Psalm 133
Introduction
Exposition
Verse 1
Behold. It is a wonder seldom seen, therefore 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! It will charm you into imitation, therefore note it well! God looks on with approval,…
Verse 2
It is like the precious ointment upon the head. In order that we may the better behold brotherly unity David gives us a resemblance, so that as in a glass we may perceive its blessedness.
Verse 3
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion. From the loftier mountains the moisture appears to be wafted to the lesser hills: the dews of Hermon fall on Zion.
Explanatory Notes & Quaint Sayings
Verse 1
Behold how good and how pleasant it is, etc. There are three things wherein it is very pleasant to behold the people of God joining in one. 1. When they join or are one in opinion and judgment, when they all think the same thing, and are of one mind in the truth. 2.
Verse 2
Precious ointment upon the head. Though every priest was anointed, yet only the high priest was anointed on the head, and there is a tradition that this rite was omitted after the Captivity, so that there is a special stress on the name of Aaron.—Neale and Littledale. The precious ointment...
Verse 3
As the dew of Hermon, etc. What we read in the 133rd Psalm of the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion", says Van de Velde in his "Travels" (Bd. 1. S. 97), "is now become quite clear to me.
Hints to the Village Preacher
Verse 1. Christian unity. 1. Its admirable excellences. 2. The signs of its existence. 3. The causes of its decay. 4. The means of its renewal. Verse 1. The saints are here contemplated, 1. In their brotherhood. 2. In their concord. 3. In their felicity.—W. J. Verses 1-3.
TITLE. A Song of Degrees of David. We see no reason for depriving David of the authorship of this sparkling sonnet. He knew by experience the bitterness occasioned by divisions in families, and was well prepared to celebrate in choicest Psalmody the blessing of unity for which he sighed.