*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
And when he had sent (x) them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
(x) His disciples.
And when he had sent them away,.... Either his disciples, or rather the multitude:
he departed into a mountain to pray: after his disciples were gone, and he had dismissed the people, he went from the desert where he had been, up into a mountain; being a retired place, to spend some time in private prayer to God; See Gill on Matthew 14:23.
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray--thus at length getting that privacy and rest which He had vainly sought during the earlier part of the day; opportunity also to pour out His soul in connection with the extraordinary excitement in His favor that evening--which appears to have marked the zenith of His reputation, for it began to decline the very next day; and a place whence He might watch the disciples on the lake, pray for them in their extremity, and observe the right time for coming to them, in a new manifestation of His glory, on the sea.
*More commentary available at chapter level.