See the Matthew 14:13-21 notes, and Mark 6:30-44 notes.

Luke 9:10

Bethsaida - A city on the east bank of the river Jordan, near where the river enters into the Sea of Tiberias. In the neighborhood of that city were extensive wastes or deserts.

Told him all - Related distinctly - διηγησαντο, from δια, through, and ἡγεομαι, I:declare: hence the whole of this Gospel, because of its relating every thing so particularly, is termed διηγησις, Luke 1:1, a particular and circumstantially detailed narration. See on Mark 6:30 (note).

And the apostles, when they were returned,.... From the several parts of the land where they had been sent, and had been preaching and working miracles, having gone through their circuit, and finished the service they were sent to do:

told him all they had done; what doctrines they had taught, how they had been received, and what success they met with, what miracles they had wrought, how they had dispossessed devils, and healed all sorts of diseases:

and he took them and went aside privately; by ship, over some part of the sea of Galilee; See Gill on Mark 6:32.

into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida; the city of Andrew and Peter, John 1:44, and which, as Josephus (r) says, was by the lake of Gennesaret, and by Philip called Julias; and this desert place was the desert of Bethsaida, a lonely, wild, uncultivated, and desolate place, not far from it. Hither Christ went with his disciples, that they might be retired and alone, and have some refreshment and rest from their labours, and where they might privately converse together; and he give them some fresh instructions, and directions, and comfort.

(r) Antiqu. l. 18. c. 3.

Declared (διηγήσαντο)

Related everything throughout (διά). See on Luke 8:39; and Luke 1:1.

Bethsaida

Peculiar to Luke. It means Fishing-place.

Healed (ἰᾶτο) them that had need of healing (θεραπείας)

See on Luke 5:15.

{3} And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a {c} desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

(3) They that follow Christ will lack nothing, not even in the wilderness.

(c) The word signifies a desert: note, this was not in the town Bethsaida, but part of the fields belonging to the town.

9:10-17 Went aside privately. For the feeding of the five thousand, see notes on Mt 14:13-27 Mr 6:30-44 Joh 6:1-21.

A desert place. Near Bethsaida, on the eastern shore of the Jordan.

Bethsaida. Near the mouth of the Jordan into the Sea of Galilee.

9:10 Mr 6:30.

Lu 9:10-17. On the Return of the Twelve Jesus Retires with Them to Bethsaida, and There Miraculously Feeds Five Thousand.

(See on [1608]Mr 6:31-44).

9:10-17 The people followed Jesus, and though they came unseasonably, yet he gave them what they came for. He spake unto them of the kingdom of God. He healed those who had need of healing. And with five loaves of bread and two fishes, Christ fed five thousand men. He will not see those that fear him, and serve him faithfully, want any good thing. When we receive creature-comforts, we must acknowledge that we receive them from God, and that we are unworthy to receive them; that we owe them all, and all the comfort we have in them, to the mediation of Christ, by whom the curse is taken away. The blessing of Christ will make a little go a great way. He fills every hungry soul, abundantly satisfies it with the goodness of his house. Here were fragments taken up: in our Father's house there is bread enough, and to spare. We are not straitened, nor stinted in Christ.