Inconsequential is in the eye of the beholder. To God, one day is as a thousand years; whether 40 years or however long.
If that is the rule then there is no issue with anyone's interpretation, no? Why are you so concerned with a few years here or there vs. the several thousands that have been arbitrarily inserted ala the dispensationalist gap theory? Perhaps the log-in-eye syndrome is preventing clear vision.
“Why are you so concerned with a few years here or there vs. the several thousands that have been arbitrarily inserted ala the dispensationalist gap theory?”
I have no problem with anyone having their own theory and advertising it. My problem is when they keep posting polemics against my theory, then I defend it and point out the problems with theirs.
I do the same thing with defending the “gap” theory in Gen. 1:1-2.