Psalm 133
BSB
How Pleasant to Live in Harmony!
(1 Corinthians 1:10–17; Ephesians 4:1–16)
A song of ascents. Of David.
1Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2It is like fine oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down Aaron’s beard
over the collar of his robes.
3It is like the dew of Hermon
falling on the mountains of Zion.
For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing
of life forevermore.
Introduction
Psalms 133
This psalm is a brief encomium on unity and brotherly love, which, if we did not see the miseries of discord among men, we should think needless; but we cannot say too much, it were well if we could say enough, to persuade people to live together in peace. Some conjecture that David penned this psalm upon occasion of the union between the tribes when they all met unanimously to make him king. It is a psalm of general use to all societies, smaller and larger, civil and sacred. Here is, I. The doctrine laid down of the happiness of brotherly love (Psa 133:1). II. The illustration of that doctrine, in two similitudes (Psa 133:2, Psa 133:3). III. The proof of it, in a good reason given for it (Psa 133:3); and then we are left to make the application, which we ought to do in singing it, provoking ourselves and one another to holy love. The contents of this psalm in our Bibles, are short, but very proper; it is "the benefit of the communion of saints."
A song of degrees of David.
Cross-references: Ps 133:1 · Ps 133:2 · Ps 133:3