There is a variety and beauty to the Bible. It is a book full of history, poetry, prophecy, law, and wisdom. It also contains some interesting numbers! ( For instance, the number 7 denotes perfection and completion.)
The number 40 appears often, and can signify transformation and transition. Consider:
After Noah completed the ark, there were 40 days of rain.
Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd after he fled Egypt.
Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with God just before receiving the Ten Commandments.
The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness.
Goliath taunted Saul’s army for 40 days before David arrived with his slingshot and stones to stop him.
Jesus was spent 40 days in the wilderness to be tempted, before His public ministry began.
Jesus remained for 40 days after His resurrection until His ascension to heaven.
God is a God of glorious order and reason and repetition. The Bible has it all!
