Bible Commentaries
Psalms 133

Verses 1-3

Psalms 133

Blessedness Of Unity

Unity or harmony in spirit, disposition, and work of the Lord is to be most desired. Unity, which means "oneness," like one, is declared to be both good and pleasant, as brethren dwell (reside) together. Such a spirit or disposition helps make good families, friends, neighbors, and churches, Ephesians 4:1-3.

Scripture v. 1-3:

Verse 1 calls men to "behold," observe, or consider, "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell (or reside) together in unity!" The call was made by David, at an annual Jewish festival gathering of the brethren of Israel in Jerusalem, after the ark had been brought there to Zion, after it had been left in Kirjath-jearim for twenty years.

Some things are good, that are not pleasant, reproof, correction, discipline, needed medication, an operation, etc; and some things are pleasant that are not good, worldly pleasures, eating of rich food, etc.; So it is in the spiritual realm. But for brethren, especially believers in the church worship and service of God, have a good (ideal) and pleasant opportunity to dwell or reside together, in the "unity of the spirit and the bond of peace," as admonished by Paul, Ephesians 4:1-7. He also exhorted, "Let brotherly love continue," or keep flowing, rolling on, Hebrews 13:1. "Let there be no strife between me and thee," Abraham exhorted," for we be brethren." May God’s people seek to maintain this spirit in worshipping and serving God "in spirit and in truth," John 4:24; See also Genesis 13:8; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Hebrews 13:1; Psalms 119:63; Philippians 1:27.

Verse 2 describes the dwelling, fellowshipping of brethren together in unity, as being as pleasant and as good or Ideal as the fragrant aroma used in anointing men for holy or Divine service, under the law of Moses, from the days of Aaron. When he was anointed with the precious anointing ointment, it was poured upon his head, ran down upon his beard, then down his robe, to the skirts of his garments, over his whole body. The precious ointment was made of four spices mixed with olive oil, the fifth Ingredient. The spices were myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamis, and cassia, as described Exodus 30:25; Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12; Leviticus 21:10. This symbolized the anointing of the spirit for Divine service of prophets, priests, and kings, who did the works, first-fruits of the spirit, Daniel 9:24; Luke 4:16-20; Acts 10:38; John 3:34; Galatians 5:22. See also Psalms 14:1-5; Proverbs 27:9; Song of Solomon 1:3; John 12:3.

Verse 3 compares the goodness and pleasantness of the "unity of the spirit in the bond of peace," for peaceful purposes, Ephesians 4:3, with "the dew of Hermon," that descends upon, "settled upon," the mountains of Zion in the nighttime. From the snow-capped peaks of Mt Hermon, even today, the cool moisture settles over the lower arid mountains of Israel to make life more pleasant in the time of darkness and the early morning hours. As the ointment speaks of goodness, the dew speaks of pleasantness, existing in the unity of the spirit. From Mt Hermon the Lord commanded the blessing, as Jesus did on His church, on the Mount of Beatitudes, Matthew chapter 5 verses 5-71. See Joshua 13:11; See also Leviticus 25:21; Deuteronomy 28:8; Psalms 42:8; Matthew 5:1-6; Revelation 19:5-9; Ephesians 3:21.