The Number 40

“Forty – A Period of Testing

The number forty is mentioned 157 times in Scripture. The number forty symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation.” – Scriptures Revealed

The article then goes on to remind us that Moses was in the desert for 40 years.  He had gone to Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights.  He was still there receiving God’s law while the children of Isreal lost their faith and built a golden calf.

For 40 days and 40 nights the Ark floated around in the water before there was sign of land.

For 40 days Jesus fasted before his ministry began. This site has a whole list of the symbolisms of the number 40. More than Roland had mentioned when he asked me if I thought this COVID thing would last only 40 days. 

It has now been 40 days since the students spent their final day for this school year.  It’s been 42 since the church announced no more meetings.  And not everybody was quarantined on the same day.  When would the “40” have started if his method is correct?  Or perhaps we are looking at 40 weeks?  40 months?  We may have enough food supply for 40 weeks but definitely not 40 months.  Our house is not big enough to store 40 months worth of food.

I don’t know that 40 is a symbolic number for what is taking place now.  But it is interesting to think about.