Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:22-23

"And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away. And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone." — Matthew 14:22-23 (ASV)

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. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray.

It was a very busy day that he had had. If you read the narrative for yourself, you will be astonished at the number of miracles which he performed that day, and all of them in addition to the preaching. Therefore, he must have been exhausted, but he sought the rest and refreshment of prayer rather than that of sleep.