David
Psalm 133
A Song of degrees of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Summary
Psalm 133 is a brief Song of Ascents that celebrates the goodness and pleasantness of brotherly unity. David uses two vivid images. First, unity is like the sacred anointing oil poured on Aaron’s head that ran down his beard to the collar of his robes—consecrating, fragrant, overflowing. Second, unity is like the dew of Mount Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion—refreshing, abundant, life-giving. Both images portray blessing that starts at the head and flows downward, from the high priest to the people, from the high mountain to the city of God. The psalm closes with the promise that in that place of unity the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.
The major themes are unity, blessing, anointing, refreshment, and eternal life. Unity is both "good" (right and God-honoring) and "pleasant" (a joy to experience). Practically, the psalm teaches that unity among God’s people is not merely a nice ideal but the very place where God commands blessing. The great lesson is that when brethren dwell together in unity, the oil flows, the dew falls, and life forevermore is commanded.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 133
Lord, how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity! Make Your people one, as the precious ointment on Aaron’s head that ran down to the skirts of his garments. Let the oil of Your Spirit flow from the Head to the whole body, consecrating us for Your service. Make our unity like the dew of Hermon descending on the mountains of Zion—refreshing, abundant, life-giving. Where bitterness, pride, or division have broken our fellowship, pour out the oil and send the dew. Command Your blessing upon our unity, even life forevermore. Make us a people who dwell together in such a way that the world sees Your goodness and is glad. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1Where do I see the "good and pleasant" unity this psalm celebrates?
- 2What would the "precious ointment" of unity look like in my church or family?
- 3How does the image of dew from Hermon falling on Zion shape my view of blessing?
- 4What division can I help heal so that the Lord may command "life for evermore"?
Related Psalms
Psalm 134
“Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 134 is the last of the Songs of Ascents and functions as a fitting doxology to the collection.
Read morePsalm 122
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122 is a Song of Ascents attributed to David, expressing the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Read morePsalm 131
“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.”
Psalm 131 is the shortest of the Songs of Ascents and one of the most quietly profound.
Read morePsalm 48
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.”
A hymn to Zion, the city of the great King, secure forever.
Read morePsalm 84
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!”
A pilgrim’s longing for God’s courts; one day there is better than a thousand.
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