by Tim Groves

Though only three verses long, this psalm of David says much about the benefits of people living in unity.

David first compared this unity to the oil used to anoint Aaron when he was made high priest. The oil was perfumed and had a pleasant aroma (Exodus 30:22-25). Likewise, there is a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere where love and cooperation exists. But it is neither good nor pleasant where envy and strife exists (James 3:16).

The comparison was also made to the oil running down Aaron’s beard onto his garments (Psalm 133:2). This shows that peace will flow out to others. The fruit of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives will positively influence others (Matthew 5:14-16).

David next compared dwelling in unity with the dew of Hermon (Psalm 133:3). Dew is refreshing to tender plants and flowers, just as unity and harmony are refreshing to those dwelling together.

Of course, dew is water, and water is symbolic of God’s Holy Spirit, which further unites His people.

And it is the unique area of the mountains of Hermon that puts an exclamation mark on this comparison. The dew from Hermon can be so abundant that one may think it had rained the previous night. And so the unity of God’s people—coupled with His Holy Spirit—should be refreshing and abundant.

To learn more about dwelling in unity, read “Christian Fellowship.”