Full text for Psalms Chapter 133
1¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2[It is] like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, [even] Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.
Psalm 133 extols the profound goodness and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity. It likens this harmonious state to the precious anointing oil upon Aaron's head, flowing down to his garments, symbolizing consecration and divine favor. Furthermore, unity is compared to the life-giving dew of Hermon descending upon Zion, where the Lord bestows blessing and eternal life.
Psalm 133, a Song of degrees by David, opens by declaring the exceptional goodness and pleasantness when brethren reside in unity. This communal harmony is first vividly compared to the sacred anointing oil poured upon Aaron's head during his consecration. This precious ointment, flowing down his beard and even to the skirts of his priestly garments, signifies a complete and pervasive blessing from God. The psalm then offers a second powerful simile, likening unity to the refreshing and life-sustaining dew of Hermon. This dew, descending upon the mountains of Zion, points to a divine source of nourishment and vitality. It is specifically in this context of unity that the Lord is said to command the blessing, which includes the promise of life for evermore, underscoring the spiritual and eternal benefits of such fellowship.
Psalm 133, attributed to David and designated a Song of degrees, commences with an exclamation celebrating the profound goodness and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity. The psalmist emphasizes that this state of communal harmony is not merely agreeable but possesses an inherent virtue and delight. To illustrate this profound blessing, the psalm employs two distinct yet complementary similes. First, it likens the experience of unity to the precious anointing oil that was poured upon the head of Aaron, the high priest, during his consecration. This sacred oil, symbolizing divine appointment and blessing, did not remain solely on his head but flowed luxuriantly down his beard, extending even to the very skirts of his priestly garments, indicating a comprehensive and pervasive anointing. This imagery suggests that unity brings a sanctifying and unifying presence that permeates the entire community, much like the oil covered Aaron from head to foot. The second simile compares unity to the life-giving dew of Hermon. This abundant dew, known for its refreshing and fertilizing properties, is depicted as descending upon the mountains of Zion. This comparison highlights the refreshing, nourishing, and vitalizing effect of unity, suggesting that it brings spiritual sustenance and growth. The psalm culminates by stating that it is precisely in this context of unity, symbolized by the dew upon Zion, that the LORD commands the blessing. This divine command is not a mere suggestion but an authoritative decree, promising a profound and enduring favor. Crucially, this commanded blessing includes "life for evermore," elevating the benefits of unity beyond temporal well-being to eternal significance, underscoring its ultimate spiritual reward.
