There's an interesting pattern in some cases where the meaning is not made clear to the leaders of the nations. The instances we have recorded are ones where prophets are present to interpret them for them. There may be cases where the meaning is not hidden, if there are no prophets with the gift of translation.

The principle is a good one – events that happen in our lives can be explained with spiritual discernment, which we may need to rely on non-secular sources to understand them.

• the story of Abimelech wanting to take Sarah to wife, "But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night", "And God said unto him in a dream…"

Genesis 41:1-7

The Pharoah has his dream of the seven cows and seven stalks, which is the Lord telling him the status of his kingdom in future years, and what to prepare for. He is receiving revelation regarding his stewardship.

Exodus 7:2

Moses and Aaron are set apart to speak unto Pharoah.

• An unnamed prophet comes to king Ahab of Israel and promises him that the battle will be given him in the name of the Lord

• "the prophet came to the king of Israel" and says a war is coming

• "there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel" and promises him another battle will be won in the name of the Lord.

• a prophet ("the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets") tells Ahab that his life will be had because he let someone go "whom I appointed to utter destruction"

• Elijah meets Ahab "in the vineyard of Naboth" (whom the king had killed to acquire his goods) and curses him for his deeds

Daniel 2:29

The Lord sends a dream to Nebuchadnezzer about the latter-days and kingdoms.