Section 732
II. Let us now consider the effects of Christ's going up into his palm-tree
And we find two of them mentioned in this verse, and a third in the following one:
1st, The church's breasts become like "clusters of the vine;" that is, of grapes which grow in clusters on the vine:[4189] which words may be considered, either as a wish, and be read thus, "and now let thy breasts be as the clusters of the vine;"[4190] or else, as a promise that they should be so; which accordingly was effected by his granting his presence to her, which filled her breasts, and made them like clusters of the vine. By which may be meant, either, 1. The ministers of the gospel; who not only direct men where the wine and milk of gospel-grace may be had, and invite them to it, but do also themselves feed them with "the sincere milk of the word;" with which they are filled, by Christ's granting his presence to them in their studies and meditations; and are brought forth by him at proper opportunities, laden with "the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ;" so that these breasts look like clusters of the vine. Or, 2. By them may be meant the ordinances; which are "breasts of consolation" to God's people, When they have the presence of Christ in them, otherwise they are but dry breasts; it is that which fills them with milk for nourishment, and with wine for refreshment. Or, 3. The two Testaments, with those dusters of excellent doctrines and precious promises that are in them; which, when men have the presence of Christ, either in the hearing or reading of them, yield them much delight and comfort, though at other times they are but as a dead letter. Though, 4. This may in general intend that influence, which Christ's presence has on the fruitfulness of his people; it is this which makes them fat and flourishing, brisk, and lively in the exercise of grace, fruitful in every good word and work; so that they g row and thrive in every grace, and are not barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
2dly, Another effect of Christ's going up into his palm-tree, or of his presence in his church, is, that "the smell of her nose" thereby becomes like that of apples. Formerly it was usual to anoint the nostrils,[4191] which was reckoned very healthful and refreshing to the head; as well as was done, that they might give the more agreeable smell: and some sort of ointments, it seems, gave a smell like that of apples, which in some is very grateful and delightful; and Cicero[4192] observes, that the plenty and variety of apples, their pleasant taste and smell, show that they were only made for men: and indeed there was an ointment made of them, called melinum; so that the nostrils being anointed with it, might well be said to smell like apples; and which was accounted one of the best.[4193] By which apples may be meant, either, 1. The refreshing doctrines of the gospel from Christ's ministers; who are the church's nose, and are capable of distinguishing truth from error: these doctrines which they preach, when fitly spoken, seasonably applied, and attended with the power and presence of Christ to poor souls, are like "apples of gold in pictures of silver;" nay, not only like apples for sight, being beautiful to look upon, but also for smell; for these diffuse a sweet savor of the knowledge of Christ in the souls of his people. Or else, 2. The fame and report of the church's faith, piety and courage, which was spread far and near; her faith, for its strength and purity, is compared in verse 4 to "a tower of ivory;" and her courage and magnanimity in defending, this faith against all opposition, is expressed by her nose, being "as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh towards Damascus:" now the smell, fame or report of all this, like the smell of apples, was diffused abroad, and gained her credit and reputation, even from others; she having, like those heroes, in 40, "obtained a good report through faith." Or, 3. It may be expressive both of her outward conversation and inward constitution, which were both sound and healthful; she had an inward principle of grace, from whence proceeded a savory conversation without; the hidden man of her heart, was that which is not corruptible, which sent forth, not a nauseous, but a grateful odor; no rotten nor corrupt communication proceeds from hence, but what is not only edifying to others, but grateful to Christ; and nothing has a greater influence than the presence of Christ, to make her inward constitution and outward conversation so. Though, 4. This may intend the savoriness of those things which she smelt, which were as grateful to her as the smell of apples: thus spiritual and heavenly thinks, the divine truths and excellent doctrines of the gospel, are exceeding savory to believers, especially when they have the presence of Christ, the discoveries of his love, and the quickening influences of his Spirit. The third effect follows in the next verse.