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Psalms 133

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The blessedness of unity among brethren.

A Song of degrees of David.

1. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2. 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;

3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Metrical version

Psalm 133

C.M. St. Matthew, St. Leonard, Martyrdom

Behold, how good a thing it is,
and how becoming well,
Together such as brethren are
in unity to dwell!

Like precious ointment on the head,
that down the beard did flow,
Ev'n Aaron's beard, and to the skirts
did of his garments go.

As Hermon's dew, the dew that doth
on Zion hills descend:
For there the blessing GOD commands,
life that shall never end.
This psalm was perhaps penned when the Hebrew tribes concurred to fix David on his throne, or to restore him to it, 2 Sam. 5 or 19. Here is, (1.) A declaration of the excellency and pleasantness of brotherly affection, ver. 1. (2.) The illustration of this in two similitudes, ver. 2-3. (3.) The great advantage of it, ver. 3.


While I sing, let Jesus' love, shed abroad in my heart, make me exemplify my notes. How happy the churches and families where this prevails! And how blessed above all, the church above, where love, love for ever reigns.