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What we see and how we interpret what we see should align with God's eye-view of things to come…
What's so special about old men and women whose dreams are from God? Joel 2:28 associates youth in there prime with visions and skillfully wise elders with dreams:
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
Why is there such a distinctive assignment and how does it give God glory while benefitting the body of believers? In the last blog we witnessed the power of a young godly visionary. Let us now investigate the potent wisdom of the elder dreamer.
The young visionaries were considered effective servants under the authority of God and His elders. At age 40, men took on a different role in biblical society at this time. Though older men may still have had their vigor, it was their wisdom and experience that they were publicly recognized for in driving their sense of servitude past the age of 40. Even with Jewish tradition focusing primarily on male progression in society, biblical recognition in Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Timothy 5:2 directly support the wisdom and adoration of older women as well.
The Torah and Talmud both recognize the number 40 as being significant, especially according to age. Representing transition and change, renewal, and new beginnings, the age 40 marked the transition into full discernment according to spiritual wisdom and maturity. With this rite of passage came the mantle of leadership which was inherited from their parents. Like Joshua inheriting the mantle of leadership from Moses at the age 40 (Deuteronomy 31:1-32:47), a person’s intellect should match their physical maturity according to Jewish tradition.
Significant Jewish Ages
For context and background, I’ve made this list available for observance of significant ages according to Jewish tradition:
12 or 13: The age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a coming of age ceremony that marks the transition to Jewish adulthood. At this age, boys and girls become responsible for their actions and can choose how they practice Judaism. Before this age, children are not allowed to wear tefillin (phylacteries), be called up to bless the Torah during services, or serve in a minyan, the quorum needed for community prayer.
13: The age at which a Jewish male becomes obligated to follow Jewish law. According to Pirke Avot, the Wisdom of the Sages, a 2nd century collection of ancient rabbinic wisdom, boys are also responsible for mitzvoth at this age.
15: The age at which boys study Talmud.
18: The age at which boys are considered ready for marriage.
20: The age at which boys are considered fully equipped to deal with temptation and can begin their careers.
30: The age at which boys are considered to be at the height of their powers and worthy of leadership.
40: The age at which boys achieve understanding (bina).
50: The age at which boys are prepared to give wise counsel (aitzah).
60: The age at which boys are given the deference of seniority.
70: The age at which boys are considered sages.
80: The age of heroic strength.
We’ll see that there are 3 stages of reference according to Jewish tradition. From birth to 12 years old, children are considered to be beneath the age of accountability, immature, and reliant on adult assistance. Ages 12 until 30 are considered adult years where accountability, domestic application, and spiritual tutelage develop each person into constructive citizens and effective leaders. The ages 40 until 80 are considered ‘elder’ years, which contain an exalted or honored period of expectation, education, and distinguished works.
Observing The Dreaming Elders Significance
From the age 40 and beyond, achievement is expected and called upon by the community. The fullness of understanding combines the extended years of experience with the wisdom to apply kingdom principles for the benefit of the nation. What’s interesting about this portrayal of maturity is that this outlook applies fundamentally and figuratively to all believers, regardless of age, for the edification of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16). We should all strive to be mature believers [elders] in Christ, understanding and emulating the character of Christ with wisdom in His power.
The Greek term used for old men is presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os) which actually means elders. Presbuteros is interesting because the translation we see in English is vague as opposed to the actual meaning behind this term in Greek. Presbuteros specifically identifies with the men who were members of the Sanhedrin or an elder of the Christian assembly. These are further defined as mature men, having experience that is the result of seasoned judgment. This is where we see the fullness of discernment and spiritual wisdom take root in our word study concerning dreams.
Correctly interpreted, presbuteros this term is written in the masculine plural with the feminine plural of presbyteras only found in 1 Timothy 5:2 used in reference to older women. This however does not limit dreams to the male gender as we well know, reflecting back on the Acts 2:17’s sons and daughters language emphasized. So applying this to men and women alike, an older person who serves the Lord as a believer in Jesus Christ should be mature in wisdom.
This level of maturity and experience is necessary for what God intends to do through these aged dreamers. The dreamer who sees visions in their sleep [enupniazomai], in this context, is a believer who contemplates (meditates) day and night - the dreams [enupnion] that strengthens one’s spiritual health through prophetic education that binds the dreamer and their community restoration to the Lord.
A divine Sphere of Influence
According to Joel 2:28, the Hebrew term for dreams is chalam (khaw-lam') which means to be healthy or strong. To further elaborate, this strengthening occurs when two things are pressed firmly together. This language is associated scripturally with the visitation of prophetic encounters which occur during ordinary dreams of sleep.
By the Spirit of Yahweh we are sustained in our rest. In the calm of a wise person’s mind, the Lord establishes His divine sphere of influence communing with and educating His dreaming host. Unlike the foolish and false prophets who prophesy lies in the Name of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:25), wise elders will not speak in the Name of the Lord without the Lord actually speaking. The wise and mature elder will not abuse the dream the Lord gave them by releasing the word out of context or before its time.
In this way, the experienced dreamer instructs, rebukes, corrects, and leads training in righteousness. These elders are well seasoned in the gifts of the Spirit, respected among their peers, and properly equipped mentally and emotionally for relaying the dreams God has given them to the people. In this manner, an experienced dreamer strengthens one’s spiritual health through prophetic education that binds the dreamer and their community restoration to the Lord.
Conclusion: Young Visionaries & Elder Dreamers
The Bible is clear that men and women, dreamers and visionaries, all receive dreams and visions from God. Scripture is full of instances where God appears in a dream or sweeps someone up in a vision. Though there are mantles that rest on individuals to be dreamers and visionaries, a prophet has many functions within the desired service of the Lord. Regardless of whether you are gifted to operate in the office of the prophetic, or you were given prophecy for a limited and concise circumstance, we all have the ability to hear from God.
Dreams and visions are tools used by the Lord to communicate what is and what is to come. As long as there is one to receive, one to communicate, and one to interpret, our heavenly Father will continue conveying His ideas for us to implement on earth. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (KJV). The vision of God provides us with instruction, correction, rebuke, and training. This is for our well-being and God’s glory.
To dream and to have a vision allows us as believers, the opportunity to act in the vigor of supernatural strength and the wisdom of the mind of Christ. As dreamers and visionaries in accordance with 1 Peter 2:9-10, we are, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
In this manner, we must be individuals who embody all 6 primary assignments of the godly humanity: By the Spirit, growth into vigor and understanding causes us to be visionaries who are effective communicators, inspiring leaders, sound teachers, and wise cultivators. By applying ourselves to improving or developing our mind and manners, we not only benefit the body of Christ but improve the well-being of the world; preaching and living the Gospel out loud in truth, love, and power for all to witness and adhere to.
Thank You and God Bless!
Thank you for reading this blog. Your support and contribution is treasured here. Please continue to share this content so that God may work through us to be a benefit to others. I invite you to leave a comment and stay tuned in for the next blog. I pray that this blesses you and honor’s God. Let’s continue growing together as Kingdom Citizens in Christ. Show love, be kind, and trust in God. Thank you and God bless.
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