The number 40 generally symbolizes a period of testing, trial, probation or judgement appearing 145 times in Scripture.
Here are some more interesting references to FORTY:
After the flood waters had receded, and the tops of the mountains were visible, Noah waited another 40 days to open the window of the Ark (Genesis 8:6). Isaac was 40 years old when he took Rebekah as his wife (Genesis 25:20). Esau, Isaac’s son, also got married when he was 40 (Genesis 26:34). Embalming took 40 days in early Bible times (Genesis 50:3). Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights (twice!) (Exodus 24:18) (Exodus 34:28)( Deuteronomy 9:9,11,18,25)( Deuteronomy 10:10). The spies that Moses sent to spy out the Promised Land were there for 40 days (Numbers 13:25)(Numbers 14:34). One of those spies was Joshua, and he was forty years old when he went (Joshua 14:7). Moses died when he was 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7). His life can be divided into 3 sections of 40 years: (first 40) being born and growing up in Pharaoh’s house in Egypt (Acts 7:20-23), (middle 40) fleeing to Midian after killing the Egyptian, and living there for 40 years (Acts 7:29-30), (last 40) returning to Egypt, the exodus, and the events that followed (Acts 7:36)(Exodus 7:7). Aaron died 40 years after the Israelites had left Egypt (Numbers 33:38). Three different times in Judges, the land had rest for 40 years (Judges 3:11)(Judges 5:31)(Judges 8:28). Eli judged Israel for 40 years (1 Samuel 4:18). Ishbosheth became king over Israel when he was 40 years old (2 Samuel 2:10). Three kings reigned for 40 years: David (1 Kings 2:11)(2 Samuel 5:4-5), Solomon (1 Kings 11:42), and Joash (2 Chronicles 24:1)(2 Kings 12:1). (Saul may also be a part of this group [Acts 13:21], but this is controversial [1 Samuel 13:1].) The 10 lavers in the Temple each held “40 baths” (about 230 gal.) of water (1 Kings 7:38). The time period between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension was 40 days (Acts 1:3). The book of Exodus has 40 chapters. The average length of a woman’s pregnancy is 40 weeks. Lent is the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays).
Forty appears 145 times in Scripture.The number 40 generally symbolizes a period of testing, trial, probation or judgement.This certainly seems to be borne out in a number of places in the Bible, however, it also is used for more than that. Let’s first look at the ways it could be taken as a number signifying trial, testing, or judgment, then we will look some other significant uses.
Here are some interesting references to FORTY:
When God destroyed every living thing on the Earth by flood, it rained 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:4,12,17). Three men in the Bible fasted 40 days and 40 nights: Moses (Exodus 34:28)(Deuteronomy 9:9,18,25)(Deuteronomy 10:10), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and Jesus (Matthew 4:2)(Luke 4:2)(Mark 1:13). Because Israel refused to enter the Promised Land, God condemned them to wander in the “wilderness” for 40 years (Numbers 14:33-34)(Numbers 32:11-13)( Deuteronomy 8:2)(Joshua 5:6). God also kept their clothing and sandals from wearing out for the whole 40 years: (Deuteronomy 29:5, Deuteronomy 8:4.) The Israelites were given manna in the desert for 40 years to “test” and “humble” them (Exodus 16:35)( Deuteronomy 8:3,16) When scourging someone, they could not receive more than 40 lashes (Deuteronomy 25:3)(2 Corinthians 11:24). The Israelites were in captivity to the Philistines for 40 years for doing evil (Judges 13:1). Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days and nights (1 Samuel 17:16), until David defeated him. Ezekiel laid on his right side for 40 days to “bear the iniquity” of Judah’s sins (Ezekiel 4:6). God proclaimed judgment against Egypt, saying it would be desolate for 40 years (Ezekiel 29:10-12). God gave Nineveh 40 days to repent or be overthrown (Jonah 3:4).
