God compares the unity, togetherness and fellowship among brethren to the uniqueness and essential qualities of Aaron’s leadership position, exaltation and ministry in Israel. “It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.”

It was the Lord Himself that essentially placed Aaron in a unique position of leadership in Israel. “And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” Aaron was a special personality because he was “called of God.”

Aaron had a definite call to “minister … in the priest’s office.” Therefore, special “holy garments” recommended by God were made for him “for glory and for beauty.” The names of the tribes of the children of Israel were imprinted into the stones that were placed on the shoulders of the garment, so that, “Aaron (bore) the names of the children of Israel …for a memorial before the Lord continually.” The garments were also a mark of “holiness to the Lord.” He was, therefore, consecrated with a unique ointment.

“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.” The ointment was specifically meant for, and used to anoint Aaron and “consecrate” him to minister before the Lord. Thus, it could not be poured on any other person or set of people, because it is special and unique. Its reference in the Psalm points to the unity among brethren, which must be unique. As believers, we are also anointed for special ministry to “teach” God’s people. Our unity must not be temporary or seasonal; it should last throughout our lifetime.

The Psalmist describes the unity among brethren “as the dew.” The dew is peculiarly and perpetually useful. Unity among brethren, which he compares to the “dew of heaven,” confers the blessing of the Lord and that of Abraham upon us. It is like the manna (provision) that came from heaven for the children of Israel. It also refers to Jesus Christ, Who is the Bread of life. As believers, the more united we are in fellowship, the more we will enjoy the power, sustenance and provision of Christ amid us.

Moreover, the dew also refers to the doctrine of the Lord, which refreshes, renews and revitalises us. Thus, where there is conflict, we must unite to clear all differences on the basis of the word God. When the dew of heaven comes upon us and our families, we shall receive deliverance from weariness and curse of the enemy.

Like “the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth,” the Lord will bring showers of blessing upon us, our families and the works of our hands. He “will be as the dew unto (us),” “guide (us) continually, and satisfy (our) soul in drought, and make fat (our) bones: and (we) shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

• Further reading (King James Version): Psalm 133:1-3. Jeremiah 32:39; Ezekiel 11:19,20. John 17:17,18,21. Romans 15:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 1:10. Psalms 101:6,7; 140:13; Judges 18:7-10; Isaiah 6:5-8; 58:10-12. Exodus 7;1,2; 1 Samuel 12:6; Hebrews 5:4. Exodus 30:22,25,30-33; Leviticus 10:8-11; 24:1-4; Exodus 28:1-4,12,29,36. Genesis 27:28,29; Exodus 16:13-15; Deuteronomy 32:2; 33:13-15,28,29; Isaiah 55:10,11; Hosea 14:5-9; Isaiah 58:10-12.