Section 781
III. Being so, she says, she "was in his eyes as one that found favor;" which may either respect
1st, The time[4305] of her becoming a wall, and having breasts like towers; then was I, or "from the time that I was in his eyes, as one that found favor or peace;" that is, I became a wall, was firmly built on Christ, established in the doctrine of faith, and formed into a church-state; had breasts, a settled ministry, and gospel-ordinances; which have continued with me ever since I found peace with Christ, which he made for me by the blood of his cross. Now this is certainly matter of fact, that from the time that Christ became "our peace," (Ephesians 2:14), the ceremonial law, which is there called "the middle wall of partition," which stood between Jew and Gentile, was removed; so that they both coalesced in one church-state, verse 14-16 and equally shared in all gospel-ordinances find privileges, verses 17-22, from that time the Gentile church began to be a church in gospel-order. Or else,
2dly, It may respect the time of the open manifestation of Christ's love, which was when she became a wall, and had breasts. It is true, he loved her before, even from eternity, with an everlasting love; but that was hidden and secret both to herself and others: but now her "breasts are fashioned;" he looked upon her, and her "time is the time of love;" he openly espouses her to himself, and lets all the world know, as well as herself, what favor she found in his sight: and it manifestly appears that she was sensible of it; and by expressing it, would signify, 1. That her being a wall and having breasts, were instances of his kindness to her; and indeed, it is an unspeakable mercy to have a gospel-ministry and gospel-ordinances (14:19, 20), "He shewed his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel: he hath not dealt so with any nation; and as for his judgments, they have not known them: praise ye the Lord:" if it was so great a favor for the people of Israel to have the law, on the account of which, they were called a "great nation:" what an instance of surprising and distinguishing grace is it, that we Gentiles should have the gospel and the ordinances thereof! The church here esteemed it a favor, and so should we. 2. She ascribes all these blessings and privileges which she was possessed of, to his grace and favor: Was she a wall? it was owing to him; and had she breasts? she acknowledges it as an instance of his regard to her; and was ready to say, with the apostle (1 Corinthians 15:10). "By the grace of God, I am what I am:" an excellent example for us to follow. 3. This phrase may be expressive of her gracious acceptation with Christ; thus Noah is said to have "found grace in the eyes of the Lord," (Genesis 6:8), the Gentiles, who were proselyted to the Jewish religion before the coming of Christ in the flesh, were like Esther, "standing in the court" alone, for they might not worship with the Jews; whom, when Christ looked upon, they "obtained favor in his sight;" and he held out the golden scepter of his grace, and admitted them to nearer communion with him; built them into a church-state, furnished them with gospel-ordinances, and graciously accepted both them and their services; he "took pleasure in these his people, and beautified the meek with salvation." 4. The enjoyment of the presence of God and Christ, is a very considerable instance and evidence of finding favor in his eyes: Moses desired to be ascertained of his having found grace in God's sight, by the enjoyment of this blessing (Exodus 33:15, 16), which he was graciously indulged with; and perhaps it is this which the church here had particularly in view; and a great mercy it was to have ordinances, and. the presence of Christ along with them, than which nothing can be more desirable and delightful. 5. The words may be rendered, "then was I in his eyes as one that found peace;" meaning that inward peace of conscience, and tranquillity of mind, which "passeth all understanding;" which she enjoyed in the midst of all her tribulations and sufferings for Christ; which he only gives, and which the world cannot take away; for if he "giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" 6. This word "favor or peace," may comprehend all these spiritual blessings, wherewith she was blessed in Christ Jesus; such as peace, reconciliation, justification, pardon of sin, sanctitication, adoption, etc., for he is "a sun and shield; he will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly," (Psalm 84:11). 7. The manifestation of Christ's love, which is the greatest blessing in life, may be here intended: hence says the Psalmist (Psalm 106:4), "Remember me, O Lord, with the favor that thou bearest unto thy people;" and no wonder that he should be so desirous of it; for "in his favor is life;" but not to enjoy it is death: O! how miserable will those be to all eternity, in whom that scripture will be verified (Isaiah 27:11), "He that made them, will not have mercy on them; and he that formed them, will shew them no favor!"