The number 42 holds various significances in the Bible, appearing in different contexts and symbolisms. It is often associated with periods of trial, judgment, and transition.

Biblical References:

1. The Journey of the Israelites: The Israelites made 42 encampments during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This is detailed in Numbers 33, where Moses records the stages of their journey. The number 42 here symbolizes a period of wandering and transition before reaching their destination.

2. The Reign of Kings: In 2 Kings 2:24, the prophet Elisha curses a group of boys who mock him, and two bears come out of the forest and maul 42 of them. This incident underscores the seriousness of respecting God's prophets and the consequences of irreverence.

3. The Reign of Ahaziah: There is a textual discrepancy regarding the age of King Ahaziah when he began to reign. In 2 Kings 8:26, it states he was 22 years old, while 2 Chronicles 22:2 mentions 42 years. Scholars suggest this may be a copyist error or a different method of calculation, but it highlights the complexities in the transmission of biblical texts.

4. The Duration of the Beast's Authority: In the apocalyptic literature of Revelation, the number 42 appears as a period of time. Revelation 11:2 and 13:5 mention 42 months, during which the beast is given authority to act. This period is often interpreted as a time of tribulation and persecution for the faithful.

5. Symbolic Interpretations: The number 42 is sometimes seen as symbolic of a complete period of testing or judgment. In biblical numerology, it is often associated with the idea of a divinely appointed time for events to unfold, particularly those involving trials or transitions.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers often held symbolic meanings beyond their literal sense. The use of 42 in the Bible may reflect a broader cultural understanding of numbers as conveying deeper spiritual truths or divine patterns.

Theological Implications:

The occurrences of the number 42 in the Bible often relate to themes of divine judgment, testing, and the fulfillment of God's plans. Whether through the journey of the Israelites, the reign of kings, or apocalyptic visions, 42 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His purposes in history.42 (2 Occurrences)

Revelation 11:2
Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don't measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months.
(See NIV)

Ezra 2:24
The children of Azmaveth, forty-two.
(See NAS NIV)

42 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 42 (2 Occurrences). Revelation 11:2 Leave out
the court which is outside of the temple, and don't measure ...
/num/42.htm - 6k

Measuring (42 Occurrences)
... MEASURING REED. (qeneh hamiddah; kalamos): Used in Ezekiel 40:5;; 42:16:00;
45:01:00; Revelation 11:1; Revelation 21:15, 16. ... Measuring (42 Occurrences). ...
/m/measuring.htm - 22k

Answers (42 Occurrences)
... Answers (42 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Job 42:4 Give ear to me, and I will say what is
in my mind; I will put questions to you, and you will give me the answers. (BBE) ...
/a/answers.htm - 17k

Grass-lands (42 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grass-lands (42 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Joshua 21:42
Every one of these towns had grass-lands round it. (BBE). ...
/g/grass-lands.htm - 17k

Lines (42 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lines (42 Occurrences). Genesis 10:32 These are the families
of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations. ...
/l/lines.htm - 19k

Pasturelands (42 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pasturelands (42 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Joshua
21:42 Each of these cities included their suburbs around them. ...
/p/pasturelands.htm - 16k

Inasmuch (42 Occurrences)
... (adv.) In like degree; in like manner; seeing that; considering that; since; --
followed by as. Multi-Version Concordance Inasmuch (42 Occurrences). ...
/i/inasmuch.htm - 19k

Shows (42 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shows (42 Occurrences). Matthew 13:5 Some falls
on rocky ground, where it has but scanty soil. It quickly ...
/s/shows.htm - 17k

Goings (42 Occurrences)
... margin "His ways are everlasting." WL Walker. Multi-Version Concordance Goings
(42 Occurrences). James 1:11 For the sun ariseth with ...
/g/goings.htm - 22k

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