The 40 year refinement period...

The 40 year refinement period is a Biblical Pattern that has been used over and over again. This 'period of testing' is a purity test to bring out impurities or help build up faith. It can also be used in referring judgement in a positive or negative outcome. In some cases, the period can be days rather than years. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all fasted for 40 days. However, a 40 year refinement period in triplicate intensifies the seriousness of the judgment coming for those unable or unwilling to be refined. For example, the intensity of the 'woes' to come to those dwelling on earth is forecast by the triple repetition of the declaration “woe.”—Re 8:13