Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion - This was not Mount Zion, wyx tsiyon, in Jerusalem, but Sion, ay which is a part of Hermon, see Deut. iv. xl8: "Mount Sion, which is Hermon." On this mountain the dew is very copious. Mr. Maundrell says that "with this dew, even in dry weather, their tents were as wet as if it had rained the whole night." This seems to show the strength of the comparison.
For there ] Where this unity is.
The Lord commanded the blessing ] That is, an everlasting life. There he pours out his blessings, and gives a long and happy life.
For other particulars, see the commentators passim, and the following analysis.
ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THIRD PSALM
In this Psalm the blessings of peace and unity are recommended and described, whether in the Church, family, or kingdom.
I. It is, says the prophet, a good and pleasant thing, &c., ver. 1.
II. He declares both by similitudes.
1. The pleasantness, by the ointment with which the high priest was anointed.
2. The goodness, by the dew which fell upon the mountains.
3. But in plainer terms, by the blessing of God upon the head of the peaceful.
1. The prophet begins with an encomium of peace, unity, and concord.
1. "Behold." Take notice of it in its effects.
2. "How good and pleasant," &c. He admires, but cannot express it.
3. The encomium itself is expressed by two epithets: 1. It is good, and brings much profit. 2. It is pleasant, and brings much content with it.
4. The concord itself is thus expressed: Brethren, either in a Church, family, or kingdom, should be of one soul, and intent on the common good.
II. The pleasantness is compared to "the precious ointment upon the head." 1. All benefit from this concord; princes, nobles, and people. The head, beard, and skirts.
2. It sends forth a sweet and reviving savour.
3. It is as balsam poured into wounds.
The profit he compares to the dews: "As the dew of Hermon," &c., gently descending, and fructifying and enriching the ground.
And this he sets down without any metaphor: "For there the Lord commanded the blessing," &c.; which approbation he manifests by the abundance he pours where concord and unity are found.
1. He commands his blessing. Makes all creatures useful to them.
2. His blessing is prosperity, good success. To bless is to benefit.
3. This he calls life; for with troubles, griefs, &c., a man's life is no life.
A quiet life those shall have who live in peace, without dissensions respecting religion or in matters connected with the state.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The excellency of brotherly love.
--We cannot say too much, it were well if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in peace. It is good for us, for ou honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ and adorns his gospel. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it bring blessings numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the dews cool the air and refresh the earth. I moistens the heart, and makes it fit to receive the good seed of the word, and to make it fruitful. See the proof of the excellency of brotherly love: where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lor commands the blessing. God commands the blessing; man can but beg blessing. Believers that live in love and peace, shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall shortly be with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace. May all who love the Lor forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hat forgiven them _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew כטל2919 חרמון2768 שׁירד3381 על5921 הררי2042 ציון6726 כי3588 שׁם8033 צוה6680 יהוה3068 את853 הברכה1293 חיים2416 עד5704 העולם׃5769
