27:46 the ninth hour. The “ninth hour” was the time of the evening oblation, the time of sacrifice and prayer. Elijah sacrificed and prayed against the prophets of Baal at this time (I Kings 18:29, 36). It was also when Daniel (Daniel 9:20-21) and Ezra (Ezra 9:4-5) prayed. Peter and John prayed at the ninth hour (Acts 3:1) and so did Cornelius (Acts 10:3-4). All were heard, and all their prayers marvelously answered, except that of Christ! God cannot “behold evil” (Habakkuk 1:13).

27:46 why. There are seven “words from the cross,” three before this (Luke 23:34; John 19:26,27; Luke 23:43) and three after (John 19:28; John 19:30; Luke 23:46). This central word is the only one recorded by Matthew and Mark (15:34), and the middle word of this “central word” is “Why?” The answer as to why the only perfectly righteous Man should have to endure the very greatest sufferings can only be that He loved us. There was no other way to save us from our sins; any further meaning is hidden in “the mind of the Lord” (Romans 11:33-36) and “the ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7).

27:46 forsaken me. Because Christ was forsaken by His Father, God will never leave us or forsake us (Psalm 37:25; Hebrews 13:5).