Psalm l33

Psalm l33 is a song of ascents, or a song for going up to a high place, written by
David. It begins with the line, 'Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity!' The Psalm compares the experience of
brothers living in unity to precious oil poured on the head, running down the beard,
and dew falling on the mountains of Zion. The Psalm concludes with the line, 'for
there the LORD commends the blessing, even life for evermore.
Psalm l33 is a Sond of Ascents in the Book of Psalms that expresses joy in
coming together for worship and proclaims the value of unity among God's
people. The Psalm is about pilgrimage and worship in the Presence of God, and
it uses images to highlight the blessing that comes from 'unity'. Some themes in
Psalm l33 include: Abundance, Unity, Oneness in faith, Kindred living together in
unity, and God's grace.
The Psalm's first line emphasizes the importance of solidarity among brothers and
sisters, even in times or division. It also references Hermon in the North and Zion
in the South, which are subtle reminders of Israel's divided kingdoms and God's
desire for them to recognize their kinship and religious heritage.
The Psalm compares the goodness of living together in unity to two metaphors; oil
and dew. The Psalm says that unity is the 'precious oil poured on the head' that
overflows the head and comes down the beard, and then pours down over
clothes. It's also like 'dew on the mountain, called Hermon' that pours down on to
the mountains of Zion. The Psalm claims that unity among brothers and sisters is
the 'key' to enjoying God's blessing.
The Psalm imparts blessing and life to God's people and it proclaims oneness
in faith. These themes - abundance and unity - flow from Psalm l33. As the
Temple in Jerusalem was the high place for the Jewish people, so the
Resurrection is the high point of the Gospel
A. The blessing declared.
l. Unity among God's people is good and pleasant.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in
unity!
a. Behold Psalm l33 begins with an exhortation to behold - that is, to take
notice. What follows is important and deserves our attention.
l. It is a wonder seldom seen, thereore behold it! It may be seen, for it is
the characteristic of real saints -therefore fail not to inspect it! It is well
worthy of admiration; pause and gaze upon it will charm you into imitation,
therefore, note it well! (Spurgeon)
b. How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
David draws our attention to something good and pleasant - unity among
the people of God.

It is good because it reflects God's heart and purpose of unity among His
people.
It is pleasant because it makes life together as God's people so much more
enjoyable than seasons when constant bickering and conflict dominate.
c. How good and how pleasant. Not everything that is good is pleasant,
and not everything that is pleasant is good Unity among God's people is
such a remarkable blessing because it is both good and pleasant - and both
to a high degree, indicated by the repetitiono of how,
l. 'Precious and profitable, sweet and detectable...dainty and goodly, as
Revelation l8;14. Communion of saints is the next happiness upon earth to
communion with God.
d. For brethren to dwell together.
David had in mind the relationship that God's people have with one another,
not with the world around them. Believers should work to have good and
peaceable relationships with all others (Romans l2:l8), but here the focus is
on relationships among God's people.
e. For brethren to dwell together in unity. This unity is tested, because
these brethren 'dwell together'. In many ways it is easier to have some kind
of unity with those distant. To dwell together means the bonds of unity and
peace will be at times tested.
l. This song was especially relevant for pilgrims traveling together to
Jerusalem. During the pilgrimages, the Jews enjoyed an ecumenical
experience on their way toward and in Jerusalem. The pilgrims came from
many different walks of life, regions, and tribes, as they gathered for one
purpose: the worship of the Lord in Jerusalem
B. The blessing described,
l. Like oil on the head.
It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The
beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.
a. It is like the precious oil upon the head. In the ancient Middle East, it
was common to anoint one's head with oil, sometimes as a greeting entering
a home. (Luke 7:46). This was done to refresh the one receiving the oil, and
to give a good smell from the fragrance that come from the perfumed oils.
Among God's people, unity refreshes and makes a pleasant atmosphere for
all.
l. The anointing oil intended for the head (Exodus 29:7) was not
confined to it, nor could its fragrance be contained. Exoduc 29: 21 provided
explicity that after the pouring of the oil on the head, some was to be
sprinkled on the robes; 'and he and his garments shall be holy.'
b. Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron. The picture in words
shows that unity is a rich and abundant blessing - as this oil overflowed the
head and came down the beard. It also shows that unity is a rare and
precious blessing, because the suggestion is that this was holy anointing
oil, which was not to be imitated. (Exodus 30:22-33)
l. Christian unity is' - far beyond that common friendship so highly
extolled by Cicero, and other heathens, and is therefore here fitly compared

to tht nonesuch (perfect) odoriferous ointment. (Tharp)
II. This is a unity of holiness. 'That anointing oil, poured upon Aaron,
was the oil of consecration, and symbolized his separation from all 'evil'. It
was the 'oil of holiness'.
III. The odor of this must have been agreeable and serves here as a
metaphor ( to point out the exquisite excellence of brotherly love.)
IV. 'What a sacred thing must brotherly love be when it can be likened to
an oil which must never be poured on any man but on the Lord's high priest
alone.
c. The beard of Aaron: The oil upon the priest's head was good as an
instrument of refreshing and greeting, as it would be for anyone else. Yet for
Aaron (as high priest), it also was part of his consecration to priestly service
(Exoduc 25:7), which led to so many other good things.
Service unto God and His people.
Atonement for sins.
Offerings of peace, fellowship, and thanksgiving.
Compassionite ministry to the people of God.
l. The illustration is wonderful. When there is unity among God's
people, it is not only good and pleasant in itself, but it also leads to so many
other good things. When the people of God struggle with each other, there
are so many other good things they are not doing and enjoying.
II. God intended the priests to represent His righteousness and
salvation to watching world Spiritually speaking, this anointing made that
possible. Unity among God's people has a similar effect.
d. Running down on the edge of his garments. What an abundant blessing
unity is! It is like oil poured out so richly that it flows from the head to the
beard, and then down to the very edge of the priest's garments.
l. There is some debate whether the edge of his garments refers to the
collar or the bottom hem of his priestly robes. Either way, it was an
impressive flow of oil.
II. Boice commended on the New International Version..Psalm l33:2
(running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the
collar of his robe. The Hebrew uses the same verb each time - emphasizes
that the blessing of Aaron's anointing was from above himself, that is from
God.
2. Like the dew of the mountains.
It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For
there the LORD commanded the blessing - Life forevermore.,
a. It is like the dew of Hermon: King David used a second word picture to
show how wonderful unity is among the people of God. It is also like the
rich dew that covers Mount Hermon, making it green and moist. It is a
distinct contrast to the dry wilderness found in other parts of Israel. Unity
among God's people makes life thriving and healthy.