When Jesus heard of it] Mark 6:32. Luke 9. 10. Of Johns death, or of Herods hearing of the fame of him by the miracles which he did, v. 1. which were done after Johns death, v. 2. he departed thence] From his own countrey, chap. 13. 53. or, from the place where he was told of Johns death. into a desert place, apart] From the parts of Galilee, more frequented, to a more solitary place, to shun Herods lying in wait for him: for the time of his death was not yet come. So chap. 4. 12. and 12. 14, 15. they followed him on foot] So they might; for both those places were on the same side of the lake. He onely went over a creek by ship, and the people went about on foot. See their zeal! They go assoon as they hear he was gone; they go a great way about on foot, and leave the cities where they dwelt, and where provision might be had, to follow Christ in desert places.