Psalm 133 (132):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, this constitutes a blessing, while its opposite embodies a curse. Hence, some celebrate this by proclaiming, “unanimity among brethren, and love among neighbors, and a husband and wife living in harmony” (Sir 25:2). Another highlights the strength that comes from unity, stating, “If two lie down, it is warm for them, and a thread three times twisted will not soon break” (Ecclesiastes 4:11, 12); illustrating both joy and strength, suggesting that during times of rest there is great comfort, and during labor, formidable strength. Furthermore, “an embittered brother is more impregnable than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:20). Christ asserts, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Even creation demands this. This is why God, upon creating man, declared, “it is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18), and, upon creating a living companion, joined her to her husband, demonstrating in many ways the importance of communion. “And life unto eternity.” The prophet wisely included this phrase; where love is present, there lies great security and the favor of God. It is the source of all goodness, the foundation of all blessings, and the end of wars and conflicts. By stating, “and life unto eternity,” he emphasizes that while discord and strife may lead to death and early demise, love and harmony yield peace and consensus; in such peace and unity, life is safeguarded and secure. But why limit our thoughts to the present? Love grants us access to heaven and indescribable blessings; it reigns supreme among virtues. Understanding this, let us fervently cultivate love within ourselves, so that we may receive both current and eternal blessings, which we may ultimately share in through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Those who were among the recipients of this hymn, noted as being blind to its significance, included individuals whom it was said, "They shall see Him," despite not having been informed of Him; they shall comprehend who had not listened. Isaiah 65:1. Yet, dear friends, upon reflection, that very blessing emerged from the barrier of circumcision. Did all the Jews truly perish? From whence came the Apostles, the sons of the Prophets, and the sons of the exiles? The speaker addresses those who are well-acquainted with these truths. Where were the five hundred witnesses of the Lord after His resurrection that Paul mentions? 1 Corinthians 15:6. Where are the one hundred and twenty who were gathered in one place after the Lord's resurrection and ascension into heaven, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost as promised? Acts 2:1-4. All of them originated from there, initially living in unity; they sold their possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet, as recorded in Acts. Acts 4:34-35. Each received according to their need, Acts 2:45, and no one claimed ownership, for they shared everything in common. What does it mean to dwell together in unity? They were, as stated, of one mind and one heart directed toward God. Acts 4:32. They were the first to hear, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together." They were the first to hear it, but not the only ones.

The term Monks is derived from the language of this psalm, so that Catholics may not be rebuked by name. When you rightly criticize heretics for the Circellions, seeking their redemption from disgrace, they retaliate by criticizing you for the existence of Monks.

Furthermore, beloved, although there are false monks, we are aware of such individuals; yet the existence of devoted brotherhood is not invalidated by those who mislabel themselves. False monks exist, just as there are false individuals among the clergy and the faithful.

Since the Psalm states, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together," why should we not refer to monks as such? For Monos signifies one. However, it does not imply solitude, for a person in a crowd is still one, but while he may be considered one among others, he cannot be termed monos, or solitary, because monos signifies solitude. Those who live together to form one entity, possessing, as it is written, one mind and one heart, Acts 4:32, are many bodies yet few minds; many bodies, but few hearts; thus they can rightly be called Monos, or solitary.

Let the Psalm indicate what they are. "As the myrrh upon his head, descending upon his beard, upon the beard of Aaron, reaching to the edge of his garment." Psalm 131:2. What does Aaron symbolize? A priest. And who is the true priest if not Him who entered the Holy of Holies? Who is that priest besides Him, who was both Sacrifice and Priest? He offered Himself, finding nothing pure to present in the world. The anointing is on the head, for Christ is united with the Church, and the anointing flows from the head. Our head is Christ, crucified and buried; He rose again and ascended into heaven, whence the Holy Spirit was poured out. Where did it flow? To the beard, symbolizing virility; a beard signifies maturity and strength. Thus, when we refer to such an individual, we call him a bearded man. This myrrh first descended upon the apostles, upon those who endured the world's initial assaults, and so the Holy Spirit came upon them. The first ones to embrace communal life faced persecution, yet the anointing upon the beard allowed them to suffer but not to be vanquished.

"Like the dew of Hermon that fell on the hills of Zion." Psalm 131:3. My brethren, this illustrates that by God's grace, brethren dwell together.

However, you should understand what Hermon represents. It is a mountain distant from Jerusalem, or Zion. Thus, the phrasing is intriguing: as the dew of Hermon fell upon the mountains of Zion, since Mount Hermon is said to be across the Jordan. Let us, therefore, seek an interpretation for Hermon. The term derives from Hebrew, and its meaning can be gathered from those knowledgeable about the language. Hermon is thought to signify a light set on high, for the dew flows from Christ. No light is elevated above Christ. How does He sit in exaltation? First on the cross, then in heaven. Elevated on the cross while humbled; His humiliation ultimately could only elevate Him. The ministry of John decreased, as seen in scripture, while the ministry of God through our Lord Jesus Christ intensified, symbolized throughout their nativity tales. John is believed, according to tradition, to have been born on June 24, as the days begin to shorten; the Lord was born on December 25, when the days begin to lengthen. Here John himself acknowledges, "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30. The passion of each reflects this truth. The Lord was exalted upon the cross; John was humbled through his beheading. Thus the light lifted up is Christ, from whom the dew of Hermon descends.

