Psalm 133

Psalm 133 is the fourteenth of the fifteen Songs of Ascents, which run from Psalm 120 through Psalm 134 in the book of Psalms. Its superscription attributes it to David. The preceding Psalm 132 celebrates God's choice of Zion, and this psalm celebrates the unity of the people gathered in that same Zion.

Outline

• Verse 1 exclaims how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.
• Verse 2 compares this unity to the precious oil poured on Aaron's head, running down his beard to the collar of his garments.
• Verse 3 offers a further comparison to the dew of Hermon descending on the mountains of Zion, and concludes that there the LORD commanded the blessing, namely life forevermore.

Key Verses

• Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" This verse expresses the theme of the entire psalm.
• Psalm 133:3 "For there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." This verse declares that God's blessing descends where unity is found.

People and Places

• Aaron: The elder brother of Moses and Israel's first high priest. Leviticus 8 records the scene in which he receives anointing and is set apart as holy.
• Hermon: A high mountain in the far north of Israel, known for its abundant dew.
• Zion: A name for Jerusalem, and particularly for the mount on which the temple stood.

Interpretive Considerations

The word "brethren" is read in two ways. One interpretation takes it to refer to the whole people of Israel gathered in Jerusalem for the pilgrimage festivals; the other takes it to refer to harmony among brothers within a single household.

The image of dew from Hermon in the north descending on Zion in the south is not a statement of geographical fact. It is generally understood as a poetic figure depicting abundant grace being poured out.

In its Old Testament context, the "life for evermore" of verse 3 is read as unending life and blessing. Many Christians, however, connect it with the eternal life spoken of in the New Testament.

The psalm is frequently read alongside passages on the unity of the church, such as John 17:20–23 and Ephesians 4:3–6.

In the Korean Church

The psalm is often used as a sermon text on occasions that emphasize harmony and unity, such as joint worship services, events held by denominations and interdenominational organizations, and ordination services. "Hine Ma Tov," a song that sets verse 1 to its Hebrew words, is also sung in Sunday school and young adult ministry gatherings.