Why does God’s Word have number combinations?

Everyone who has read the Bible for any length of time has come across certain number combinations. For instance the number three, symbolizing the Trinity or the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are clear from Genesis through Revelation. Seven seems to penetrate our minds from time to time as we read the Word. The number twelve certainly should get our attention. Well how about Forty? It is remarkable that Moses, the great lawgiver of the Jews, previously to his receiving the law from God, fasted forty days in the mount (Ex 34:28); that Elijah, the chief of the prophets, fasted also forty days (1Kings 19:8ff); and that Christ, the giver of the New Covenant, should act in the same way. He was tempted by the Great liar and deceiver of our souls in the desert for forty days and forty nights. (Matthew 4:1-11) Was not all this intended to show, that God's kingdom on earth was to be spiritual and Divine? Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” It is also very interesting that Jesus, after His Passion and Resurrection, walked , talked, ate and taught the disciples for Forty days before He was transported to the Right Hand of His Father to make intercession for sinners like us who Trust in Him for Salvation! Is there some deep spiritual, mystical or hidden message behind the number 40? Some might be inclined to spiritualize such things and come up with new teaching or revelation. Would this mean that God is unclear and somewhat schizophrenic? Yes. However, The Triune Godhead is not such a god! He is crystal clear about His plan for the salvation of sinful man. Nothing that God has Revealed about Himself is up to man’s own interpretation. (2Peter 1:20-21) There are other examples of the number forty that have a negative aspect. They show the Judgement of God in increments of forty. Genesis 7:4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made." God had enough of the wickedness and rebellion of mankind! Numbers 14:33-34 Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert. For forty years-- one year for each of the forty days you explored the land-- you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.' The Israelites rebelled and crumbled against God’s plan and we see His Righteous Judgement. So what shall we conclude about the number forty? To answer that I would like to ask a few questions. 1). What was Elijah, Moses and Jesus doing that may give us examples to bring us to maturity in the faith? 2). Am I willing to be used by God for His Purpose? For instance, praying and fasting 40 days. 3). Am I willing to go back and study the references given by the devotion writer? After all we are seeking the Knowledge of the Holy, are we not?