AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question What does number 40 means in the Bilbe? I've come across some of these...
Gen 7:4 - Rained 40 days and 40 nights.
Exo 24:18 - Moses on Mount Sinai 40 days and 40 nights.
Exo 34:28 - Moses fasted 40 days and 40 nights.
Num 13:25 - Israel spied out the land 40 days.
Num 14:33 - Israel wandered 40 years.
1Sa 4:18 - Eli led Israel 40 years.
1Sa 17:16 - Goliath taunted Israel 40 days.
1Ki 19:8 - Elijah's trip to horeb took 40 days and 40 nights.
Eze 29:12 - No one will be able to pass through Egypt for 40 years.
Jnh 3:4 - Jonah preached Ninevah would be destoryed in 40 days.
Mat 4:2 - Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights, then tempted.
Act 1:3 - 40 days and 40 nights between resurrection and ascension.
I want to know what does 40 means...? Thanks.
Answer Hi Donly,
I owe you an apology. I had started an answer to your question, yesterday, but was suddenly called away.
You have asked a very interesting question, in an area which is really outwith my own area of expertise. However, I would want to make one point right away. There is a difference between numerology - the occult study that would seek to find secret codes and messages in Biblical (and other) numbers, and which is an offence before God - and the use of numbers as a thematic Bible Study.
I am assuming that you are approaching this from the latter point of view.
Looking at the passages that you cite, and at many other similar ones, we may see that they seem to be associated with major developments in the history of God's people. This would lead me to suggest that the number 40, if there is any specific significance at all, is connected with times of particular manifestations of the goodness of God, of testing by God, of His purification, or of His chastisement. It is also interesting to note that 40 years is the accepted length of time for a generation.
I realise that you may have been looking for more than this, but I trust that this will have been of SOME help.
Please feel free to come back to me with a supplementary question.
Blessings
C.Brian Ross
