Psalm 133

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion . The interpolation of the words, "and as the dew," is quite unwarrantable, and spoils the sense. It substitutes duality for unity, and destroys the parity of the two illustrations. Translate, "As the dew of Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion." The psalmist sees the moisture which fertilizes the Holy Land, and makes it the fertile land that it is, all given forth from Hermon, the one great ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 133:3

Lessons of the dew. Palestine is a land of dews. It is very dependent on them. Destitute of rains for many months at a time, it relies for securing crops on the heavy fall of dew which is secured nightly by its multitude of mountains. Hermon is no more conspicuous in the sight than in the peculiar abundance of its dews. They become rain for the thirsty land. Mr. Porter says that one of its hills is appropriately called "Father of the Dew," for the clouds seem to cling with peculiar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 133:3

Old Testament eternal life. "Even life forevermore." There is a curious legend attaching to the dew of Hermon. "An old pilgrim narrates that every morning at sunrise a handful of dew floated down from the summit of Hermon, and deposited itself upon the Church of St. Mary, where it was immediately gathered up by Christian leeches, and was found a sovereign remedy for all diseases." This legend suggests one of the connotations of the term "life for evermore." I. IT MEANS ALWAYS ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133

This psalm is entitled “A Song of Degrees of David.” It is one of the four in this collection ascribed to him, and there is no reason to doubt the correctness of the inscription. As to the occasion on which the psalm was composed, however, we have no information. Perhaps there was nothing special in the occasion which called it forth, since it may have been written at any time to set forth the beauty and the power of brotherly love. It may have been composed either for the service of the people... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133:1

Behold - As if he looked upon such a gathering, and saw there the expressions of mutual love. This may have been uttered in the actual contemplation of such an assemblage; or it may have been a picture of the imagination.How good - How good in itself; how proper; how suited to promote happiness, and to diffuse good influences abroad.And how pleasant - The word used here means lovely, charming, attractive; that which fills the mind with delight, spoken of one beloved, Song of Solomon 7:6; of a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133:2

It is like the precious ointment upon the head - That is, which was poured upon the head of the high priest, when consecrated to the holy office. The Hebrew is, “the good ointment.” For a description of the ointment which was used in the consecration of the high priest, and the holy things of the sanctuary, see Exodus 30:22-30. Compare the notes at Isaiah 61:3, on the phrase “oil of joy.” Anointing with oil was common on festivals and joyous occasions (see the notes at Psalms 23:5), and hence,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon ... - On the situation of Mount Hermon, see the notes at Psalms 89:12. The literal rendering of this passage would be, “Like the dew of Hermon which descends on the mountains of Zion.” According to our version two things are referred to: the dew of Hermon, and the dew on the mountains of Zion, But this is not in the original. There no dew is referred to but that which belongs to Hermon. It has, of course, been made a question how the dew of Hermon, a remote mountain, could... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 133

A.M. 2964. B.C. 1040. Many commentators think that this Psalm was written by David, either to recommend unity among the tribes of Israel, or to celebrate it when it had taken place, at the ending of the civil war between the two houses of Saul and David, or upon the agreement of the other tribes with that of Judah, after Absalom’s rebellion. It was very fitly used after the captivity, when the remainder of the tribes, formerly separated under Rehoboam, united themselves with the tribe of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 133:1

Psalms 133:1. Behold, how good and how pleasant, &c. It is good in itself, agreeable to the will of God, and therefore peculiarly pleasing to him, as it is also to all good men: it is good for us, for our honour and comfort. It is pleasant, and brings constant delight to those who experience and practise it. For brethren to dwell together in unity For us, who are brethren, not only by nature and blood, but also by combination in one and the same commonwealth, and by the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 133:2

Psalms 133:2. It is like the precious ointment, &c. It is no less grateful and refreshing than that holy anointing oil, which was strongly perfumed, and diffused its fragrance all around, to the great delight of all present, when it was poured upon the head of Aaron, at the time of his consecration to the priestly office, so plentifully, that it ran down his face, even to the collar or binding of his garment. “This verse is explained by Exodus 13:23, &c., where God gave directions... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 133:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 133:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 133:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 133:3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 133

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 133:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 133:2

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