Called his disciples. [Feeding the Four Thousand, Matt. 15:32-39=Mark 8:1-10. Major comment: Matthew. See Retirement from Public Ministry; The Ministry of Our Lord; on miracles pp. 208-213.] For events immediately preceding this see on v. 15:21. For the vicinity of this miracle, and for a previous miracle in the same locality and the relationship between the two incidents, see on Mark 5:1, 18-20. For a comparison of the two incidents see Additional Note at end of chapter. The time was probably early summer, A.D. 30, perhaps late June or early July.
Have compassion. The Saviour is ever touched by human suffering and woe (Heb. 4:15).
Multitude. Mostly if not exclusively Gentiles (DA 405). Originally prejudiced against Jesus, they now seem not only friendly but intensely interested in what He has to say.
Three days. According to Oriental reckoning this would be one full day, and any parts of the day preceding and of the day following (see pp. 248-250). The people had brought food for at least one, if not two, days, for Jesus felt no concern until the third day.
I will not. Literally, “I am not willing.”
Lest they faint. They were hungry, and Jesus was concerned about their physical well-being, as He had been about their spiritual welfare.