It is like the dew of Hermon
Mount Hermon is a significant geographical landmark in the northern part of Israel, known for its height and abundant dew. The dew of Hermon is symbolic of refreshment and life-giving moisture in an otherwise arid region. This imagery suggests a divine blessing that brings vitality and sustenance. In biblical times, dew was essential for agriculture, especially in dry seasons, symbolizing God's provision and care. The comparison to Hermon's dew emphasizes the richness and abundance of God's blessings.

falling on the mountains of Zion.
Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents the spiritual center of Israel and the dwelling place of God among His people. The imagery of Hermon's dew falling on Zion suggests a supernatural unity and blessing that transcends geographical boundaries. This symbolizes the unity and harmony among God's people, as the dew brings life to the mountains. Zion is also a prophetic symbol of the coming kingdom of God, where peace and unity will prevail. The connection between Hermon and Zion underscores the idea of God's blessings flowing from one part of His creation to another, uniting them in His purpose.

For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing
The phrase indicates a divine act of giving, where God Himself is the source of blessing. In the context of Psalm 133, this blessing is closely tied to unity among believers, which is pleasing to God. The concept of blessing in the Old Testament often involves prosperity, peace, and divine favor. This particular blessing is not just temporal but has eternal significance, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

of life forevermore.
This phrase speaks to the eternal nature of the blessing God bestows. It suggests not only a quality of life that is abundant and full but also one that is everlasting. In the New Testament, eternal life is a central theme, often associated with the salvation and life found in Jesus Christ. The promise of life forevermore connects to the hope of resurrection and eternal communion with God. It reflects the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan, where believers are united with Him in eternal life, a theme echoed in passages like John 10:10 and Revelation 21:4.

1. Mount Hermon
A high mountain in the northern part of Israel, known for its abundant dew and lush vegetation. It symbolizes richness and life-giving moisture.

2. Mount Zion
A hill in Jerusalem, often representing the city itself and the spiritual center of Israel. It is a place of divine presence and blessing.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who bestows blessings and life.

4. Dew
A symbol of refreshing and life-giving sustenance, representing God's blessing and favor.

5. Blessing of Life Forevermore
The eternal life and spiritual blessings that come from God, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's promises.Unity Brings Blessing
Just as the dew of Hermon brings life to Zion, unity among believers brings God's blessing. Strive for harmony in your community and relationships.

God's Presence in Unity
The presence of God is often manifested where there is unity. Seek to create environments where God's presence can dwell richly.

Eternal Perspective
The blessings of God are not just temporal but eternal. Focus on the eternal life and blessings that God promises to those who live in unity.

Symbolism of Dew
Reflect on how God's blessings can be as gentle and refreshing as dew, bringing life and growth to our spiritual journey.

Living in God's Blessing
Recognize that living in unity and harmony with others is a way to experience the fullness of God's blessings in your life.(3) As the dew . . .--Better, keeping the same word as in Psalm 133:2. like the dew of Hermon, which descended on the Mount Zion. This statement of the dew of a mountain in the north descending on a mountain in the south, appears so strange and impossible that our version inserted the words, "and as the dew." But the sentence is constructed in exactly the same form as Psalm 133:2, and the dew on Mount Zion must be as clearly the same dew as that on Mount Hermon, as the oil running down to the beard was the same as that poured on the head. Nor may we take "the mountains of Zion "in a general way for the mountains of the country lying round Hermon like spurs, as Van de Velde does in the passage from his Travels, quoted by Delitzsch. Mount Zion itself is intended (comp. Psalm 121:1; Psalm 125:2, for this plural) as the last clause," there Jehovah commanded the blessing," clearly shows. Delitzsch says on the passage, "This feature of the picture is taken from the natural reality, for an abundant dew, when warm days have preceded, might very well be diverted to Jerusalem by the operation of the cold current of air, sweeping down from the north over Hermon. We know, indeed, of our own experience how far a cold air coming from the Alps is perceptible and produces its effects." But setting aside the amount of scientific observation required for such a perception of fact, would any one speak of the dew of Mont Blanc descending on the Jura?

We must evidently take "the dew of Hermon" as a poetical synonym for "choice dew." No doubt the height of Hermon, and the fact of its being so conspicuous, determined the expression. This choice dew, from its freshness, abundance, and its connection with life and growth, is a symbol, as the sacred oil also is, of the covenant blessing in its nature. The descent of the moisture offered itself, as the flowing down of the oil did, as an emblem of the operation of the blessing". But the conclusion of the simile is only implied. No doubt the poet intended to write, "As the oil poured on Aaron's head flowed down to his beard, and as the dew of Hermon flowed down on Mount Zion, so the covenant blessing descended on Jehovah's people;" but at the mention of Mount Zion he breaks off the simile, to make the statement, "for there Jehovah," &c. Hebrew poetry did not greatly favour the simile, and often confuses it with metaphor. (See Notes, Psalm 58:9; Song of Solomon 8:12.) . . .

Verse 3. - As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion. The interpolation of the words, "and as the dew," is quite unwarrantable, and spoils the sense. It substitutes duality for unity, and destroys the parity of the two illustrations. Translate, "As the dew of Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion." The psalmist sees the moisture which fertilizes the Holy Land, and makes it the fertile land that it is, all given forth from Hermon, the one great mountain at its head. As Dr. Kay well observes, "Physically, Hermon was to Canaan what Aaron was ceremonially to Israel - its head and crown, from which the fertilizing stores of heaven descended over the land. For not only does the one great river of Palestine, the Jordan, issue from the roots of Hermon, but the giant mountain is constantly gathering and sending off clouds, which float down even to Southern Zion." For there (i.e. in Zion) the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore. The reference is to Leviticus 25:21, and perhaps to Deuteronomy 28:8.

Parallel Commentaries ...

It is like the dew
כְּטַל־ (kə·ṭal-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2919: Night mist, dew

of Hermon
חֶרְמ֗וֹן (ḥer·mō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2768: Hermon -- 'sacred', a mountain in southern Aram (Syria) and Northern Israel

falling
שֶׁיֹּרֵד֮ (še·yō·rêḏ)
Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the mountains
הַרְרֵ֪י (har·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2042: Hill, mountain

of Zion.
צִ֫יּ֥וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there
שָׁ֨ם ׀ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has bestowed
צִוָּ֣ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

the blessing
הַבְּרָכָ֑ה (hab·bə·rā·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293: Benediction, prosperity

of life
חַ֝יִּ֗ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

forevermore.
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while


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OT Poetry: Psalm 133:3 Like the dew of Hermon that comes (Psalm Ps Psa.)