Matthew 14

14:1 Herod Antipas’s official title was tetrarch (ruler of a fourth part of a kingdom) of Galilee and Perea (4 BC—AD 39; see 2:19-22). Jesus referred to Antipas as “that fox” (Luke 13:32), and John the Baptist justly condemned him for adultery (Matt 14:3-12; Luke 3:19-20).

14:2 There was a rumor that John had been resurrected (see 16:14).

14:3-12 The popular appeal of John’s message posed a political threat (see Josephus, Antiquities 18.5.2). Years after John’s execution, the Jews viewed Herod’s military defeat at the hands of Aretas (AD 36) as a just recompense for putting an innocent man to death.

14:4 John had continually warned Herod of his sin (see Lev 18:6; 20:21).

14:6 Herodias’s daughter was probably Salome, a daughter from Herodias’s previous marriage to Philip. Sexually provocative dances such as this were a regular occurrence for depraved royalty.

14:7 Such an extravagant, foolish oath was consistent with Herod Antipas’s character.

14:8 The practice of bringing a head . . . on a tray was not unknown in the ancient world (see Josephus, Antiquities 13.4.8; 14.15.13; 18.5.1; 20.5.1).

14:13-21 Jesus’ actions consistently fulfilled Old Testament promises regarding the Kingdom and the Messiah (11:5-6; 12:28). Here Jesus evoked the memory of God’s provision of manna for the Israelites (Exod 16; see John 6:32), demonstrating that he is the promised end-time prophet (see Deut 18:15-16).

14:21 5,000 men . . . in addition to all the women and children: The count was of families, denoted by heads of households, rather than individuals.

14:22-33 Jesus’ power over nature presented the disciples with the opportunity to trust in him as the Son of God (14:33; see also 8:23-27; Ps 8:6; Heb 2:8-9).14:22 After the miraculous feeding, the crowds sought to make Jesus king (John 6:15), prompting his withdrawal because it was not the appropriate time.

14:23 Jesus often sought solitude in order to pray, particularly in conjunction with important events in his life and ministry (26:36-46; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:28).

14:25 About three o’clock in the morning: Literally In the fourth watch of the night. This was approximately 3:00–6:00 am by Roman reckoning. • The fact that Jesus came . . . walking on the water demonstrates God’s sovereign reign over the stormy waters (see Job 9:8; Ps 77:19; Isa 43:16).

14:27 I am here: Literally I am. This declaration is associated with the appearance of God himself (see also John 8:24; 18:5-6; cp. Exod 3:14).

14:34-36 On the purpose of Jesus’ miracles, see study notes on Matt 11:5; 12:28.