Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 5:1

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:" — Matthew 5:1 (ASV)

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain:

For convenience, and quietude, and to be out of the way of traffic, he went up into a mountain. Elevated doctrines would seem most at home on the high places of the earth.

And when he was set,

For that was the mode of Eastern teaching,

His disciples came unto him:

They made the inner ring around him, and others gathered around them.

For retreat, fresh air, and wide space, the King seeks the hillside. It was suitable that such elevated ethics should be taught from a mountain. A natural hill suited His truthful teaching better than a pulpit of marble would have done.

Those who desired to follow Him as disciples gathered closely about the seated Rabbi, who occupied the throne of instruction in their midst; and then in outer circles the multitudes stood to listen.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

You notice that the Preacher sat down, and that his disciples stood around him. If you find it somewhat warm and trying tonight, remember that you have the best of it, for you sit while the speaker stands. Concerning our Lord, we read: When he was set, his disciples came unto him: –