Bible Question: The number 40 is used several times in the Bible (such as 40 days). What does it mean? |
Bible Answer: Roberta, number of testing and trial. according to Willmington, H. L. in "Book of Bible Lists." Gen 7:4 - Rained 40 days and 40 nights Exo 24:18 - Moses on Mount Sinai 40 days and 40 nights Exo 34:28 - Moses fasted 40 days and 40 nights Num 13:25 - Israel spied out the land 40 days Num 14:33 - Israel wandered 40 years 1Sa 4:18 - Eli led Israel 40 years 1Sa 17:16 - Goliath taunted Israel 40 days 1Ki 19:8 - Elijah's trip to horeb took 40 days and 40 nights Eze 29:12 - No one will be able to pass through Egypt for 40 years Jnh 3:4 - Jonah preached Ninevah would be destoryed in 40 days Mat 4:2 - Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights, then tempted Act 1:3 - 40 days and 40 nights between resurrection and ascension There are other phrases with the number 40. I see a variety of activities. Some are not testings or trails. Some people are into numerology, I am not. Steve |