The answer is: 40

Gen 7:12

The story of Noah and the flood is one that carries lessons of renewal and hope after chaos. Noah famously endured not just the rain but "40 days and 40 nights" of it—an expression that shows intensity and a memorable length of time. Interestingly, the number 40 appears throughout the Bible and often represents a period of trial or testing.

Did you know that before he became an iconic leader, Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness where he tended sheep? This wasn’t just an innocent wander—a divine preparation for the moment he would lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

And let’s bring Jesus into the mix: he also spent 40 days in the wilderness, facing temptation and preparing for his mission. These echoes underscore that 40 is not just a number; it symbolizes development, testing, pilgrimage, and deep change.

From a narrative perspective, after the rain stopped, the messy waters gradually receded, revealing God's signs of new beginnings—a rainbow! Through this retelling, we glimpse the promise that follows a storm, joy after sorrow, or restoration after destruction. This reflects a universal principle that in our lives, too, after enduring trials, we can witness transformation and renewal.

So as we think about the flood, it is useful not just to note the flood itself but to appreciate what comes after: new life, hope, and even the eternal covenant represented by the rainbow! Isn't that a beautiful picture?