{Withdrew to the sea} (anech(9372)(8873)en eis t(886e) thalassan).
Evidently Jesus knew of the plot to kill him, "perceiving it"
( Mt 12:15 ). "He and His would be safer by the open beach"
(Swete). He has the disciples with him. Vincent notes that on
eleven occasions Mark mentions the withdrawals of Jesus to escape
his enemies, for prayer, for rest, for private conference with
his disciples ( 1:12  3:7  6:31,46  7:24,31  9:2  10:1  14:34 ).
But, as often, a great multitude (polu pl(8874)hos) from Galilee
followed him.