Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 14:13

"Now when Jesus heard [it], he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard [thereof,] they followed him on foot from the cities." — Matthew 14:13 (ASV)

Verse 13 picks up the story from vv.1–2: When Jesus heard about Herod’s response to his preaching and miracles, he decided to withdraw. He had done so previously to escape the animosity of the Pharisees (12:15); he now does so to avoid Antipas. But it was usually impossible for Jesus to escape the crowds even when it was possible for him to leave a place.

They ran “on foot” around the top of the lake, presumably crossing the upper Jordan at a ford two miles north of where the river enters Galilee. They saw where Jesus was going and set out after him; but arriving first, they were already there when he landed with his tired disciples.