Psalms 133:2

[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;

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};

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.

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

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;

Psalms 133:2 KJV vividly illustrates the profound blessing and beauty of unity among God's people by comparing it to the sacred anointing oil used for the consecration of priests in ancient Israel. This verse is part of a short, powerful psalm, often called a "Song of Ascents," which praises the virtue of communal harmony.

Context

Psalm 133 is a hymn celebrating the goodness of unity. The preceding verse, Psalm 133:1, declares, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Verse 2 then provides a rich, sensory metaphor to explain *how* good and pleasant this unity is—likening it to a sacred oil flowing freely and abundantly.

Key Themes

  • The Value of Unity: Describing unity as "precious ointment" underscores its immense worth and divine origin. It is not cheap or common but something highly valued and set apart.
  • Consecration and Blessing: The anointing oil was central to the consecration of priests and the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence, blessing, and the setting apart for holy service. The unity of believers carries a similar divine endorsement and brings spiritual richness.
  • Pervasive Influence: The oil flowing from Aaron's head, down his beard, and to the "skirts of his garments" signifies that the blessing of unity is not superficial or limited to leaders but permeates every part of the community, reaching even the most humble members.

Linguistic and Historical Insights

The "precious ointment" refers specifically to the holy anointing oil (Hebrew: shemen hamishchah, or simply shemen hatov for "good oil"), whose precise composition was divinely prescribed in Exodus 30:22-25. This was not ordinary oil but a specially prepared, fragrant blend used exclusively for consecrating the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. Its sacredness was emphasized by strict prohibitions against its common use.

The imagery of it flowing down "Aaron's beard" and to the "skirts of his garments" directly references the anointing of Aaron as the first High Priest of Israel, an event detailed in Leviticus 8:12. This anointing was a lavish, complete act, signifying his full dedication and empowerment for his priestly office. The abundance of the oil symbolized the fullness of God's blessing and the Holy Spirit poured out upon him for his sacred duties.

Related Scriptures

  • The importance of unity is a recurring theme in Scripture, echoing in the New Testament, such as in Ephesians 4:3, which urges believers to "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
  • The concept of anointing in the Old Testament foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, enabling believers for service and consecrating them as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to actively pursue and cherish unity within their families, churches, and communities. Just as the anointing oil brought consecration and blessing, so does genuine unity among God's people bring a unique presence and favor from God. It suggests that true unity is not merely superficial agreement but a spiritual state that brings life and blessing, flowing from the "head" (Christ) through all members of His body, enriching everyone involved.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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