The number 40 shows up often in the Bible. It is used symbolically to represent a time of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement before deliverance. Here is a look at some of the significant 40 day periods in Scripture:
Noah’s Flood
Genesis 7 tells us that the rain lasted for 40 days and 40 nights when God sent the flood to destroy the wickedness that had spread throughout the earth (Genesis 7:12). This judged the sin of the world, but also saved Noah and his family as they were protected by the ark.
Moses on Mount Sinai
After the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, Moses went up to Mount Sinai and spent 40 days and 40 nights with God (Exodus 24:18). During this time he received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28) and other laws that would instruct the Israelites how to live and worship God. This marked a period of transition to the covenant God made with Israel.
The Spies in Canaan
Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, for 40 days (Numbers 13:25). After returning, ten of the spies gave a bad report saying that Israel could not defeat the inhabitants of Canaan. As a result, the Israelites did not trust God and were forced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years before being allowed to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:34). The Promised Land was only a short distance from Israel’s camp, yet unbelief kept them from possessing it.
Goliath’s Challenge
Before David came to fight him, the Philistine warrior Goliath challenged the Israelite army saying “Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us” (1 Samuel 17:8-9). Goliath issued this challenge morning and evening for 40 days before David defeated him (1 Samuel 17:16).
Elijah’s Journey
After fleeing from Queen Jezebel, Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb where the Lord spoke to him in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:8). God sent Elijah on this journey to Mount Horeb for spiritual renewal and reassurance that he was not alone in his devotion to the Lord.
Jesus’ Temptation
Before starting His earthly ministry, Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:2). Jesus overcame these temptations and began His preaching ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. This shows Jesus’ total obedience to God and His suitability to fulfill His role as the sinless Savior.
Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances
Acts 1:3 tells us that “He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” After His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for 40 days teaching about the kingdom of God before ascending to heaven.
Significance of 40 Days
What is the significance of 40 days throughout Scripture? Here are some of the key meanings behind this important number:
A Time of Testing
Many of the 40 day periods in the Bible represented times of testing, trial, probation or proving. This includes Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai, the spies exploring the Promised Land, Elijah’s journey to Horeb, and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. The 40 days tested their faith and obedience through difficult experiences.
A Time of Transition
Several of these biblical 40 day periods also marked important transitions. Noah stepped out into a new post-flood world. Moses received the law that Israel would now be under. The spies’ negative report transitioned Israel into 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances transitioned His followers towards new life after His death. The number 40 bridges the gap between two significant spiritual events or periods.
A Time of Preparation
Some of these 40 day periods prepared people for what God had called them to do. Moses was prepared to lead Israel out of Egypt after his 40 days on Mount Sinai. Jesus was prepared to begin His earthly ministry after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. God used these 40 day experiences to equip people for the work He had called them to.
A Time of Judgment
In a few cases, 40 days was linked to judgment. Noah’s flood judged the wickedness of the world. The spies’ negative report after 40 days of exploring led to Israel’s 40 years of wandering as judgment for their unbelief. Goliath’s 40 day challenge led to his judgment when David defeated him. The number 40 can symbolize a probationary time before judgment is dispensed.
A Time of Waiting
The number 40 also connects to times of waiting in Scripture. Noah waited 40 days inside the ark for the flood waters to recede. Israel waited 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. Jesus’ followers waited 40 days after His resurrection before He ascended to heaven. God’s people must often endure patient waiting as part of God’s plan.
In summary, the number 40 represents a spiritually significant time of testing, trial, probation, judgment, transition, preparation, and waiting. As these examples from Scripture show, God uses 40 day periods to test His people’s faith, prepare them for greater service, develop their patience and obedience, and transition them to new phases in His plan of redemption. The next time you see the number 40 in the Bible, remember how God uses it to teach, shape, and transition His people.
