40 is a number we find at several significant moments in the Bible. The reason for the use of 40 is its association with transformation. At least 40 days are needed for an individual to be transformed, as old habits are uprooted and are replaced with new ones. Similarly, 40 years are required for the large scale transformation of society, as one generation passes and another one rises up.
In the Book of Genesis, 40 days of rain bring about a global flood, which erases the evil social structures that had arisen. Later, after their liberation from Egypt, the Israelites spend 40 years wandering in the desert in order to be reshaped into a new people, who are ready to enter the Promised Land. During this time, Moses stays 40 days at the top of the mountain in God's presence as he prepares to be God's messenger, through whom the law will be communicated to the Israelites. When the Israelites fall into sin by worshipping the Golden Calf, they undergo 40 days of fasting to atone for their sin.
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Photo Credit: Mount Quarantania near Jericho, where, according to tradition, Jesus was tempted by Satan by Zoltan Abraham (c) 2016.