The 40 Days Mystery

THE 40 DAYS: THE MYSTERY THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

In biblical theology, 40 often represents:

• A period of trial or testing
• Divine judgment followed by mercy
• Preparation before a major move of God
• Humility, repentance, and consecration

After the 40… something changes.

Noah & the Flood – Judgment and New Beginning

What happened:
God judged the earth because of widespread corruption, but preserved Noah and his family.

Bible reference:

“And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.”
— Genesis 7:12

Key insight:

• 40 days = cleansing judgment
• Afterward = a renewed world and covenant (Genesis 9)

Moses on Mount Sinai – Receiving the Law

What happened:
Moses fasted completely while receiving God’s Law.

Bible references:

“And Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.”
— Exodus 34:28, Exodus 24:18, Deuteronomy 9:9

Key insight:

• 40 days = revelation, covenant, divine instruction

Israel Spies the Promised Land – Testing & Consequence

What happened:
The spies searched Canaan, but fear caused rebellion.

Bible reference:

“And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.”
— Numbers 13:25

Result:

• One day = one year of wandering — Numbers 14:34

Key insight:

• 40 days = testing of faith
• Failure led to 40 years of judgment

Elijah’s 40-Day Fast – Renewal After Burnout

What happened:
Elijah fled in fear after Mount Carmel. God restored him.

Bible reference:

“And he went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.”
— 1 Kings 19:8

Key insight:

• 40 days = restoration and recommissioning
• God spoke in a still small voice, not fire or wind

Nineveh’s Warning – Repentance Window

What happened:
God gave Nineveh time to repent.

Bible reference:

“Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”
— Jonah 3:4

Result:

• The people fasted
• God spared the city (Jonah 3:10)

Key insight:

• 40 days = mercy before judgment
• A chance to turn back to God

Jesus’ 40-Day Fast – Preparation for Ministry

What happened:
Jesus fasted before beginning His public ministry and was tempted by Satan.

Bible references:

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” — Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:1–2

Key insight:

• 40 days = spiritual warfare
• Victory preceded powerful ministry

The Ascension of Jesus Between When He Resurrected and when He Ascended to Heaven - 40 Days

What happened:
Jesus taught and confirmed the kingdom before ascending.

Bible reference:

“To whom also he shewed himself alive… being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” — Acts 1:3

Key insight:

• 40 days = instruction and preparation
• Followed by Pentecost power

People Who Fasted 40 Days & Nights (Explicitly)

Big Picture Pattern (Very Important)

40 Days = Testing, Humility, Repentance, Revelation and Preparation

After 40 Days comes: New direction, Power, Judgment or mercy, Covenant renewal

Summary Verse

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2

KEY POINTS

• Noah - And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.” Genesis 7:12
• Moses - fasted for forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.” Exodus 34:28
• Spies And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.” Numbers 13:25
• Elijah - Fasted for forty days and forty nights; - “And he went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.”1 Kings 19:8
• Nineveh's - 40 days warning period. “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” — Jonah 3:4
• Jesus - Fasted for forty days and forty nights. “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights.” — Matthew 4:2
• The Ascension of Jesus - “To whom also he shewed himself alive… being seen of them forty days.” — Acts 1:3
• A woman carries a baby in her womb for 40 weeks

What to expect after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting:

• Divine Empowerment
• Chains Broken
• Captives will be free (Isaiah 58:6)
• Deliverance from all forces