by Romano M. Bulatao, PhD.
The political situation and the people’s continued struggle to achieve freedom have brought a more profound unity. It is therefore not surprising that EDSA I in 1986 occurred. EDSA I is an example of a peaceful, orderly, and non-violent people’s uprising in the contemporary era. Most people worldwide admired how Filipinos peacefully and orderly responded to a chaotic political situation. Since then, a number of nations were inspired, reflected, and fought for such freedom in the truest sense of democracy!
After forty (40) years, what did we become as a Filipino nation – the only dominantly Christian country in Asia? Let us reflect together on the Biblical and Theological meaning of the number “forty,” and its significance to our lives as Filipinos.
In the Bible, the number 40 holds deep symbolic meaning which appears repeatedly in key events of testing, judgment, purification, preparation, and transformation. It is during these providential moments that God shapes individuals or nations for a new purpose of life and direction.
Among the many biblical narratives (Old and New Testaments) which show the number 40, these few examples may help us understand and discern its meaning and significance as follows:
First, the “Great Flood” in the book of Genesis. In the account of Noah, rain fell for 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12). This period symbolized divine judgment upon human wickedness, but it also marked the beginning of renewal. After 40 days, the earth was washed clean, and a new covenant relationship between God and humanity began. In other words, the number 40 here represents both destruction of corruption and preparation for a fresh start.
Second, “Moses and the People of God” in the book of Exodus and Numbers. In the life of Moses, he lived 40 years in Egypt, spent 40 years in Midian, and led Israel for 40 years in the wilderness. In addition, Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai when receiving the Law (Exodus 24:18). Accordingly, these periods pertain to Moses’ preparation and spiritual formation. Each 40-year had molded Moses into the leader God intended him to be. The 40 days on Sinai symbolize intense communion with God and the giving of divine instruction. On the side of the people of God, the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33–34). As narrated in the Book of Numbers, the Israelites experienced punishment for lack of faith and it was also a moment of formation. Their experience in the wilderness for many years had taught them dependence on God for daily provision, namely; manna, water, protection, etc. The number 40 here represents a full generation — a complete period of testing and refinement before a new beginning.
Third, “Jesus Christ” in the Synoptic Gospels and in the Book of Acts. The number 40 appears prominently in the Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2). A parallelism is shown here between the Israelites and Jesus in the sense that while Israel failed, Jesus remained faithful in front of temptations. In here, the number 40 symbolizes spiritual testing, obedience, and preparation for divine mission. Also, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days before His ascension (Acts 1:3), which is an emphasis on a period of transition and preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
As regards the Theological Importance of the number 40, its repetition throughout both Old and New Testaments shows unity in biblical themes. Whether through the Flood, wilderness wanderings, or Jesus’ fasting, the number 40 is a clear sign that God uses the times of difficulties, challenges, and trials to bring about growth and renewal. In other words, the number 40 in the Bible is profoundly symbolic. It represents divine testing, purification, and preparation that lead to transformation and new beginnings. From the “Great Flood” story in Noah’s time to Jesus’ temptations at the desert, the number 40 marks sacred periods when God journeys in history and resides in the hearts of His people. Through these repeated patterns, the Bible teaches that times of trial are not meaningless, but they are purposeful events in God’s redemptive plan. Thus, the number 40 is not random, that it repeats at pivotal moments in salvation history which marks a profound transformation or preparation for a new chapter in God’s plan.
In the course of Philippine history, the political situation underwent significant changes. Some pivotal events in Philippine history demonstrated the people’s repeated struggle for freedom. Their experiences of oppression under the colonial powers unified them in their struggle towards independence. Most of the pivotal events in its history pertain to the people’s fight for justice and liberation. This fight dates back to the colonial experiences: the Spanish regime for almost four centuries; the American rule for about four decades, and; the Japanese occupation of more or less four years. From 1972 to 1981, the Philippines was under the rule of Martial Law. These are evidently the periods of trials and purification in the life of the Filipino people.
