The answer is: 40 days

Jonah 3:4 - This number is often associated with humiliation... 40 days fasting, 40 years in the wilderness.

The story of Jonah is quite a fascinating one! When Jonah warned the people of Nineveh, he wasn't just uttering idle threats; his proclamation led to an incredible turn of events. The city was given 40 days to repent. Now, the significance of that 40 days stretches farther than just the mere timeline breaded into Jonah's tale. In biblical terms, the number 40 often symbolizes a period of testing or judgment. Think about the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, or Jesus fasting for 40 days in the desert—both instances marking pivotal challenges and transformations.

This number may also reflect humanity's ongoing struggle to recognize and change the course we're on, mirroring the turmoil seen when disobeying higher principles often mandated in prophetic literature. Nineveh, a major patron city of an empire known for its cruelty and arrogance, serves as a stark contrast. Much of the message is simply about humility and the acceptance of change, reminding us that no city, nation, or individual is beyond redemption, regardless of past actions.

Interestingly, the nature of Jonah himself adds Layers to the story. Despite being the messenger of impending doom, he seems reluctant to actually preach. Perhaps it’s a reminder that everyone—regardless of divine inspiration—struggles with their own biases and discomfort in challenging societal wrongs. In the grand scheme, Jonah ultimately becomes a testament to the immense capacity for change that redemption affords to both individuals and nations, should they embrace it with an open heart.