A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.
Considering the pilgrimage venue of these Songs of Ascent, the “unity” of “brothers” here in view should be specifically construed with reference to the spiritual unity of the various Israelite pilgrims who have come together to worship their One Lord and Father at the Temple in Jerusalem. The spiritual-theological nuance of this unity is further affirmed by the observation that the adjectives “good” and “pleasant” are elsewhere employed in poetic parallelism with reference to what God is, what He gives, or the worship that He receives from His people. — Wechsler, page 318.
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The comparison of the aforementioned “unity” to the precious oil … coming down upon … Aaron’s beard is specifically intended to highlight the holiness of that unity—or, more precisely, the priestly holiness of the people who “dwell” in that unity. The oil, which in connection to Aaron can only be the “anointing oil” described in Leviticus 8:10-13 which, after being applied to “the tabernacle and all that was in it,” was poured “on Aaron’s head … to consecrate him.” — Wechsler, page 319.
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The comparison to Mt. Hermon reinforces the image of abundant life, since Hermon is the tallest mountain in the biblical land of Israel and, being always covered by snow, is consistently characterized in its lower parts by an abundance of dew— which bears the specific symbolism of fresh and vigorous life. The reference to Zion as the source of this eternal blessing alludes specifically to the presence of God therein as the eternal King and source of all that is best for His people. — Wechsler, page 320.
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This song looks forward to the happy day when the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon the whole House of Israel, and, no longer broken into two nations, they will become one family dwelling together in unity. Ezekiel 37:15-28 predicts this future unity, and makes it synchronize with the second coming of Messiah. — Williams, page 405.
