Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 133

The Blessing of Unity Among God’s PeopleThis psalm celebrates the great value of unity and love among people who belong to God. It describes how good and pleasant it is when people live together in peace, supporting and caring for each other. David may have written this to encourage his own sons or all the tribes of Israel to avoid quarrels and instead enjoy the blessings of living as one community, especially now that worship was centered in Jerusalem. True unity is not just the absence of fighting, but enjoying and helping one another.v. 1: The psalm begins, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! . This unity is both good—because it matches God’s will and brings honor and comfort—and pleasant, because it brings happiness to everyone. It is rare and beautiful, like a little bit of heaven on earth, and is something we should admire and try to copy.

v. 2: The psalm compares unity to the fragrant holy oil poured on Aaron’s head: It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments . This oil was holy and valuable, made exactly as God commanded. In the same way, true love among believers is pure, special, and comes from God. Just as the oil brought joy and made Aaron ready to serve, brotherly love makes God’s people ready to serve and brings joy to everyone (1 John 5:1; 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 ).

v. 3: Unity is also compared to dew: As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion (Psalm 133:3 ). Dew brings life and refreshment, helping things grow. In the same way, love and unity help people grow in goodness and peace (1 Peter 2:1 ). Unity cools angry feelings and helps God’s people receive His word. The blessing of unity is not just for now, but forever: for there the Lord