The Apostle Paul wrote about fruit in at least two different ways: Fruit as individuals being saved and Fruit of the Spirit. To the church in Roman Paul writes of Fruit as people: Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
And again, when writing to the church in Philippi. (his labor was soul winning) But not for just himself but for them also. Philippians 1:22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. Back to Romans he writes about Fruit of Holiness (how believers live): Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 7:4-5 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. And to the church in Corinth he write of the fruit of righteousness: 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; To the churches of Galatia and Ephesus he lists Fruits of the Spirit that should be (is) in the life of all believers Galatians 5:22-23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Ephesians 5:9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Yes, Paul was a soul winner and writing to the Colossian church he challenges all believers to be soul winners. Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Do You know how to be a soul Winner? Just share your faith!
Means remaining, a small quantity remaining Found 91 times in the Bible
God saved a REMNANT
The Apostle Paul quotes from Isaiah (Esaias) the judgements concerning Israel.
Romans 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: See Isaiah 1:9, 10:20-22, 11:11,16, 14:22,30, 15:9, 16:14, 17:3, 37:4,31-32, 46:3
Yes, over the centuries, Israel, the Jew, has suffered many great trials, BUT they are still God’s chosen and a REMNANT will pass into and through the Tribulation, to help repopulate the earth again during the Millennium.
Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Putting this verse back into context, we see Paul is referring to Israel, the Jew, NOT the church. Be sure to read Romans 9-11 where Paul writes about Israel’s spiritual condition during the Church age. Below is just a short picture: (remember, Jacob represents the ungodly side of the Jew, Israel represents the spiritual side of the Jew).
Romans 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Romans 9:27Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Romans 9:31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Romans 10:1Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Romans 10:19But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. Romans 10:21But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Romans 11:2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, Romans 11:7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Noun – a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. Verb – feel uncertain about.
DOUBT – Many a young believer will doubt their salvation, especially when they sin, when things are falling apart all around them. This is a device of the devil. God would not have us DOUBT our salvation. First of all, Salvation is based on belief not works. Belief in the death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:2-4By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And second, our acting on that belief as stated in Romans: Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Paul mentioned doubt in his epistles; (read them in context to understand them). Romans 14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 2 Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. Galatians 4:20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
As a believer we should never doubt our salvation or the word of God. God said it and that settles it.
America (the USA) is not mentioned in the Bible. Where America will be during the Tribulation and then on into the Millilumen is open to speculation. It appears the USA will be part of that great city, Babylon mentioned in Revelation 14:8And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Revelation 17:5And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Revelation 18:2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird Revelation 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. Revelation 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
These events will occur during the 7 years Tribulation. But there is a way Not to be there. There is an answer for every individual. Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The choice is yours! And when we obey the above we will escape the wrath. Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
⇛ to understand “thou shalt confess”, read‘Confess’ .
The Apostle continues to describe conditions in Rome, not just the Empire but the people of Rome. He begins with the question: Romans 3:9What then? are we better than they? And then he answers, No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; He continues hisanswer by quoting scripture: Romans 3:10-18As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
The last part of his quoting describes many in American (and the world) today: “There is no fear of God before their eyes”. And then he warns: Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Throughout his letter to Rome Paul refers to God’s wrath. Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Romans 2:8-9 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; No one will escape the wrath to come. Romans 4:15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: Remember getting even is not up to us, as individuals, but to GOD. Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 13:4-5For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
As noted before, it’s not clear where the USA (America) will be during the Tribulation and Millilumen it is clear what will happen to the individual. But God did provide a way to escape His wrath: Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Many, many times it’s been said of America, we are following the path of the Roman Empire. That we, like they, are on a path to destruction. Just ponder how great the Roman Empire was … and where it is now! Is this the fate of the United States of America. History records the fall of Rome. But the Apostle Paul wrote of the reason for their fall BEFORE it happened. Read Romans 1:16-32.
