Matthew 14:24,25 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The ship was now in the midst of the sea— The disciples, having met with a contrary wind, could not keep their course to Bethsaida, which was situated north-wards, about a league or two from the desert mountain on which the miraculous dinner was given. If Bethsaida had been at a greater distance, Jesus would hardly have sent the disciples away; nor would the disciples probably have consented to go; but as it was only a few miles off, he could easily walk thither on foot. See the note on John 6:17. The disciples rowed therefore against the wind, to keep as near their course as possible, and were tossed violently up and down [Βασανιζομενοι] all night, and so had gotten only about one league from the shore, John 6:19 when towards the conclusion of the fourth watch, or about five o'clock in the morning, Jesus on the mountain looked at them; but they did not see their Master, though he beheld their distress, and was about to appear for their relief. See the Inferences. The Jewish night was divided into four watches, each containing about three or four hours, especiallyso near the equinox; the first began at six in theevening, the second at nine, the third at midnight, and the fourth at three in the morning. Calmet thinks that they learned this division from the Romans. Walking on the sea was thought so impracticable, that the picture of two feet walking on the sea was an Egyptian hieroglyphic for an impossibility; and in the Scripture it is mentioned as the prerogative of God, that he alone treadeth upon the waves of the sea, Job 9:8. Thus Jesus asserted and proved his Divinity. See Calmet's Dictionary under the word HOURS, and Grotius, and Beausobre and Lenfant.