King James Version
Psalms 133
3 verses with commentary
How Good and Pleasant It Is
A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! together: Heb. even together
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This brief wisdom psalm extols covenant community through the exclamation 'Behold!' (hinneh—look, pay attention). The dual adjectives 'good and pleasant' (tov and na'im) encompass both moral rightness and experiential enjoyment. 'Brethren dwelling together in unity' refers to harmonious relationships among God's people, particularly relevant in David's context of tribal tensions. The subsequent verses compare unity to precious anointing oil and life-giving dew, suggesting it's a divine blessing, not merely human achievement. Christ prayed for this unity (John 17:21), and Paul commands it (Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2).
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;
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It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard. References Aaron's anointing (Exodus 29:7). Oil so copious it flowed down beard to robe. Anointing oil symbolized Holy Spirit, consecration. Unity is similarly precious—not manufactured but poured from above.
As 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.
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As 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. Hermon's dew refreshing Zion—northern abundance reaching southern scarcity supernaturally. For there (in unity) the LORD commanded the blessing. Not suggested but commanded. Unity brings supernatural blessing.