Psalms 133:3

Like dew of Hermon, which descendeth upon the mountains of Zion There is no justification for inserting the words and as the dew,as in A.V. "The dews of Syrian nights are excessive; on many mornings it looks as if there had been heavy rain" (G. A. Smith, Hist. Geogr.p. 65); and the dew that falls on the slopes of the snow-clad Hermon is particularly copious. Dew is a symbol for what is refreshing, quickening, invigorating; and the Psalmist compares the influence of brotherly unity upon the nation to the effect of the dew upon vegetation. From such dwelling together individuals draw fresh energy; the life of the community, social and religious, is revived and quickened. It need not be supposed that the poet imagined that the dew which fell upon the mountains of Zion was in any way physically due to the influence of Mount Hermon (though it is possible that it was popularly supposed that there was some connexion); all he means is that the life-giving effect of harmonious unity upon the nation is as though the most abundant dews fell upon the dry mountain of Zion.

for there&c. In Jerusalem. Cp. Psalms 132:17. Jehovah has connected he blessing of a vigorous national life with the religious centre of His choice.

life for evermore Cp. Sir 37:25, "The days of Israel are innumerable." But perhaps for evermoreshould be connected with commanded. For lifecp. Psalms 36:9.