Bible Commentaries
Psalms 133

Verses 1-3

Psalms 133:1-3: Title. This psalm seems to have been penned, when all the tribes of Israel had concurred in placing David on the throne, or rather after their subsequent prosperity had evinced the happy effects of that union : when instead of the tribes wasting each other by civil contests, they all harmoniously joined in removing the ark to mount Zion, and in celebrating the sacred ordinances of their religion. ’ It was as fitly used by the first ’ Christians, to express their joy for the blessed union of ’ Jews and Gentiles ; and may now serve the uses of all ’ Christian societies, whose happiness lies in holy peace ’ and concord.’ Bp. Patrick.

V. 1 . ’ Many things are good, which are not pleasant ; ’ and many pleasant, which are not good. But unity ’ among brethren, whether civil or religious, is productive ’ both of profit and pleasure. Of profit, because therein ’ consisteth the welfare and security of every society ; of ’ pleasure, because mutual love is the source of delight, ’ and the happiness of one becomes, in that case, the happiness of all. It is’ unity alone, which gives beauty, as ’ well as strength, to the state ; which renders the church ’ at the same time " fair as the moon, and terrible as an ’ " army with banners." Song of Solomon 6:10.’ Bp. Home. (Notes, Psalms 122:6-9. P. O. Notes and P. O. Ephesians 4:16. Note, Philippians 2:1-4.)

V. 2. The sacred ointment, which God had prescribed for the unction of his priests to their office, being poured upon the head of Aaron, flowed thence upon his beard, and down on the collar of his vestment, near the place where he bare the names of the twelve tribes, diffusing fragrancy around. (Note, Exodus 30:22-33.) This was an emblem of the graces of the Holy Spirit, which, through bur great High Priest, are communicated to all believers : and it also aptly represented the pleasant and beneficial effects of harmony in society, when, united under one common head,

every member in his proper station shares and contributes to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the whole community. (Notes, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. 1 Peter 1:22-25.)

V. 3. This verse may be rendered, " As the dew of " Hermon, so is this, which descends upon the mountains " of Zion;" and thus mean, that, as the gentle dews, descending on mount Hermon, rendered it fruitful and delightful ; so the dew of heavenly love, distilling upon the worshippers on mount Zion, would render them fruitful in good works, happy in themselves, and blessings to all around them. For on that mount, (the type of the true church, which is all one in Christ Jesus,) the Lord has Exhortations to praise God for his goodness, his " commanded his blessing, and life for evermore." How do they read such passages, which continually occur, who contend that the Israelites expected temporal blessings alone? (Marg. Ref.) Hermon was situated far to the northeast of Zion, on the other side of Jordan. (Marg. Ref. e.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

No encomiums or illustrations can sufficiently display the excellence, pleasantness, and manifold benefits of harmony among brethren, in families, in civil society, in nations, and especially in the church of Christ : for " love " is of God ; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him." (Note 1 John 4:7-12.) It is the fruit of the Spirit, the image of Christ, the evidence of our union with him, and the ornament of his gospel. With it human happiness begins on earth, and will be completed in heaven. (Notes and P. O. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13: Note, Galatians 5:22-26.) It tends to fruitfulness in all good works, and to the spread of vital godliness : it inhabits especially, as a visitant from heaven, those favoured spots, where the Lord commands his blessing, and gives eternal life : and, while it prepares the soul for further communications from above, it is the certain effect of the pouring out of the Spirit, to give success to the preaching of the Gospel. (Notes, Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-35.) Surely the professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus have long enough experienced the painful and fatal effects of discord, and angry controversy; by which Christianity has been disgraced, and wounded in the house of its friends ! May all that love the Lord at length make trial, " how good and pleasant it w is for brethren to dwell together in unity," " forbearing " one another, and forgiving one another, as God for " Christ’s sake hath forgiven them." (Note, Ephesians 5:1-33: I, 2.) Then will they find their own hearts joyful, and the truth diffuse its blessed influence on every side ; and heaven will, as it were, come down and dwell on earth. And may God be pleased to send ’ peace, unity, and concord,’ together with the gospel of peace and love, to all the nations of the world !