Thijs Booij, «Psalm 133: "Behold, how good and how pleasant"», Vol. 83 (2002) 258-267

The opening line of Psalm 133 is, literally, about a social practice; the comparisons following it suggest that in fact a gathering of YHWH’s worshippers is meant. The latter is confirmed by the final line. V. 3a has a bridging function in that its last words ("on the mountains of Zion"), although belonging to the imagery of the comparison, are actually direct expression, relating to the statement of v. 1 (‘inversion’). The situation hinted at can hardly be other than the gathering in Jerusalem on the occasion of a religious festival. In view of the subtle structure and inner cohesion of Psalm 133, it is scarcely plausible that its present meaning is due to some form of adaptation.

3 like dew of Hermon coming down
on the mountains of Zion!
For there YHWH has commanded the blessing,
life for evermore. 

        Psalm 133 celebrates the gathering of those who worship their God in Zion. The qualification of this brotherly ‘dwelling together’ (Deut 25,5)⁴⁵ as good and pleasant, stressed by the exclamatory hm (‘how...!’), is explicated by the comparisons of vv. 2-3⁴⁶. While underlining, by the repeated dry (‘coming down’), the general idea of a good and pleasant experience⁴⁷, the comparisons also suggest more specific shades of meaning. ‘Good’, richly scented, fragrant oil⁴⁸, coming down from the head upon the beard (v. 2a), makes one think of something festive, joyful, raising the spirits ⁴⁹. The specification that follows ("beard of Aaron...") locates this impression in the actual world of the text — which is a cultic world. The third stich (v. 2b) is essential too, calling up a fuller, impressive picture of Aaron as a high priest. Thus an image is created that breathes solemnity as well as pleasure⁵⁰. The second comparison is not simply parallel to the first, but holds progression, taking the hearer from the past to the present and adding an important specification. Its contrasting formulation ("dew of Hermon... on the mountains of Zion") has a touch of surprise⁵¹. Dew of Hermon, the snow-capped mountain⁵², would be, on the