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Psalms 133

3 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 133 celebrates the beauty and blessing of unity among brothers, likening it to a fragrant ointment and the refreshing dew of Zion.

Summary

The psalm opens by declaring how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in harmony. It compares their unity to a precious ointment poured over Aaron’s head that drips down his beard and reaches his garments, symbolizing holiness and blessing. The next verse likens this unity to the dew of Mount Hermon and the dew that falls upon the mountains of Zion, illustrating its gentle yet vital nourishment. The dew is described as a blessing from the Lord, implying divine approval and life forever. Together, the verses paint unity as both fragrant and refreshing, a divine gift that sustains life and sanctifies those who live together.

Outline
  1. Verse 1: Unity among brethren is good and pleasant.
  2. Verse 2: Unity compared to the fragrant ointment of Aaron.
  3. Verse 3: Unity likened to the dew of Hermon and Zion, a divine blessing.
Themes
Divine blessing through unitySacred imagery of ointment and dewThe value of communal harmony
Keywords
unitybrethrenpleasantointmentdewsZionblessingAarondivine
People
AaronLORD
Places
HermonZion
Things
precious ointmentdewsblessing
Key Verses
  • Psalm 133:1: Introduces the central theme of unity and its pleasantness.
  • Psalm 133:2: Provides vivid imagery of holiness and blessing through the ointment simile.
Questions
  • Why does the psalmist emphasize the pleasantness of unity?
  • What does the ointment represent in the context of communal life?
  • How does the dew of Hermon and Zion symbolize God's blessing?
  • In what ways can modern communities emulate the harmony described in Psalm 133?
Sentiment

positive
The tone is joyful and celebratory of communal harmony and divine blessing.