Psalms133
New International Version
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
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Psalms 133Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 133. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The excellency of brotherly love. (1-3).
vv1-3
We cannot say too much, it were well if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in peace. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it brings blessings numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the dews cool the air and refresh the earth. It moistens the heart, and makes it fit to receive the good seed of the word, and to make it fruitful. See the proof of the excellency of brotherly love: where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing. God commands the blessing; man can but beg a blessing. Believers that live in love and peace, shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall shortly be with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace. May all who love the Lord forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
טוֹב: good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)
נָעִים: delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)
אָח: a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father))
יָשַׁב: properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יַחַד: properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly
שֶׁמֶן: grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
רֹאשׁ: the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Psalms 133Direct reference to the holy anointing oil for Aaron and his sons, detailing its composition.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The pouring of the anointing oil on Aaron's head to sanctify him, illustrating the visual metaphor.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Lord commanding the blessing, paralleling the language of God's sovereignly decreed favor.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Abram's plea to Lot that there be no strife, because 'we be brethren' in unity.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhortation to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace among brethren.
Supported by John Calvin
The believers gathered 'with one accord in one place,' demonstrating New Testament brotherly unity.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Geographical parallel linking Mount Hermon specifically with Mount Zion (Sion) in Deuteronomy.
Supported by Matthew Poole