Psalms 133

Psalms 133:1-3

Unity Is of God Psalms 133:1-3; Psalms 134:1-3 The word Behold suggests that some special manifestation of unity was taking place under the psalmist’ s eyes, perhaps in connection with some great religious festival; or David may have composed it to celebrate the healing of the breach after the death of Ishbosheth. We must not only be one in God’ s purpose, but must be willing to dwell together, that is, to manifest our unity in outward action. For the precious oil see Exodus 30:20-38 and 1 John 2:27. Our Lord was anointed with the Holy Spirit, and we may share in His Pentecost, Luke 3:21-22; Acts 2:33. Psalms 134:1-3. The last of the “ Songs of Degrees.” It may have been addressed to the priests who came on duty after the offering of the evening sacrifice. There was evidently a band of choristers and others who were on duty while Jerusalem slept. The psalm ends with the reciprocal blessing of the watchers on the retreating crowds; commending them, during the hours of darkness, to the care of the Lord of heaven and earth.

As the dew of Hermon! This Psalm celebrates the love of God’s people. The word “Behold,” with which it opens, indicates, possibly, that some lovely manifestation of such unity was taking place under the Psalmist’s eyes in connection with a great religious festival. It was probably written by David to celebrate the glad reunion of the nation after its long disunion during the times of the Judges and the opening years of his own reign. This Psalm is a fitting anticipation of our Lord’s intercessory prayer (John 17:1-26).

Psalms 133:1. How good and how pleasant! Brethren of Christ must be brothers of each other (Mark 3:35). It is not enough, however, to be one. We should take all opportunities of manifesting our unity to the world–dwell together. Unity does not mean uniformity, but oneness of heart, feeling and aim (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Psalms 133:2. Like the precious ointment This oil was specially compounded (Exodus 30:22-25). “Precious,” not only because of its intrinsic nature, but more because of its typical character as symbolizing the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27). With that blessed chrism our Lord was anointed at his Baptism (Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:18). It was copiously shed forth after his Ascension (Acts 2:33). Moreover, the results of that anointing have descended to ourselves, the weakest and furthest, who are but as the skirts of his robes (Psalms 133:2). Believer, be sure and avail yourself of the copiousness and wealth of our High Priest’s enduement! (John 3:34).

Psalms 133:3. As the dew of Hermon The dew which fell on Mount Hermon is cited as being more lovely and holy than common dew. It is therefore employed as a further metaphor of the anointing oil which had been referred to. And the Psalmist says that the love which was represented by the oil–which, in turn, was symbolized by the dews of Hermon–fell on Mount Zion as the dew on parched herbage, wherever the Lord’s people met there in the exhibition of brotherly love. Love in the Spirit is the dew which is a symbol and channel of the eternal love and blessing of God.