Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 8:24

"And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep." — Matthew 8:24 (ASV)

The narrative moves forward from v.18; the order to cross the lake to escape the crowd is now carried out. The “boat” here is doubtless a fishing boat, big enough for a dozen or more men and a good catch of fish, but not large, and without sails. The story that follows is primarily a miracle story with Christological implications (see comment on vv.26–27).

It is well known that violent squalls develop quickly on Lake Galilee. The surface is more than six hundred feet below sea level, and the rapidly rising hot air draws violent winds whose cold air churns up the water. Those among Jesus’ contemporaries who really knew the OT would remember that in it God is presented as the one who controls and stills the seas (cf. Job 38:8–11; Pss 29:3– 4, 10–11; 65:5–7; et al.).