United in Christ
133:1. In this short pilgrim psalm David exclaimed how wonderful it is for believers to dwell together in unity. This thought was appropriate for the religious festivals when Israelite families came together to worship their Lord.
B. The description of unity (133:2–3)
133:2. David compared the unity mentioned in verse 1 to the oil that consecrated Aaron (cf. Lev. 8:12). This imagery from the priesthood was appropriate because of the pilgrims being in Jerusalem. The oil poured on Aaron’s head flowed down on his beard and shoulders, and onto the breastplate with the names of all 12 tribes. The oil thus symbolized the unity of the nation in worship under their consecrated priest. As the oil consecrated Aaron, so the unity of the worshipers in Jerusalem would consecrate the nation under God.
133:3. David then compared the unity mentioned in verse 1 to the dew that covers the mountains. The picture of oil running down (v. 2) no doubt suggested dew coming down from Mount Hermon in the north onto Mount Zion. The dew of Hermon was heavy; it symbolized what was freshening and invigorating. The refreshing influence of the worshiping community on the nation was similar to the dew on vegetation. This was a fitting symbol of the Lord’s blessing on His people.
3. Hermon, the highest mountain in Israel, was evidently proverbial for its heavy dew; yet the little Mount Zion enjoyed the same gift. ‘High and low drink in the same sweet refreshment’
8. But ye should know what Hermon is. It is a mountain far distant from Jerusalem, that is, from Sion. And so it is strange that he says thus: As the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the mountains of Sion, since mount Hermon is far distant from Jerusalem, for it is said to be over Jordan. Let us then seek out some interpretation of Hermon. The word is Hebrew, and we learn its meaning from them who know that language. Hermon is said to mean, a light set on a high place. For from Christ comes the dew. No light is set on a high place, save Christ. How is He set on high? First on the cross, afterwards in heaven. Set on high on the cross when He was humbled; humbled, but His humiliation could not but be high. The ministry of man grew less and less, as was signified in John; the ministry of God in our Lord Jesus Christ increased, as was shown at their birth.