The answer is: 30

Deut 34:8

The death of Moses marks a significant transition not just for him, but for the entire nation of Israel. They mourned for 30 days, as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:8. This period of mourning was a profound way to honor their leader, who had guided them through the wilderness for 40 years. Just imagine, that's nearly a lifetime for some!

What’s fascinating here is the collective grief of the people. They had seen storms of challenges, reconciled with their doubts and fears, and embraced the updates from God's dynamic leadership through Moses. When he passed, it wasn’t just a leader lost; it was a fatherly figure, so the mourning fits tightly into the emotional tapestry of their journey. It's a reminder that emotions—whether joy, anger, or sorrow—make us human.

Interestingly, after this time of grief, Joshua took up the mantle as their new leader. This shift symbolizes how, even in loss, life continues. Echoes of this transition feel resonant; one leader may depart, but new ones rise to discern and guide the life flow of a community. In cultures across the ages, such formative periods of mourning have often been recognized as times of reflection and renewal, marking not just an end but opening pathways for new beginnings. Just like Moses, great leaders often blaze trails for others to follow!