[ApplegateRanch]

I have read Bullinger; I even have a copy of that book, as well as his book (tired; title escapes me) on the stars & constellations in Scripture.

I also have a Companion Bible, which has his appendices & notes.

40 is also significant of "probation".

However, the 40 years in the beginning of my post was what I referenced from the post I was answering. I posted the Biblical quotation to dispel the two common misconceptions in the post I was answering:

1) The Israelites literally "wandered" for 40 years. They didn't; they spent some extended periods encamped in various places;

and especially,

2) That the pillar of fire/cloud was "always" before them. It wasn't, as when they were encamped, 'the cloud abode upon the Tabernacle'.

[Prost1]

"However, the 40 years in the beginning of my post"

I justed used it for the opportunity to point out that numerology plays a significant part in oriental literature.