Section 749
IV. These fruits are also said to be at their gates
Which is mentioned, 1. In opposition to the mandrakes which grew in the field; which appears to be a field-plant, from Genesis 30:14, where it is said, that "Reuben went in the days of wheat-harvest, and found mandrakes in the field;" but these fruits here grew at their very doors. 2. It may be an allusion to a custom of the eastern countries, in garnishing the doors of new-married persons with fruits and flowers; and not only at nuptial feasts, but at other festivals also;[4238] which made it very inviting to go within. 3. It may also signify, that these fruits were near at hand; there was no occasion to go far for them; they were even at the door, as the judge is said to be (James 5:9), 4. It may denote the publicness of them: they are not hid in secret, but exposed to public view; as the graces and good works of the saints should be; " Let your light," says our Lord (Matthew 5:16), "shine before men," etc. as well as the doctrines of the gospel, which are not to be spoken in a corner, but to be divulged upon the house-top. 5. By these gates may be meant, the means and ordinances of the gospel, where those fruits may be had; and it is therefore an encouragement to souls to "watch daily at wisdom's gates, waiting at the posts of her door:" so some Jewish[4239] writers interpret them of their synagogues and schools.