United Commentaries

Ps.120.1-134.3

These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.

Ps.133.1-3

In this wisdom psalm (see Ps 1), peaceful and harmonious relationships manifest the presence of God.

Ps.133.1-2

The psalmist tells of the joy of consecrated relationships.

Ps.133.1

Brothers are related by blood, by profession, or by commitment.

Ps.133.2

The anointing oil was the oil used to ordain and consecrate Aaron for service in his office (see Exod 29:7).

head . . . beard . . . border of his robe: The oil consecrated Aaron completely.

Ps.133.3

The dew represents the richness of divine blessings; in Jerusalem, it comes from moist winds from the Mediterranean Sea. Mount Hermon, which is capped with snow, is a place of abundant moisture.

A blessing is God’s life-giving power, a guarantee of his provision and protection (5:12; 41:2), secured by his presence (21:6; 67:1). Even the other nations will ultimately be blessed (Pss 67; 72:17). Zion is the focal point of God’s blessing (134:3; 147:13).

God gives life everlasting to human beings.