Matthew 14:23

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, etc.] Had ordered them at least to go away; for, it seems, according to (<430622>John 6:22) that they did not in general disperse: there was a large body of them that continued upon the spot all night, expecting his return; in which being disappointed, they took shipping, and came to Capernaum. He went up into a mountain apart to pray; perhaps the same he went up to before, and from whence he came down, (<430603>John 6:3). This he chose as a proper place for prayer, where he could be retired, and alone, have his thoughts free, and, as man, pour out his soul to his Father, on his own account, and on the behalf of others; and particularly, he might be…”

“And straightway Jesus constrained ... - See Mark 6:45-56; John 6:15-21. The word “straightway” means immediately; that is, as soon as the fragments were gathered up. To “constrain” usually means to compel. It here means to command. There was no need of compulsion. They were at this time on the east side of the Lake of Gennesareth. He directed them to get into a ship and cross over to the other side; that is, to Capernaum. Mark adds that he sent them to Bethsaida Mark 6:45. Bethsaida was situated at the place where the Jordan empties into the lake on the east side of the river. Compare the notes at Matthew 11:21. It is probable that he directed them to go in a ship or boat to Bethsaida, and…”

“14:23 Jesus often sought solitude in order to pray, particularly in conjunction with important events in his life and ministry (26:36-46; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:28).”

“he went: Mat 6:6, Mat 26:36; Mar 6:46; Luk 6:12; Act 6:4 he was: Joh 6:15-17 Matthew 14:24”