Psalm 133 explained: The Beauty of Living United

Living together as one (v. 1)

The Hebrew word for the people here literally means brothers, and it may mean family members sharing a home and inheritance, or the whole people of Israel gathered at Jerusalem for worship. This is one of the songs traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem for the festivals, when people from scattered tribes came together.

Oil on Aaron's beard (v. 2)

Aaron, Israel's first high priest, was set apart for his role by having fragrant holy oil poured on his head. The picture of oil running down his beard to his collar suggests something generous, sacred and overflowing that spreads over the whole person.

Dew from Hermon on Zion (v. 3a)

Mount Hermon, far to the north, was known for heavy dew that kept the land green through the dry season, while Zion is the hill of Jerusalem. Scholars are unsure whether this describes real weather or is purely poetic, but either way it pictures life-giving refreshment coming down on God's city.

Where the blessing rests (v. 3b)

The word there most likely means Zion, where the people gathered to worship, and the psalm says the LORD grants blessing and life forevermore. In its first setting this probably meant lasting, flourishing life for the community, while Christians have also read it as pointing toward eternal life.

Key verse: Psalm 133:1

Something to think about

Where have you seen people who could easily have split apart manage to live well together, and what do you think made that possible?