Psalms 133:2

KJV

[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;

KJV (with Strong's)

It is like the precious {H2896} ointment {H8081} upon the head {H7218}, that ran down {H3381} upon the beard {H2206}, even Aaron's {H175} beard {H2206}: that went down {H3381} to the skirts {H6310} of his garments {H4060};

Complete Jewish Bible

It is like fragrant oil on the head that runs down over the beard, over the beard of Aharon, and flows down on the collar of his robes.

Berean Standard Bible

It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 133:2 beautifully illustrates the profound blessedness and pervasive influence of unity among God's people by likening it to the sacred anointing oil. This precious oil, poured lavishly upon the head of Aaron, the High Priest, flowed down his beard and even to the very fringes of his priestly garments, symbolizing a complete and overflowing consecration. The verse, therefore, paints a vivid picture of how true spiritual unity, originating from God, saturates and blesses every part of the community, from its leadership to its most humble members, setting them apart for holy service and divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 133 is a "Song of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection of fifteen short psalms likely sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms often emphasize themes of journey, community, and divine blessing. Psalm 133 stands out for its singular focus on unity. The preceding verse, [Psalms 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity"), sets the stage with an exclamation: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Verse 2 then immediately follows, providing a rich, sensory metaphor to elaborate on *how* good and pleasant this unity truly is, grounding the abstract concept of unity in a tangible, sacred image familiar to the Israelite worshiper. The psalm concludes in [Psalms 133:3](/psalms/133-3 "Psalm 133:3 - The Dew of Hermon and the Lord's Blessing") by comparing unity to the dew of Hermon and promising the Lord's blessing, even life forevermore, further underscoring its divine origin and eternal significance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Psalms 133:2 directly references the anointing of Aaron as the first High Priest of Israel, an event detailed in [Leviticus 8:12](/leviticus/8-12 "Leviticus 8:12 - Aaron's Consecration"). The "precious ointment" is the holy anointing oil, whose specific, divinely prescribed composition is found in [Exodus 30:22-25](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-25 - The Holy Anointing Oil"). This was not ordinary oil but a sacred, fragrant blend used exclusively for consecrating the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. Its lavish application, flowing from Aaron's head, down his beard, and to the "skirts of his garments," symbolized a complete and undeniable setting apart for holy service. In ancient Israel, anointing with oil signified consecration, divine appointment, and the impartation of spiritual authority and blessing. The High Priest, as the mediator between God and the people, embodied the spiritual health and unity of the nation. Therefore, the oil's pervasive flow symbolized that the divine blessing and consecration extended from the consecrated leader to the entire community he represented.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Value and Beauty of Unity**, presenting it not as a mere sociological ideal but as a divinely ordained and precious spiritual state. The comparison to sacred oil elevates unity to something consecrated and highly esteemed by God. Secondly, it underscores **Consecration and Divine Blessing**. The anointing oil was intrinsically linked to God's presence, the setting apart for holy service, and the impartation of divine power. Thus, unity among believers is portrayed as a conduit for God's blessing and a sign of His presence. Thirdly, the imagery emphasizes **Pervasive Influence and Inclusivity**. The oil's journey from Aaron's head to the very "skirts of his garments" signifies that the blessing of unity is not confined to leadership or a select few but permeates every level and member of the community, reaching even the most humble, ensuring that all partake in its richness. This pervasive flow suggests that true unity is comprehensive, touching every aspect of communal life and blessing all who are part of it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **precious (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) carries a broad meaning of "good" in its widest sense, encompassing beauty, favor, pleasantness, and excellence. When applied to the "ointment," it signifies not just its material value but its inherent goodness, pleasantness, and suitability for its sacred purpose. It denotes something highly esteemed, beneficial, and divinely approved, underscoring the immense worth attributed to the unity it symbolizes.
* **ointment (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** This term (H8081) refers to oil, often perfumed, specifically "grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed)." In this context, it unequivocally points to the sacred anointing oil, a substance meticulously prepared and reserved for holy purposes. It symbolizes consecration, blessing, and the divine presence, making it a potent metaphor for the spiritual nature of unity.
* **ran down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This primitive root (H3381) means "to descend" or "to go downwards." Its use here emphasizes the abundant, flowing nature of the oil. It wasn't merely dabbed on but poured lavishly, signifying an overflowing, unreserved impartation of blessing and consecration. The continuous downward movement implies a comprehensive and pervasive effect, reaching every part.
* **skirts (Hebrew, _peh'_):** While primarily meaning "mouth" (H6310), this word also denotes "edge, portion or side," and specifically, as used here, "skirt." It refers to the hem or lower edge of the priestly garments. This detail is crucial, as it signifies the oil's journey to the very extremity of Aaron's attire, representing the furthest reach of the blessing and consecration. It implies that the unity's blessing extends to every part of the community, even its most peripheral or humble members.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[It is] like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, [even] Aaron's beard:** The psalm begins by establishing a simile, comparing unity to the "precious ointment" (the holy anointing oil). The initial application is "upon the head," specifically the head of Aaron, the High Priest. This signifies the source and origin of the blessing – from the consecrated leader, representing the divine appointment and spiritual authority. The oil's movement "down upon the beard" emphasizes its abundance and visible flow, indicating a generous and undeniable outpouring. The specific mention of "Aaron's beard" grounds the metaphor in a historically significant and sacred event, the consecration of Israel's first High Priest, making the image deeply resonant for the Israelite audience.
* **"that went down to the skirts of his garments;":** This final clause completes the imagery of the oil's pervasive flow. It describes the oil continuing its descent from Aaron's beard, past his chest, and all the way to the "skirts" or hem of his priestly robes. This detail is crucial for understanding the extent of the blessing. It illustrates that the sacred anointing, symbolizing divine consecration and blessing, was not confined to Aaron's head or even his upper body, but permeated his entire being and attire. Metaphorically, this signifies that the blessing of unity, flowing from the "head" (leaders, or ultimately God), extends to and saturates every part of the community, reaching even its most distant or humble members. It speaks to a comprehensive, all-encompassing, and deeply permeating blessing that leaves no part untouched.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 133:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Simile**, explicitly stating that unity "is like" the precious anointing oil. This comparison immediately draws upon a rich cultural and religious understanding of consecration and divine blessing. The anointing oil itself functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing God's presence, the Holy Spirit, divine favor, and the setting apart for sacred service. The detailed description of the oil flowing from Aaron's head, down his beard, and to the skirts of his garments, while literal in the context of anointing, also functions as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the parts (head, beard, skirts) represent the whole person and, by extension, the entire community. The lavishness implied by the oil reaching the "skirts of his garments" suggests a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme abundance, emphasizing the overflowing nature of the blessing that accompanies true unity. This rich tapestry of imagery transforms an abstract concept like unity into a tangible, sensory experience, making its value and impact deeply felt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The imagery of the anointing oil in Psalms 133:2 carries profound theological weight, extending beyond its immediate Old Testament context. It foreshadows the ultimate anointing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the "Anointed One" par excellence, upon whom the Spirit was poured without measure. Just as the oil flowed from Aaron, the High Priest, to his garments, symbolizing a pervasive consecration, so too does the blessing and anointing of Christ, our great High Priest, flow down to His body, the Church. This unity, therefore, is not merely a human endeavor but a divine reality, a spiritual anointing that empowers and blesses the entire community of faith. It speaks to the Holy Spirit's work in binding believers together, making them a consecrated people set apart for God's purposes, and ensuring that the divine favor rests upon them collectively.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit") - Urges believers to "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," echoing the value placed on unity in Psalm 133.
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") - Describes believers as a "royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people," reflecting the Old Testament concept of consecration and the extension of priestly anointing to all God's people.
* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity") - Jesus' high priestly prayer for the unity of His followers, "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us," directly connects the desire for unity to the divine nature and purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 133:2 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound spiritual value and tangible blessing that accompanies genuine unity among God's people. It challenges us to move beyond superficial agreement to a deeper, Spirit-infused harmony, recognizing that such unity is not merely pleasant but consecrated by God Himself. When believers dwell together in unity, it creates an atmosphere where God's presence is palpable, His blessings flow abundantly, and His purposes are advanced. This calls for intentional effort to cultivate humility, mutual respect, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to Christ, allowing the "oil" of the Spirit to permeate every relationship and aspect of communal life. We are encouraged to actively pursue peace and reconciliation, understanding that our unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a conduit for divine favor that extends to every member, from the most prominent to the most humble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does a lack of unity hinder the flow of God's blessing in our families, churches, or communities?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to contribute to the "precious ointment" of unity in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does the imagery of the oil flowing to the "skirts of his garments" challenge my understanding of inclusivity and the reach of God's blessing within the body of Christ?**
* **Considering the sacredness of the anointing oil, how does this verse elevate my perception of the importance of unity in the church today?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "precious ointment" in ancient Israel?**
Answer: The "precious ointment" refers to the holy anointing oil, whose precise ingredients were divinely prescribed in [Exodus 30:22-25](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-25 - The Composition of the Holy Anointing Oil"). This oil was not for common use but was exclusively reserved for the consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. Its significance lay in its role as a symbol of God's presence, a sign of divine appointment, and an impartation of holiness and blessing. To be anointed with this oil meant to be set apart for sacred service and empowered by God's Spirit.

