey messages from God <Num. 12:6; Gen. 31:10-13>. In the Bible these were sometimes prophetic in nature. Elihu stated clearly his belief that God speaks through dreams <Job 33:14-15>.
In a dream God warned Abimelech, the king of Gerar, not to touch Sarah, because she was Abraham's wife. The Lord spoke to Jacob in a dream in which He renewed the COVENANT and assured Jacob of His protection and presence.
In the New Testament, God appeared to Joseph in a dream after His announcement of the forthcoming birth of Jesus <Matt. 1:20>. God also spoke through these dreams to protect the infant Jesus <Matt. 2:13-14>.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)