Behold
The word "Behold" is a call to attention, urging the reader to pause and consider the significance of what follows. In Hebrew, the word is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an exclamation to draw focus. It is often used in Scripture to introduce something of great importance or divine revelation. Here, it emphasizes the beauty and rarity of the unity being described, inviting us to reflect deeply on its value.

how good
The phrase "how good" translates from the Hebrew word "טוֹב" (tov), which conveys a sense of moral goodness, beauty, and pleasantness. In the biblical context, "good" often refers to something that aligns with God's will and purpose. This goodness is not merely subjective but is rooted in the divine order, suggesting that unity among believers is inherently aligned with God's design for humanity.

and how pleasant
"Pleasant" comes from the Hebrew word "נָעִים" (na'im), which means delightful or lovely. This term is used to describe experiences that bring joy and satisfaction. The combination of "good" and "pleasant" underscores that unity is not only morally right but also brings joy and contentment to those who experience it. It suggests that living in harmony is both a duty and a source of deep personal fulfillment.

it is when brothers
The term "brothers" (אַחִים, achim) in Hebrew can refer to biological siblings, but it also extends to a broader sense of kinship among members of a community or nation. In the context of the Psalms, it often refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen people. For Christians, this can be understood as fellow believers, emphasizing the spiritual family formed through faith in Christ. The use of "brothers" highlights the relational aspect of unity, rooted in shared identity and purpose.

live together
"Live together" is derived from the Hebrew "יָשַׁב" (yashab), meaning to dwell or reside. This implies more than just physical proximity; it suggests a shared life and community. The idea of dwelling together encompasses mutual support, shared experiences, and a commitment to one another's well-being. It reflects the biblical ideal of community, where individuals are interconnected and interdependent.

in harmony
The phrase "in harmony" translates the Hebrew "יָחַד" (yachad), which means togetherness or unity. This word conveys a sense of oneness and agreement, where differences are reconciled, and individuals work towards a common goal. In the biblical narrative, harmony is often associated with peace (shalom) and the absence of conflict. It is a state of being that reflects God's kingdom, where love and cooperation prevail over division and strife.

It is like fine oil
The phrase "fine oil" in Psalm 133:2 refers to the anointing oil used in ancient Israelite rituals. The Hebrew word for "fine" here is "טוֹב" (tov), which means good, pleasant, or agreeable. This oil was not ordinary; it was a special blend as described in Exodus 30:22-25, made from myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. The anointing oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and blessing, signifying consecration and sanctification. In a broader sense, it represents the richness and abundance of God's blessings upon His people when they dwell in unity.

on the head
The anointing oil was poured on the head, signifying the beginning of a sacred act. The head is often seen as the seat of wisdom and authority, and anointing it symbolizes the bestowal of God's favor and empowerment. In the context of Psalm 133, the oil on the head represents the starting point of unity and blessing, flowing from the top down, indicating that true unity begins with leadership and spreads throughout the community.

running down
The phrase "running down" emphasizes the abundance and overflow of the anointing oil. The Hebrew word "יָרַד" (yarad) means to descend or flow down. This imagery suggests that the blessings of unity are not static but dynamic, moving and spreading throughout the body of believers. It highlights the idea that when God's people are united, His blessings are not just contained but overflow, impacting all areas of life.

on the beard
The beard, particularly Aaron's beard, signifies maturity, dignity, and the priestly office. In ancient Israel, the beard was a symbol of honor and respect. The oil running down the beard of Aaron, the first high priest, signifies the consecration and sanctification of the priesthood. It underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in fostering unity among God's people. The anointing of the beard represents the continuity of God's blessing from the head to the rest of the body, symbolizing the unity of the priesthood and the people.

running down upon the collar of his robes
The oil flowing down to the collar of Aaron's robes signifies the completeness and thoroughness of the anointing. The Hebrew word for "collar" is "פִּי" (pi), which can also mean mouth or opening, indicating the edge or hem of the garment. This imagery suggests that the anointing covers the entire person, from head to toe, symbolizing the fullness of God's blessing. The robes represent the priestly garments, which were a symbol of service and ministry. The oil reaching the robes signifies that the blessings of unity extend to all aspects of life and service, covering the community of believers in God's grace and favor.

It is like the dew of Hermon
The phrase "It is like the dew of Hermon" draws a vivid picture of the refreshing and life-giving nature of unity among believers. Mount Hermon, located in the northern part of Israel, is known for its abundant dew, which is essential for the fertility of the region. The Hebrew word for "dew" is "tal," which signifies freshness and blessing. In the arid climate of the Middle East, dew is a crucial source of moisture, sustaining plant life and symbolizing divine favor. The comparison to Hermon's dew suggests that unity among God's people brings spiritual nourishment and vitality, much like the dew sustains the land.

falling on the mountains of Zion
The phrase "falling on the mountains of Zion" connects the blessing of unity to the spiritual center of Israel, Jerusalem, where Mount Zion is located. The Hebrew word for "falling" is "yarad," which implies a gentle descent, much like the grace of God that descends upon His people. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents the dwelling place of God and the heart of worship for the Israelites. The imagery of dew falling on Zion signifies that unity among believers is not only refreshing but also sacred, as it aligns with God's presence and purpose. Historically, Zion is the site of the Temple, the focal point of Jewish worship, making this imagery particularly powerful in conveying the idea that unity is a divine blessing that enhances communal worship and spiritual life.

For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore
The concluding phrase, "For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore," emphasizes the divine origin and eternal nature of the blessing associated with unity. The Hebrew word for "bestowed" is "tsavah," meaning to command or ordain, indicating that this blessing is a deliberate act of God. The "blessing of life forevermore" suggests not only temporal well-being but also eternal life, a promise that resonates deeply within the Christian faith. This phrase underscores the belief that unity among believers is a foretaste of the eternal life promised in Christ, where harmony and peace will be fully realized. Theologically, this reflects the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ, where unity is both a gift and a calling, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.