Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 14:22

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Mark saith, Ch. 6.45. before, unto, or over against Bethsaida, Chri[illegible: 1 letter]t is said to have [illegible: 1 word] thempunc; to denote to us, that they were not very wil[illegible: 1 letter]ing to go. They were in a desert place, it was towards night, the Day was far spent ere he wrought the Miracle before mentioned. Probably they were both to leave Chri[illegible: 1 letter]t alone, in such a place, and at such a time. But his Command was obeyed. Probably he Commanded, 1. That he might better scatter the Multitude, Mar. 6.45. 2. That he might prevent a Tumult, for St. Iohn tells us, That the People had a design, to take him by force and make him a King, Iohn 6.15. 3. To make away for another Miracle, to which their going by Sea gave occasion, as we shall hear by and by. 4. To gain himself a private opportunity for Prayer, for Mark 6.46. When he had sent them away, he departed into a Mountain to Pray. So also saith our Evangelist.