Forty is a highly symbolic number, a number in the Bible associated with cleansing, judgment, repentance, and preparation.
Cleansing. In the days of Noah, it rained forty days and forty nights, the flood waters washing away the sin and violence that had corrupted earth.
Judgment. Israel travels in the desert forty years while a disobedient generation dies, purifying the people to enter the Promised Land.
Repentance. Jonah preaches to Nineveh, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" And all the people repent, covering themselves in sackcloth and ashes.
Preparation. Driven by the Holy Spirit, Jesus enters the wilderness to fast for forty days and confront the devil in preparation for his public ministry.
May the coming forty days be a time of cleansing, repentance and preparation for you,
