The number represents testing in human life.
Genesis 7:4 (c) Noah's faith was tested and found to be all that it should be.
Exodus 16:35 (c) GOD's faithfulness was tested and found to be sufficient for all the needs.
Exodus 24:18 (c) Israel's faith and trust were tested and failed. (See Exodus 32:7).
1 Samuel 4:18 (c) Eli was tested. He had judged Israel and failed at the end.
1 Samuel 17:16 (c) Israel was challenged and was proved to be utterly unworthy and cowardly.
Saul reigned forty years and was deposed as a failure.
2 Samuel 5:4 (c) David reigned forty years and ended his rule gloriously.
1 Kings 11:42 (c) Solomon reigned forty years and ended his period of testing in idolatry.
Matthew 4:2 (c) JESUS was tested forty days and forty nights. He came back more than a Conqueror. JESUS revealed Himself to His own for forty days after His resurrection so that they could endure the tests through the years. (See Acts 1:3).
Bible typology is the systematic classification of Bible terms, concepts, and people that have common characteristics or traits. A Dictionary of Bible Types examines over 1,000 types, shadows, signs, symbols, pictures, figures, and patterns in the Bible with topics ranging from "Aaron" to "Yoke." This useful resource for teachers, study groups, and pastors provides explanations for over 6,000 different Scripture passages.Wikipedia
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