Mazmur 133:3

133:3 It is like the dew of Hermon, ¹ 

which flows down upon the hills of Zion. ² 

Indeed ³  that is where the Lord has decreed

a blessing will be available – eternal life. ⁴ 

[133:3]  ¹ sn Hermon refers to Mount Hermon, located north of Israel.

[133:3]  ² sn The hills of Zion are those surrounding Zion (see Pss 87:1; 125:2). The psalmist does not intend to suggest that the dew from Mt. Hermon in the distant north actually flows down upon Zion. His point is that the same kind of heavy dew that replenishes Hermon may also be seen on Zion’s hills. See A. Cohen, Psalms (SoBB), 439. “Dew” here symbolizes divine blessing, as the next line suggests.

[133:3]  ³ tn Or “for.”

[133:3]  ⁴ tn Heb “there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forever.”