Forty years ago, the so-called EDSA Revolution – People’s Power broke out. This peaceful “revolution” was the result of the people’s power, arrived at through prayer and the conviction of the need for change. The revitalized hearts and minds of the Filipinos were united, Cor Unum et Anima Una! The restoration of democracy is one of the important achievements of EDSA Revolution. Alongside with it is the removal of a dictatorial regime. This has set the momentum towards achieving people’s common goals and interests that primarily include the satisfaction of basic needs. The Filipino nation achieves its well-being when the leader upholds the ideals that serve the interests of the people. In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Pope Francis asserts that “It is the responsibility of the State to safeguard and promote the common good of Society. Based on the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, and fully committed to political dialogue and consensus building, it plays a fundamental role, one which cannot be delegated, in working for the integral development of all. This role, at present, calls for profound social humility.” (EG, 240)
As Christians, being critical about the events in our lives is important. We should be observant of our situation and think of ways to change to improve our people and our nation. But in every journey, it is equally important to look back and learn the values of the past. Pope Francis contends, “In her dialogue with the State and with society, the Church does not have solutions for every particular issue. Together with the various sectors of society, she supports those programmes which best respond to the dignity of each person and the common good. In doing this, she proposes in a clear way the fundamental values of human life and convictions which can then find expression in political activity.” (EG, 241)
It is essential to give value to history so that we may see and appreciate the movement of God through the various sacrifices of people who, in their own way, have contributed to all the good things we enjoy today. At the same time, we need to learn the lessons of the past that made our lives miserable as a nation. As the saying goes, “history repeats itself,” which can be true if people do not “listen” to the voice of God through the past events! It is an invitation to us all, especially to the young generation, to value history and not be swayed to the temptation to revise history by forgetting its very spirit. Thus, EDSA I is the historic event staged by the Filipinos on February 21-25, 1986. This was the historic coming together of about two million people, not for a revolution as popularly known, but for preventing bloodbaths from taking place among fellow Filipinos.
As we celebrate and commemorate the 40 years of EDSA Revolution – People’s Power, may all Filipinos be in one heart and one soul in prayer and reflection towards a concrete action inspired by the Biblical meaning of the number 40 which points to the periods of testing, judgment, purification, preparation, and transformation! The journey continues… Our fight against corruption in all its forms must be maintained and sustained. Whoever we are, whatever we do, rich or poor, young or old, may we give our share in working as one Filipino nation. Let this be a lesson, a change of leadership is not enough, but it is about the change of every one’s heart which is deeply rooted and aligned with the Will of God in building His reign here on earth where justice, peace and prosperity become a reality to all!
References:
Crosswalk.com. “Meaning and Significance of Specific Numbers in the Bible.” Accessed February 20, 2026. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/meaning-and-significance-of-specific-numbers-in-the-bible.html
Free Bible Study Hub. “The Number 40 in the Bible.” Accessed February 20, 2026. https://www.freebiblestudyhub.com/archives/37700
Increasing-Faith.org. “Biblical Meaning of Number 40.” Accessed February 20, 2026. https://increasing-faith.org/biblical-meaning-of-number-40/
Unforsaken.org. “The Number 40: A Number of Preparation.” Accessed February 20, 2026. https://unforsaken.org/bible-studies/studies-by-theme/the-number-40-a-number-of-preparation/
About the Author
ROMANO MACARAEG BULATAO completed his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (AB Philo.) in 1990 at the Claret Formation Center (now, Saint Anthony Mary Claret College or SAMCC), Quezon City. He finished his Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MA Rel. Stds.) in 2003, and his Master of Arts in Philosophy (MA Philo., cum laude) in 2014, both at the Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. Dr. Bulatao obtained his degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the SAMCC, Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA), Quezon City, in 2021. From June 2006 to May 2009, he served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU, and a Professor in the same Department from AY 1996 – 2023. At present, Dr. Bulatao serves as the Assistant Director, at the Office of Student Affairs and Services. He is the Author of the books entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z, and Touching Thoughts on Creation A-Z, published in 2009 and printed in 2013 respectively, by the Claretian Publications. His latest published book is entitled Walking Together in the Care of Our Common Home, by the Claretian Publications in 2023. Dr. Bulatao is also the Translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020.
