{He goeth up into the mountain} (anabainei eis to oros).
So Matthew ( Mt 5:1 ) and Luke ( Lu 6:12 ), "to pray" Luke adds.
Historical present so common in Mark's vivid narrative. Neither
Gospel gives the name of the mountain, assuming it as well known,
probably not far from the lake. {Whom he himself would} (hous
(8874)helen autos). Emphatic use of autos (himself) at end of
sentence. Whether by personal imitation or through the disciples
Jesus invites or calls to himself (proskaleitai, historical
middle present indicative) a select number out of the vast crowds
by the sea, those whom he really wished to be with him. {They
went off to him} (ap(886c)thon pros auton). Luke states that Jesus
"continued all night in prayer, to God." It was a crisis in the
ministry of Christ. This select group up in the hills probably
respected the long agony of Jesus though they did not comprehend
his motive. They formed a sort of spiritual body-guard around the
Master during his night vigil in the mountain.