Romans 1:16-17 He begins with faith: “as it is written, The just shall live by faith”. Romans 1:18-20 And talks about God’s wrath against ungodliness, “so that they are without excuse:”. Romans 1:21-25 Knowing God, they thought they were wiser and rejected Him. Worshiped and served creatures and idols; they changed God’s truth into a lie. Romans 1:26-28 Changing the natural use of men and women they became vile. So, God gave them up unto vile affections and a reprobate mind. The Apostle Paul lists the evils they were guilty of: Romans 1:29-31Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
He then concludes: Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Now substitute THEY with AMERICA and see if this doesn’t fit what’s happening in America today. Is America on the same path as the Roman Empire? The road to Destruction?
Appears 394 times (352 Old Testament) in the KJV and most of the time it refers to amount of Money, men in army, people who died, people in a tribe, animals, cubits, chariots, number of angles for example. The New Testament has 42 occurrences of thousand. Two unique occurrences are found in the Book of Psalm: Psalm 84:10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 90:4For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Peter, in his 2nd epistle, to Jewish believers, he reminds them of Psalm 90:4. 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
John has 20 references in Revelation: These verses are only where “thousand” is mentioned. The first reference: he tells of the number of angels in heaven: Revelation 5:11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; The remainder of the references occur during the Tribulation (7 years) and into the millilumen (1000 years). He reports on the number of Jewish young men who will preach the kingdom of God during the Tribulation: Revelation 7:4-8And I heard the number of them which were sealed: He then names each tribe and 12,000 from each one = 144,000. Then the size of an army released during the 6th trumpet: Revelation 9:16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. He then gives the number of days the two witnesses who will have power to on earth (3 1/2 years): Revelation 11:3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. Continuing with the destruction and tragedy during Tribulation. Revelation 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Another mention of time, 3.5 years. The length of time Israel will hide from the Antichrist, while God protects her: Revelation 12:6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Another reference to the young Jewish men who will Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom during the Tribulation: Revelation 14:1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written … Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. Just think, blood 4-5 feet deep (in the valley of Megiddo: Revelation 14:20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Events at the end of Tribulation and the tart of millilumen (God’s kingdom reign on earth) Revelation 20:2-7 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. …. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And the last reference is to the size of the new Jerusalem. Revelation 21:16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs…
In Genesis 1:21 on the 5th day God created fish and on the 6th day (1:28) He created Man and gave man dominion over them. But it would appear that until after the flood man did not eat flesh. Genesis 9:2-4And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Since then fish have played an important part both for food and of the economy. As the Lord Jesus began his earthly ministry the first two of his disciples (later called Apostles) were fishermen. Matthew 4:18-19, Mark 1:16-17And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
In Luke 5:2-10 The Lord used fishing to show His disciples His power and what He was calling them to do: Look again at Luke 5:4-6 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. In his teachings he often used fish as an example. Matthew 7:9-10, Luke 11:11Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Twice He used fish in a miracle feeding a great multitude: Matthew 14:17-19, Mark 6:38, Mark 6:41, Mark 6:43, Luke 9:13, Luke 9:16, John 6:9-11 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. Matthew 15:34, Matthew 15:36, Mark 8:7And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And instructing Peter to obey those in authority he used a fish: Matthew 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
After the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and even though He had presented Himself to the Apostles, they seemed confused, not knowing what to do. They turned to what they had done all their lives, Fish. John 21:3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But the Lord was not done with them, He had a few more things to teach them.
John 21:6-13 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. … Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. Luke 24:42-43And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. Why did Luke record this? This took place after the Resurrection, the Lord had His new glorified body, the body he now resides in heaven with. Yet he ate fish and honeycomb. John did not say the Lord ate with them but recorded: John 21:15So when they had dined, …
Luke recorded another event where it appears the Lord ate: (The two disciples on the road to Emmaus) Luke 24:29-30 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. Later, Peter witnessing to Cornelius Acts 10:40-41Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
It would appear that WE will be eating when we get our new bodies.1 Corintians 15:50-54.
