Christianity

Psalms 133Brethren Dwelling in Unity

Summary

Psalm 133, a short Song of Ascents attributed to David, celebrates how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It compares such unity to the precious anointing oil running down Aaron's beard to the skirts of his garments, and to the dew of Hermon descending on the mountains of Zion. There, it says, the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Its opening line is sung in Hebrew as the popular song Hinei Ma Tov.

Key verse

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Psalms 133:1

Themes

Unity
Family and Community
Anointing
Blessing

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

It 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;

As 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.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Islam
Surah Aal-i-Imraan (3): Hold Fast Together
Quran 3:103 tells believers to hold fast all together to the cable of God and not separate, recalling how he made them brothers after they had been enemies. Like Psalm 133 it treats unity among the faithful as a gift from God.
Christianity
Leviticus 8: Aaron Anointed
Leviticus 8:12 describes Moses pouring anointing oil on Aaron's head to consecrate him as priest, the scene behind Psalm 133's image of oil running down Aaron's beard.

Questions about Psalms 133

What does the oil on Aaron's beard mean in Psalm 133?

Psalm 133:2 compares unity to the fragrant oil poured on the high priest Aaron at his anointing, flowing from his head over his beard and robe. The image suggests a blessing that is rich, holy and spreads to everything it touches.

What is the dew of Hermon?

Mount Hermon, in the far north, is known for heavy dew that sustains plants through the dry season. Psalm 133:3 imagines that refreshing dew falling on Zion, a picture of life-giving blessing shared across the land.