Psalms 133

David doth mightily extol the brotherly Communion of the faithful.

1. A Song (or hymn) Hammaaloth [See the Annot.on Psalms 120:1.] of David, Behold, how good and how amiable is it, that brothers also [by the word brothers, are not onely understood carnal brothers, but such also as are or stand in one and the same relation of office, profession or employment: nay, all those which daily call upon one and the same Father in Heaven. See Psalm 122. The Annot.on v.8. It is as much as if the Prophet and acceptable, but especially that which is among brethren] dwell together. [viz. In love and concord, both for matters of Religion, and in civil respect, and in their daily conversation.]

2. It is like the precious [Heb. Good, Oyle upon the head] descending upon the Aaron: [as who should say, such peace and amity may well be compared with the sweet smelling ointment of Aaron, and with the fruit full dew. Of the ointment, oyle or blame, that Aaron and his successors were anointed and consecrated withal. See Exod.29.7. and 30.v.23, 25, &c. 30.] which descendeth upon the seam [or border: Heb. Mouth. He speaketh here it understood of the mouth, i.e. collar, or neck-hole of the Ephod. See Exod.28.and 39.] of his garments. [to wit, his holy and high-Priestly attire, whereof we read, Exod.28.]

3. It is like the Dew of Hermon, [Of which hill see Deut.3.8. and Psal.29.6. and Cant.4.8.] (and) [this particle is to be supplied here] which descendeth, [here also might well be inserted, and like the Dew which descendeth upon etc. Hermon and Zion lie far asunder, so that the Dew of Hermon cannot descend upon the hills of Sion] upon the hills of Zion: [i.e. those that lie about the hill of Zion, or about Jerusalem. See Psalms 125:2.] for there [viz. Where the brethren live together in unity, v.1.] the LORD commandeth the blessing, [i.e. The Lord causeth and ordereth it so, that where this brotherly union and society is, blessing and life attends it. Psalms 42:9. See also Levit.25.21. Deut.28.8.] (and) the life in Eternity. [viz. A long and happy life: understand, doth the Lord likewise command. The Prophet implies thus much: even as the Dew doth moisten and make fruitful the hills of Hermon and Zion, together with the Countries about; so doth God bless and give a long, yea, and the everlasting life, to them that live together in brotherly love and unity.]