Table of Contents
Bashar mentioned 40 years as a symbolic time period representing the full transformation of an entire society. In his speech, he explains that while 40 days is sufficient for an individual’s transformation, 40 years is needed for the transformation of a collective, such as a culture or society.
The number “40” appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often symbolizing a period of testing, trial, or judgment. Below is a list of notable instances where the number 40 is referenced in the Old Testament:
The Great Flood
- Genesis 7:12: It rained for 40 days and 40 nights during the flood.
- Genesis 7:17: The floodwaters prevailed on the earth for 40 days.
Moses’ Life and Mission
- Acts 7:23, Exodus 2:11: Moses was 40 years old when he fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian.
- Exodus 24:18: Moses stayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights while receiving the Ten Commandments.
- Exodus 34:28: Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights without food and water.
- Deuteronomy 9:9: Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights interceding for the Israelites after the golden calf incident.
The Israelites’ Journey
- Numbers 13:25: The spies explored the land of Canaan for 40 days.
- Numbers 14:33-34: The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience.
- Deuteronomy 8:2-4: God humbled and tested the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness.
Judges and Kings
- Judges 3:11: The land had peace for 40 years after Othniel, the judge, delivered Israel.
- Judges 5:31: There was peace in the land for 40 years after Deborah’s victory.
- Judges 8:28: Gideon led Israel in peace for 40 years.
- Judges 13:1: The Israelites were oppressed by the Philistines for 40 years before Samson’s leadership.
- 1 Samuel 4:18: Eli judged Israel for 40 years.
- 2 Samuel 5:4: David reigned as king for 40 years (7 years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem).
- 1 Kings 2:11: David’s reign lasted 40 years in total.
- 1 Kings 11:42: Solomon reigned for 40 years in Jerusalem.
Elijah’s Journey
- 1 Kings 19:8: Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb.
Punishments and Judgments
- Deuteronomy 25:3: The maximum number of lashes allowed as punishment was 40.
- Ezekiel 29:11-13: Egypt would be desolate for 40 years as a punishment from God.