**Why is Aaron specifically mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: Aaron was the first High Priest of Israel, consecrated by Moses at God's command (as detailed in [Leviticus 8:12](/leviticus/8-12 "Leviticus 8:12 - Aaron's Anointing as High Priest")). His anointing was a foundational event in Israel's religious history, establishing the priesthood. By referencing Aaron, the psalm grounds the metaphor of unity in a universally recognized and deeply sacred act of consecration. It emphasizes that the unity described is not merely human agreement but a divinely ordained and consecrated state, flowing from the spiritual headship established by God.

**What does it mean for the oil to go "down to the skirts of his garments"?**
Answer: This imagery emphasizes the completeness and pervasiveness of the anointing. The "skirts of his garments" refers to the very hem or lower edge of Aaron's priestly robes. The fact that the oil flowed so abundantly, from his head all the way down to the bottom of his attire, signifies that the consecration and blessing were total and all-encompassing. In the context of unity, it means that the blessing of unity is not superficial or limited to leaders, but saturates and benefits every single member of the community, reaching even the most humble or peripheral individuals, ensuring that all partake in its richness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 133:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). Just as Aaron was anointed with oil, Jesus, the Messiah (meaning "Anointed One"), was uniquely anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Given Without Measure")). This anointing empowered Him for His priestly, prophetic, and kingly ministry ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Anointing for Ministry")). The "precious ointment" of the Spirit, poured out upon Christ, the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ, the Head of the Church")), now flows down to His body, the Church, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). This divine anointing unites believers into one body, making them a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), consecrated and empowered for God's purposes. Thus, the unity described in Psalm 133 is not merely an ideal, but a spiritual reality made possible by Christ's anointing and the Spirit's work, ensuring that the blessings of His headship permeate every "skirt" or member of His unified body, the Church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 8:12

And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

Exodus 30:25

And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.

Exodus 30:30

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that [they] may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 29:7

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour [it] upon his head, and anoint him.

Proverbs 27:9

¶ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Exodus 39:24

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, [and] twined [linen].

Song Of Solomon 1:3

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.