<Ul> <Li> In the Hebrew Bible , forty is often used for time periods , forty days or forty years , which separate `` two distinct epochs '' . </Li> <Li> Rain fell for `` forty days and forty nights '' during the Flood . ( Genesis 7 : 4 ) </Li> <Li> Spies were sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan ( promised to the children of Israel ) for `` forty days . '' ( Numbers 13 : 2 , 25 ) </Li> <Li> The Hebrew people lived in the lands outside of the promised land for `` forty years '' . This period of years represents the time it takes for a new generation to arise . ( Numbers 32 : 13 ) </Li> <Li> Several Jewish leaders and kings are said to have ruled for `` forty years '' , that is , a generation . Examples include Eli ( 1 Samuel 4 : 18 ) , Saul ( Acts 13 : 21 ) , David ( 2 Samuel 5 : 4 ) , and Solomon ( 1 Kings 11 : 42 ) . </Li> <Li> Goliath challenged the Israelites twice a day for forty days before David defeated him . ( 1 Samuel 17 : 16 ) </Li> <Li> Moses spent three consecutive periods of `` forty days and forty nights '' on Mount Sinai : </Li> </Ul>
<Ul> <Li> In the Hebrew Bible , forty is often used for time periods , forty days or forty years , which separate `` two distinct epochs '' . </Li> <Li> Rain fell for `` forty days and forty nights '' during the Flood . ( Genesis 7 : 4 ) </Li> <Li> Spies were sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan ( promised to the children of Israel ) for `` forty days . '' ( Numbers 13 : 2 , 25 ) </Li> <Li> The Hebrew people lived in the lands outside of the promised land for `` forty years '' . This period of years represents the time it takes for a new generation to arise . ( Numbers 32 : 13 ) </Li> <Li> Several Jewish leaders and kings are said to have ruled for `` forty years '' , that is , a generation . Examples include Eli ( 1 Samuel 4 : 18 ) , Saul ( Acts 13 : 21 ) , David ( 2 Samuel 5 : 4 ) , and Solomon ( 1 Kings 11 : 42 ) . </Li> <Li> Goliath challenged the Israelites twice a day for forty days before David defeated him . ( 1 Samuel 17 : 16 ) </Li> <Li> Moses spent three consecutive periods of `` forty days and forty nights '' on Mount Sinai : </Li> </Ul>
what is the meaning of 40 years in the bible
what is the meaning of 40 years in the bible
a generation
a generation