The answer is: 110

(Num 32:13; Ex 16:35) + (Jer 25; Dan 9:2; Zec 7:5) = (40) + (70) = 110

Isn’t it fascinating how numbers can weave a narrative throughout the biblical text? Let's delve a little deeper into the context behind those crucial years: 40 of wandering in the wilderness and 70 in Babylonian exile.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, a significant period that served more than just a geographic purpose. This wandering period is frequently interpreted as a time of testing, transformation, and preparation, shaping the character of a people destined to enter the Promised Land. Fun fact: Many scholars attribute the inclusion of “40” in biblical writings to its symbolic implications, often representing a time of trial or purification, like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

Fast forward to the Babylonian Exile, which lasted 70 years. This was more than just a historical event; it was a spiritual reckoning. As detailed in the book of Jeremiah, the exile was viewed as a punishment but also as an opportunity for reflection and renewal. The number 70 often symbolized completeness or a divine order in Scripture — remember the 70 elders appointed by Moses?

Together, these contrasts portray a rich tapestry of hope and struggle in the Israelite narrative. They illustrate humanity’s relationship with the divine that is peppered with opportunities for growth, a theme that resonates through countless stories in the Bible. Ultimately, the thematic elements of testing, exile, and promise show a continuous unfolding of purpose that allows profound lessons about resilience.