What is all the talk about 40?

I have to admit.  I am curious about the meaning of so many 40s in the Bible.  I know about 40 days and 40 nights and being in the desert for 40 years.  I also know that in life, 40 seems to be the pivotal age for us.  Oh no, I'm turning 40!  I always want to lose 40 pounds!  If I could just find $40!  So how come they don't make a 40 year mortgage?

Anyway, I ramble.  So I googled it to see what I could find.  Guess what?  Everybody has an opinion but there is no real answer!  No place in the Bible is there any explanation of the significance!  That is the only fact that I could find, other than a listing of all the places it does show up!  

According to BibleStudy.org, these are the biblical references to forty:

Forty Years of Probation by Trial

• Israel in the wilderness, Deuteronomy 8:2-5; Psalm 95:10; Acts 13:18
  (the third 40 of Moses’ life, 120 years).
• Israel from the crucifixion to the destruction of Jerusalem.

Forty Years of Probation by Prosperity in Deliverance and Rest

• under Othniel, Judges 3:11,
• under Barak, Judges 5:31,
• under Gideon, Judges 8:28.

Forty Years of Probation by Prosperity in Enlarged Dominion

• under David, 2Samuel 5:4,
• under Solomon, 1 Kings 11:42,
• under Jeroboam II. See 2 Kings 12:17,18, 13:3,5,7,22,25, 14:12-14,23,28,
• under Jehoash, 2 Kings 12:1,
• under Joash, 2Chronicles 24:1.

Forty Years of Probation by Humiliation and Servitude

• Israel under the Philistines, Judges 13:1.
• Israel in the time of Eli, 1Samuel 4:18.
• Israel under Saul, Acts 13:21.

Forty Years of Probation by Waiting

• Moses in Egypt, Acts 7:23.
• Moses in Midian, Acts 7:30

Forty Days
There are eight of such great periods on the surface of the Bible:

• Forty days Moses was in the mount, Exodus 24:18; and to receive the Law, Exodus 24:18.
• Forty days Moses was in the mount after the sin of the Golden Calf, Deuteronomy 9:18,25.
• Forty days of the spies, issuing in the penal sentence of the 40 years, Numbers 13:26, 14:34.
• Forty days of Elijah in Horeb, 1 Kings 19:8.
• Forty days of Jonah and Nineveh, Jonah 3:4.
• Forty days Ezekiel lay on his right side to symbolize the 40 years of Judah’s transgression.*
• Forty days Jesus was tempted of the Devil, Matthew 4:2.
• Forty days Jesus was seen of His disciples, speaking of things pertaining to God’s kingdom, Acts 1:2.

It is interesting, though, that there are so many opinions about the number 40 and what it might mean.  You can also buy many books, DVDs and online programs to learn more about the number 40.  The number 40 should get an agent!

The consensus is that whenever we see the number 40 in the Bible, it does relate to some kind of trial or temptation or period of deep reflection.  And there seems to always be some kind of resolution or rebirth at the end of that time.  This time period is good for days or years.  So I am hoping that I will deeply reflect in the next 40 days on the Lenten season and what it means for me as a Christian!  

PS:  There are other numbers in the Bible that scholars say reflect some meaning or attribute to us - also not well documented in the same book!  Check out 7 for one!  The consensus is that it is a lucky number, it means good things.  Hence, I guess, lucky number seven (you know, I've seen it on shows with Vegas in them)!

PPS:  I am sending snail mail today to some people that need something to bring a smile to their faces.  I hope this helps because I love them much!  If you need a smile, let me know and I will add you to the list!

Everyone please have a blessed day!  Happy Valentine's Day!