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 

Mazmur 5:1

Psalm 5 ⁵ 

For the music director, to be accompanied by wind instruments; ⁶  a psalm of David.

5:1 Listen to what I say, ⁷  Lord!

Carefully consider my complaint! ⁸ 

[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.”

[5:1]  ⁵ sn Psalm 5. Appealing to God’s justice and commitment to the godly, the psalmist asks the Lord to intervene and deliver him from evildoers.

[5:1]  ⁶ tn The meaning of the Hebrew word נְחִילוֹת (nÿkhilot), which occurs only here, is uncertain. Many relate the form to חָלִיל (khalil, “flute”).

[5:1]  ⁷ tn Heb “my words.”

[5:1]  ⁸ tn Or “sighing.” The word occurs only here and in Ps 39:3.