Matthew 27:47

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 27:47, Jesus utters a poignant cry from the cross, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" This Aramaic phrase is a direct quotation of Psalm 22:1, where it is translated in Hebrew as "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The cultural context for this statement is significant, as it reflects the profound sense of isolation and abandonment experienced by Jesus. In first-century Palestine, the mention of God's desertion would have been deeply troubling, given the common belief that God was always present with His people. This cry challenges modern readers to consider not only the physical pain but also the spiritual anguish endured by Jesus, highlighting the depth of his sacrifice and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 47. This man calleth for Elias. This was done purposely to deride him and his pretentions to be the Messiah. The words Eli, Eli, they might easily pretend that they understood to mean Elias, or so pervert them. The taunt would be more cutting, because it was the universal belief of the Jews, as well as the doctrine of Christ, that Elias would come before the Messiah. They derided him now, as calling upon Elias, when God would not help him; still keeping up the pretensions to being the Messiah, and invoking Elijah to come from the dead to aid him.

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