The answer is: 40

Josh 5:6

The wandering of the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years is one of the most impactful stories in the Bible, filled with lessons about endurance, faith, and divine guidance. You can almost feel the heat of the desert sun and the grit of sand in your shoes as you imagine their journey. This time period was not just geographical; it was spiritual and transformative. The story really digs deep into their preparedness to enter the Promised Land, shedding light on themes of identity and covenant.

Interestingly, this 40-year wandering echoes various other biblical moments of 40. Consider how Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments, or how Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. These episodal similarities suggest a deeper connection between pivotal events in God’s narrative. It’s almost like 40 became a divine checkpoint for growth and readiness.

In societal contexts, the length of time can symbolize a generation. Within this expansive journey, the former Egyptian slaves were slowly stripped of their old identities and instead nurtured into a community dedicated to the ideals of justice and faithfulness—a prerequisite for inheriting the land promised to them.

The deserts of the heart can be just as trying, provoking us to look within, figure out our next steps, and grow through adversity. Let’s take these moments of waiting or wandering in our own lives as opportunities for reflection, growth, or even a way to sense a larger purpose unfolding.