In biblical narratives, three days
seems to be symbolic rather than chronological. It can be used to mark momentous events (Exodus 10:22–23) or important transitions (Genesis 30:36; Joshua 2:16, Joshua 2:22; Joshua 9:16; 1 Kings 12:5). It also marks important journeys (Exodus 3:18, Exodus 5:3), especially into the wilderness (Exodus 8:27; Exodus 15:22; Numbers 10:33; Numbers 33:8).1 Thus, the three days are not necessarily referring to three complete twenty-four hour units. Jews counted inclusively, such that part of a day could be counted as a whole.2
22 They departed and went into the hills and remained there three days until the pursuers returned, and the pursuers searched all along the way and found nothing.