Psalms 133: The blessing runs down

Psalm 133 celebrates unity without explaining it through a program, hierarchy, or administrative arrangement. The Book of Psalms instead gives two images that move downward. First, precious anointing oil runs from Aaron’s head to his beard and onward over the garment. Then dew descends in the mountain imagery. Both comparisons picture a good that does not remain trapped at the highest point but spreads through the whole scene. Aaron gives the first image a priestly and consecrated setting, while the dew introduces refreshment and life. Hermon and Zion are geographically distinct, so the second image works poetically rather than as meteorological travel from one mountain to another. The final line explains the comparisons by naming the LORD as the one who commands blessing in Zion, “even life for evermore.” Unity is good and pleasant, but its fruitfulness is received as blessing rather than manufactured by togetherness itself.