Mark 3:13 - Exposition

Into a mountain ; literally, into the mountain ( εἰς τὸ ὄρος ). Similarly, St. Luke ( Luke 6:12 ) says," He went out into the mountain to pray." The use of the definite article might either point to some well-known eminence, or to the high table-land as distinguished from the plain, and in which there would be many recesses, which would explain the use of the preposition Tradition indicates Mount Hatten as the place, about five miles to the west of the Sea of Galilee. The summit rises above a level space, where large numbers might stand within hearing. It is supposed, with good reason, that it was from thence that the sermon on the mount was delivered. It was at daybreak, as we learn from St. Luke ( Luke 6:13 ), after this night of prayer, that he called unto him whom he himself would ( οὓς ἤθελεν αὐτός ): and they went unto him ( καὶ ἀπῆλθον πρὸς ); literally, they went away to him , the word implying that they forsook their former pursuits. His own will was the motive power: he called "whom he himself would;" but their will consented. "When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will seek."