The number forty is not a magical number in the Bible. Nevertheless, it occurs several times, and it is good to take note of the results of those events connected with the number forty.
Shaped to mature
The slaves in Egypt were delivered and trained in the wilderness for forty years to make them fit to be citizens in the Promised Land. They murmured, rebelled against God, and revolted against Moses and Aaron. Yet, God was patient to train them to worship by giving them the Tabernacle, teaching them the Ten Commandments, civic laws, hygiene laws, equipping them to fight against enemies, and preparing them for citizenship in the Promised Land.
Receiving from God
Moses had to wait in God’s presence for forty days fasting, without taking food or water, to receive the Ten Commandments. This teaches disciples to wait, sometimes wait longer, to learn the spiritual truths that transform lives. (Exodus 24:18)
Fasting of the Lord Jesus
The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, fasted forty days and forty nights before he began His ministry. (Matthew 4:2) At the end of the fasting, Satan tested and tempted Him to abandon the Mission of Salvation for humanity. The Lord triumphed over Satan by defeating him using the double-edged sword, the Word of God.
Taunting for forty days
Goliath taunted the army of Israel for forty days before David could confront him and defeat him. (I Samuel 17:16) Sometimes, God allows Satan certain days to mock and taunt God’s work and God’s people. In such times, God will raise people like David to fulfil His plan and purpose.
Forty days preaching
Jonah preached for forty days in the city of Nineveh. Probably, his preaching was discussed on the street corners, and at last reached the king’s ears. Then the king and the whole city amazingly repented with fasting, expressing humility, wearing sackcloth, and sitting on ashes. (Jonah 3:1-10) When Jonah expected a tsunami or earthquake to destroy the city, a spiritual tsunami of repentance came. God surprises us with unexpected results in our ministry.
Do I reflect on learning lessons?