The answer is: 40

Josh 5:6

The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness is a gripping element of the Exodus story, and it's fascinating to note that they wandered for 40 years—a significant period rich with symbolism. The number 40 appears multiple times in the Bible, often representative of a time of trial or testing. For instance, Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments, and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert as he prepared for his ministry.

This wandering wasn't just a physical journey; it was also a means of transformation. The wandering helped forge a new identity for a group that had been enslaved in Egypt, as they learned to trust and rely on a divine promise for a better future. It’s interesting to know that the journey was intended to last much shorter—a mere eleven days! But because of the people's doubts and complaints, they found themselves facing years in a challenging, nomadic life, learning lessons this way.

Beyond the literal travels in the stark wilderness, the deeper message may lie in their spiritual growth. Each hardship faced can be seen as a lesson building endurance and character—an idea that resonates in various lifes as a transformative type of learning period. Their wilderness experience serves as a remarkable reminder about overcoming struggles, making the path toward freedom not just a physical endeavor but also a transformative journey for the soul.