SEV Biblia, Chapter 14:23
Y despedida la multitud, subi en el monte, apartado, a orar; y cuando lleg la tarde del día, estaba allí solo.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Matthew 14:23
Verse 23. He went up into a mountain apart, to pray] He whom God has employed in a work of mercy had need to return, by prayer, as speedily, to his Maker, as he can, lest he should be tempted to value himself on account of that in which he has no merit-for the good that is done upon earth, the Lord doth it alone. Some make this part of our Lord's conduct emblematic of the spirit and practice of prayer, and observe that the proper dispositions and circumstances for praying well are: 1. Retirement from the world. 2. Elevation of the heart to God. 3. Solitude. 4.
The silence and quiet of the night. It Is certain that in this also Christ has left us an example that we should follow his steps. Retirement from the world is often a means of animating, supporting, and spiritualizing prayer.
Other society should be shut out, when a soul comes to converse with God.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 23. And when he had sent the multitudes away , etc.] Had ordered them at least to go away; for, it seems, according to ( 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, ( 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 concerned about this notion of a temporal kingdom, that his disciples and others were so fond of; and pray that his disciples might be convinced of their mistake, and that the people might be hindered from prosecuting their designs. His going up into a mountain and praying there, were quite contrary to the canons of the Jews; which forbid praying in places ever so little raised. Let not a man stand (say they f857 ) hwbg wqmb , in an high place, and pray, but in a low place and pray; as it is said, Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord, ( <19D001> Psalm 130:1). It is a tradition, that a man may not stand, neither upon a throne, nor upon a footstool, nor in any high place and pray, because there are no high places before God.
This rule is delivered by Maimonides f858 , in this form: A man may not stand in a place that is three hands high, or more, and pray, neither upon a bed, nor upon a seat, nor upon a throne.
But Christ did not look upon himself obliged, by these traditions of the elders; but chose such places, whether high or low, which were most private and retired. And when evening was come ; when it was now dark, ( John 6:17) when the second evening was come and ended; (see Matthew 14:15) and it was properly night, he was there alone ; in the mountain, where he continued the greatest part of the night, even until the fourth watch.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 22-33 - Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and i pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ' disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby show himself with the more grace to them and for them. He can take what wa he pleases to save his people. But even appearances of deliveranc sometimes occasion trouble and perplexity to God's people, from mistakes about Christ. Nothing ought to affright those that have Chris near them, and know he is theirs; not death itself. Peter walked upo the water, not for diversion or to boast of it, but to go to Jesus; an in that he was thus wonderfully borne up. Special supports ar promised, and are to be expected, but only in spiritual pursuits; no can we ever come to Jesus, unless we are upheld by his power. Chris bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and s know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. When we loo off from Christ, and look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. Christ is the great Saviour; those who would be saved, must come to him, and cry to him, for salvation; we are neve brought to this, till we find ourselves sinking: the sense of nee drives us to him. He rebuked Peter. Could we but believe more, we should suffer less. The weakness of faith, and the prevailing of ou doubts, displease our Lord Jesus, for there is no good reason wh Christ's disciples should be of a doubtful mind. Even in a stormy da he is to them a very present help. None but the world's Creator coul multiply the loaves, none but its Governor could tread upon the water of the sea: the disciples yield to the evidence, and confess their faith. They were suitably affected, and worshipped Christ. He tha comes to God, must believe; and he that believes in God, will come, He 11:6.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ απολυσας 630 5660 V-AAP-NSM τους 3588 T-APM οχλους 3793 N-APM ανεβη 305 5627 V-2AAI-3S εις 1519 PREP το 3588 T-ASN ορος 3735 N-ASN κατ 2596 PREP ιδιαν 2398 A-ASF προσευξασθαι 4336 5664 V-ADN οψιας 3798 A-GSF δε 1161 CONJ γενομενης 1096 5637 V-2ADP-GSF μονος 3441 A-NSM ην 2258 5713 V-IXI-3S εκει 1563 ADV
Robertson's NT Word Studies
14:23 {Into the mountain} (eis to oros). After the dismissal of the crowd Jesus went up alone into the mountain on the eastern side of the lake to pray as he often did go to the mountains to pray. If ever he needed the Father's sympathy, it was now. The masses were wild with enthusiasm and the disciples wholly misunderstood him. The Father alone could offer help now.
