Hypnotic dreams induced by suggestion are discussed in this psychoanalytic exploration of ecstatic visions. The call of Isaiah and Ezekiel's vision of the chariot are cited as examples of a process of initiation into the role of prophet in ancient Israel and Judah. The author argues that the study of these visions reveals both culturally stereotyped as well as idiosyncratic versions. He views the former as due to regression in the service of the ego and the latter as derived from unconscious conflict. He concludes that a similar distinction can be made for religiosity in general. In contrast to Freud's view, Merkur's argument is that there is an adaptive as well as a superego religiosity.