Psalm 133:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

NIV: It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.

NASB: It is like the precious oil on the head, Running down upon the beard, As on Aaron’s beard, The oil which ran down upon the edge of his robes.

CSB: It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron's beard onto his robes.

NLT: For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.

KJV: 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;

NKJV: It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

Anointing is symbolic of God's protection, which is a notable blessing. David compares the goodness of brotherly unity with that protective gift. He imagines unity as oil running down Aaron's head and onto his beard and the collar of his priestly robes. In Exodus 30 we read that the Lord directed Moses to make a compound of sacred oil, and then anoint and consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve as the Lord's priests. This was not only a solemn occasion but also a joyful one. It was good and pleasant.

Christians, too, have been anointed to serve as priests. The Bible pictures oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4). Second Corinthians 1:21–22 affirms that God has anointed us and placed his Spirit in our hearts. The apostle John refers to this anointing as an event with ongoing results (1 John 2:2–7). And the apostle Peter declares that we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus' command for us to love one another (John 13:34–35) in unity (John 17:21) is a holy requirement.

Unity is the theme of this psalm. David affirms that the unity of the people of Israel was good and pleasant. Although there had been discord for years among the tribes, their coming together as one people was refreshing. It resembled the occasion when Aaron was anointed to serve as Israel's high priest. It resembled the refreshing dew that fell on Mount Hermon and on the hills around Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the city on which God placed his everlasting blessing.

This psalm, written by David, is a "song of ascent." These were sung by groups, likely families, on their way to Jerusalem to worship at one of the festivals. David may have composed this song upon his ascension to the throne when the tribes of Israel united to proclaim him king.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 5/6/2024 3:09:40 PM