The Lost Language of Symbolism
Alonzo L. Gaskill
Forty
Some commentators interpret this number as simply meaning "a lengthy period of time." As it is applied to years, it is certainly that. However, the symbolism in the number goes beyond this simple definition. In scripture, the number represents a period of trial, testing, probation, or mourning.
In the days of Noah it is said to have rained some forty days and forty nights (see Genesis 7:12). This cleansing of the earth, both literal and symbolic, gave God and Noah reason to mourn (see Moses 7:27–38; 8:22–30). One typologist added that Noah's faith was tested and found to be all that it should be.
Israel's sojourn in the wilderness lasted forty years. Because they had exhibited lack of faith when they initially fled Egypt, God required that they be tested forty years; then he called another generation to receive the promised land, instead of those who had come out of Egypt under Moses (see Numbers 14:20–23).
In accordance with the law of Moses, no more than forty lashes could be imposed on an offender (see Deuteronomy 25:3). The number forty here is likely symbolic of both the mourning that will come to those who sin and refuse to repent, and possibly that trials and tests have their limits. The Lord gave the inhabitants of the city of Nineveh forty days to repent, or they would be "overthrown" (Jonah 3:4).
Moses was on Mount Sinai forty days while the children of Israel were being tested by Jehovah. They failed miserably because, lacking faith in the true God, they chose to create the golden calf as an image of their god (see Exodus 24:18). After the episode with the idol, Moses again went up upon the mount for an additional forty days (see Deuteronomy 9:18, 25).
One text offers this interesting observation: "According to the reckoning in our Bibles, Christ was born into the world about the four-thousandth year, or fortieth century. Forty, we have seen, is the symbol of probation. So after a full period of the world's probation under law, Jesus Christ was born into the world to usher in grace."
Jesus fasted for forty days and then was tempted prior to beginning his official earthly ministry. As evidence of his commitment to the Father and his divine plan, Christ passed the trials and tests put to him (see JST, Matthew 4:1–11).
Jesus spent forty days after his resurrection (see Acts 1:3) teaching his disciples and initiating them into the higher ordinances of the fulness of the gospel.
Perhaps it is not coincidental that it took a total of forty years to build the Salt Lake Temple.
Alonzo L. Gaskill is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine. He holds a Bachelors degree in Philosophy, a Masters in Theology, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. Brother Gaskill has taught at Brigham Young University since 2003. Prior to coming to BYU he served in a variety of assignments within the church Educational System--most recently as the director of the LDS Institute of Religion at Stanford University (1995-2003).
Alonzo L. Gaskill is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine. He holds a Bachelors degree in Philosophy, a Masters in Theology, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. Brother Gaskill has taught at Brigham Young University since 2003. Prior to coming to BYU he served in a variety of assignments within the church Educational System--most recently as the director of the LDS Institute of Religion at Stanford University (1995-2003).