If the dew of Hermon has fallen upon Mount Zion, it signifies peace, humility, and a spirit of prayer amidst turmoil. Those who murmur are aptly depicted in scripture: "The heart of a foolish man is like a cart wheel." Sirach 33:5. What does this comparison mean? It signifies that the heart of the foolish is loaded with burdens yet continues to squeak, just as a cart wheel that cannot cease its noise. Therefore, many brethren may only appear to dwell together physically. But who are those truly united? It is said of them, "And they had one mind and one heart toward God." Acts 4:32.

For this is where God commanded blessing. Where did He issue this command? Among brethren living in unity. There He ordained blessing; there those of one heart elevate their praises to God. For you cannot bless God amidst heart divisions. Are you feeling confined on earth? Depart, envision your dwelling in heaven. How can I, a fleshly being bound to the flesh, you may ask, achieve a heavenly dwelling? First, guide your heart toward the place you wish to follow in body. Do not merely listen; elevate your hearts beyond the clamor that harbors distraction. Keep your heart uplifted, and no one can restrain you from reaching heavenly heights.

Manichaeans assert that souls crave the bodies of men, merging with physical desires. Therefore, those who argue that angels seek earthly fulfillment seemingly mirror these heretical notions. We need not dwell long on this. I merely wish to illustrate how they attempt to validate their teachings through this so-called text. 'Hermon' translates as "anathema," signifying condemnation in our language. Thus, the Lord’s dew once rested upon the Jewish people, only to later be pronounced as cursed. The blessing that had previously been upon the condemned has since shifted to Zion, representing the Church. If we belong to the Church—and I affirm that the Church embodies doctrinal purity and the confession of Christ—we establish our foundation there. While many saints may wander in the wilderness, some of us may find ourselves outside the Church. Yet, those who are not part of the earthly Church dwell within the Church of Christ. Therefore, if we are members of the Church, partaking in her faith—the faith of the Apostles, the faith of Christ, the true tenets—we become the mountains of Zion. Our aspiration is to be mountains of Zion rather than valleys. Zion encompasses its own valleys and fields, for every sinner represents his own valley, not his mountain. A skeptical voice might argue, "You express your own thoughts." Let the prophet Isaiah be our witness. Though Zion sinned amid numerous revelations, including "a vision against Idumea," "a vision against Moab," "against Edom and the children of Ammon," we find at the conclusion, "A vision of the valley of Zion" (Isaiah 22:1). Due to his descent from the peak of faith, he fell from the mountain into the valley. Thus, we should first escape the valleys of Zion, journey to the fields, then ascend to the hills, and from the hills to the mountains, closely following Christ. For our beloved, like a wild goat or a young deer, has bounded over the hills and leaped across the mountains (see Song 2:8-9). After the resurrection, the ascent to heaven starts not in a valley but on a mountain. Unless we embody the virtues of the mountain, we cannot rise to heaven. On these mountains of Zion—within virtue, orthodoxy, and the affirmation of faith—there exists blessing and eternal life. Our life is found in Christ. Those who confess Him receive life everlasting. Amen.

Theodoret notes that the dew from Hermon is so plentiful that it flows from rooftops made of brick. Furthermore, Hermon is a mountain in Palestine that is part of the land of Israel. This is echoed in the scripture, "I will remember thee from the land of Jordan and Hermon" (Psalms 41:6), and "Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name" (Psalms 88:12). Origen describes the mountains of Zion as sacred heights, the place where this dew falls. Hermon signifies "an abhorrence of beasts," also representing a source of the Jordan River. This imagery connects to the grace of holy baptism, which continually descends upon the saints, elevating them above their base instincts. The Lord commanded blessings where, as Chrysostom suggests, there is brotherly unity, love, and the supreme virtue that binds them together; this is where God bestows blessings. The blessings from God to humanity manifest as praise and glory, while those offered among people become prayers and petitions to God on behalf of one another. Goldsmith remarks that unity itself is a blessing, contrasting it with the curse of discord. Hence, it is said: "It is wonderful before the Lord and men the unanimity of brothers and friendship between neighbors, when husband and wife dwell together" (Sir 25:1). There is a profound truth when it is noted: "when two sleep together, they are warm" (Eccl. 4:11, 12); and about the power of love: "A threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccl. 4:12); likewise, "A brother helped by a brother is like a fortified city" (Proverbs 18:19). Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). For where love exists, there is great strength and abundant grace from God; it is the origin of goodness, bringing reconciliation; thus it is said, "Life unto everlasting." The expression here implies a divine command: that there, in unity and love, God ordained life that extends through all the days assigned to each individual. Just as strife and anger lead to death, peace and love bring life, as Chrysostom suggests, because those who dwell in peace and love, who do not harm one another, will thrive as they guard and support each other through unity, harmony, and love. Theodoret underscores that the blessing was commanded not upon Hermon, but upon Zion, where the life-giving dew of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the holy apostles, enabling all believers to receive everlasting blessings, as they are united in heart and soul; the grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit assures them of every blessing and eternal life.

