Psalms 133
BSASBThis short Song of Ascents, sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem, praises the goodness of God’s people living together in unity. It gives two pictures: sacred oil flowing down Aaron, and dew refreshing the hills. It ends by saying that God himself commands his blessing where his people are united.
Psalms 133:1
The psalm opens with a call to stop and look. Unity among God’s people is not only right but good and sweet to taste and see. The word brothers speaks of family ties, here God’s people gathered as one household, sharing life under one roof.
BSA: good (“beneficial, pleasant”): Unity is not just attractive; it does real good to those who share it. together (“in unity, as one”): The picture is of people who dwell side by side as one, not merely in the same place.
Hebrew: יַחַד (yachad, H3162) — “together, as one.” The Hebrew word carries the sense of being joined into one, not just sitting near each other. It describes real oneness of heart as well as nearness.
See also: John 17:21; Ephesians 4:3.
Psalms 133:2
Unity is like the holy anointing oil poured on Aaron, the first high priest. It was costly and set apart, and it ran freely from head to beard and down to his robes. Harmony is a precious gift that spreads from the top over everyone it touches.
BSA: oil (“olive oil, ointment”): This was the fragrant oil used to set a priest apart for God’s service. running down (“flowing, descending”): The oil is not held back; it flows generously over all that it touches.
See also: Exodus 30:22-33; Leviticus 8:12.
Psalms 133:3
Unity is also like the heavy dew of Mount Hermon, which brings freshness and life to dry land. Zion is where God dwells among his people. There he commands blessing, and the blessing is life that does not end.
BSA: bestowed (“given, commanded”): God does not merely hope for blessing; he commands it into being where his people dwell in unity. life (“physical and spiritual, eternal existence”): The blessing reaches beyond this life to life that lasts.
Hebrew: צִוָּה (tsivvah, H6680) — “commanded, appointed.” The verb is the language of a king giving an order. The blessing is decreed by the LORD himself, not left to chance.
See also: Deuteronomy 28:8; Hosea 14:5.