Albert Barnes on Matthew 13:1-2

The sea side. This was the sea of Tiberias. The multitude stood on the shore near to him, so that he could be easily heard. He went into a ship--that is, a boat--and sat down to address them. Few spectacles could be more interesting than a vast crowd, on the banks of a smooth and tranquil sea--an emblem of his instructions-- and the Son of God addressing them on the great interests of eternity.