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Psalms 133

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The Joy and Blessing of Communal Unity 1–3

1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! ​
2
It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments; ​
3
Like the dew of Hermon, That cometh down upon the mountains of Zion: For there Jehovah commanded the blessing, Even life for evermore. ​

Bible text: American Standard Version (1901) · Public domain

Study Notes for Psalms 133

Verse 1

brethren to dwell together in unity — Achim, brothers, and yashab yachad, to sit together, a phrase used of Abram and Lot, who 'could not dwell together' when their possessions were great (Gen 13:6), and of brothers sharing an inheritance (Deut 25:5). Christ names the sign of his disciples: 'if ye have love one to another' (John 13:35).

Verse 2

the precious ointment upon the head — The oil is the holy anointing oil of Exod 30:25, poured on Aaron's head at his consecration (Lev 8:12). It runs down the beard to 'the skirts of his garments', literally the 'mouth' of the garment, its opening, so that all of the priest is covered. The unity of brothers is the likeness drawn: oil that does not stay on the head alone.

Verse 3

the dew of Hermon — Hermon is the high northern mountain; the dew falls abundantly there and 'descended upon the mountains of Zion', far to the south. 'Commanded the blessing' (tsavah berakah) is the LORD's own ordering, as in 'The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses' (Deut 28:8). The blessing named is 'life for evermore' (olam).