The abundance of lit candles symbolizes pure thoughts, which should illuminate you just as candles do, ensuring that no dark thoughts remain within your soul, but rather that all are ablaze with the radiance of the Holy Spirit, with each thought bearing the light of reason. The fragrant oils, which release incense, guide you to understand the spiritual anointing, representing the grace of the Holy Spirit. The diverse spices used remind you that this spiritual anointing should be acquired through a variety of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The psalmist refers to this spiritual anointing as the dew that falls upon the mountains of Zion or the peace that rests upon Aaron's beard and the hems of his garments (Psalm 132:2, 3). This is akin to the Holy Spirit, who descends from the Father of lights upon those who are spiritually worthy and shares this grace with others, refreshing all like dew. The censer, when filled with incense, produces fragrant smoke, pointing to the same grace of the Holy Spirit. As the smoke rises, it reflects the experience of those who have encountered the workings of the Holy Spirit, reminiscent of a spring of water flowing toward eternal life. This grace both illuminates and blesses the senses with spiritual fragrance: it provides light for the pure in heart and enriches like the tree of life, which, by overcoming carnal desires, spreads the aroma of spiritual aspirations, bringing joy to the hearts of the faithful.

This is not the only interpretation of our celebrations; it also invites numerous other spiritual reflections. If God has so beautifully adorned and filled with fragrance this lifeless anointing, will He not also embellish you, crafted in His image and likeness, with various virtues? Will He not glorify you with the fragrance of the Holy Spirit? These garments, fashioned by human hands and pleasing to the senses, astutely represent your own creation. Just as these garments, with their diverse aromas, are crafted by skilled makers into a singular fragrant creation, so too have the hands of God thoughtfully fashioned you, aligning you harmoniously with the spiritual essences of the heavenly realm, that is, with the gifts of the Life-giving Spirit.

Next, he compares the advantage of brethren living together to the dew that falls on the mountains. While the mountains themselves do not consciously enjoy the dew, they benefit significantly from it, becoming fruitful as a result. The Prophet states that just as the dew from Hermon nourishes the mountains of Zion, so too does God's grace enrich those who dwell in unity. He concludes, “For the Lord has commanded blessing and life forevermore.” This emphasizes that true brotherhood originates with God and that its ultimate purpose is for all to glorify Him and call upon Him in unity.

The Prophet uses the analogy of the sacred anointing of the high priest to underscore the significance of piety; without it, the world falls short of its purpose. Ultimately, he affirms that God's blessings are bestowed only in places where there exists mutual peace and concord. This sentiment is echoed by the Apostle Paul when he states, “Have peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).

The religious gatherings of all of God’s people can be described as something profoundly good and pleasing to God, while also being comforting and fulfilling; they exemplify living together harmoniously—κατοικειν. Such experiences can be likened to the lavishly poured oil upon the first high priest, representing the overflow of divine blessings (v. 2). The sacred oil, known in Hebrew as ‘good oil,’ was prepared from precious materials. The psalm asserts that living together is as delightful and pleasing as this precious oil.

This reference resonates with Leviticus 8:12, where Aaron, unlike other priests who were anointed only on the forehead, received the complete measure of priestly gifts through an anointing that gushed upon his head and flowed down to his beard and the edges of his garments. Just as the outpouring of holy oil conferred fullness of divine grace upon Aaron, so too do the religious assemblies in Zion bestow upon their participants an abundance of enlightening and sanctifying grace.

Dew in the East is nearly the sole source of nourishment for plants, making it a fitting metaphor for the revitalizing grace experienced in divine worship. The dew of Hermon, noted for its strength and abundance, may be seen as representative of the generous outpouring of grace upon those who gather at Zion. The assemblies in Zion are particularly blessed because God, the source of blessings, resides there. Consequently, these gatherings are similar to abundant dew, invigorating and renewing those who partake in them; Zion is the sacred location where God bestows blessings and life (v. 3).

All believers are united as brothers, emerging from the singular source of holy baptism, and they share a common faith in Christ the Lord. The faithful are connected to Christ, for even the King of Heaven humbles Himself to be counted among them. This unity is not merely about sharing a physical space but also about living together in harmony and love, which fosters mutual agreement. It is written in Acts that the disciples of the Lord were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).

David compared the harmony of brotherly love to peace, symbolized by oil. This sacred oil is comprised of various fragrances, but it is most aromatic when blended. Aaron, as the high priest, was anointed with this sacred oil, which flowed abundantly around him, making him a pleasing sight to those who beheld him. Just as the holy anointing oil flowed from Aaron's head, through his beard, to the hem of his garments, filling him with fragrance, so too does the blessing of unity envelop everyone, from the leaders to the followers.

The myrrh that adorned his head, beard, and garments represents the manifold grace of the Holy Spirit, which signifies the anointing of Christ's faithful servants who are elevated into the sacred priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9). The head symbolizes the mind, while Aaron's beard represents the word of grace (Chrysostom, Theodoret, Maximus).