Psalm 133 is part of a series of Psalms called songs of ascents. These were sung as the people of Israel came from all parts of the nation up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feasts. Sacrifices were made at these feasts. Time was made to spend this festive time together in Jerusalem.
The Psalmist declares, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” The precious oil mentioned in verse 2 is the anointing oil that was poured over the head of the high priest. With its aromatic scent it not only flowed down over his beard, but all the way down to the hem of his garment. As he moved among the people the scent permeated the atmosphere and reminded them that the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the oil, is what binds them together.
Verse 3 amplifies the picture by referring to the dew of snow-capped Mount Hermon, the highest elevation to the north east of Jerusalem. Cold air currents carry the heavy, refreshing dew from mount Herman all the way to Jerusalem. As people came from the furthest corners of the land and refreshed each other during their time of celebration in Jerusalem, it was like that dew from Hermon falling on Jerusalem and refreshing the dry land there.
It’s when the Holy Spirit draws people together and refreshes them in their fellowship with each other that God bestows his blessing of life forevermore. Disunity among God’s people counters and cancels this blessing. But, oh how good and pleasant is the experience of those who commit themselves to the work of building and maintaining true unity among believers.
