Considered a buffer zone between Syria and Israeli-occupied territory, it is the home to the highest permanently manned United Nations post in the world. Where did Paul get the grace to enable him to be ready to be poured out as a drink-offering upon the sacrifice of his brethren? We must evidently take “the dew of Hermon” as a poetical synonym for “choice dew.” No doubt the height of Hermon, and the fact of its being so conspicuous, determined the expression. (c) By Hermon and Zion he means the plentiful country about Jerusalem. Love between God’s people is like dew from Hermon that falls upon Zion. But the people from Hermon would also benefit from their long journey. There is always plentiful water there. Back to Words index : Back to Natural words index Dew. God, who gives life to people’s bodies, also gives life to their spirits. It is in Zion, in his church, that he has made known the way to eternal life, and the means by which it may be obtained. See Psalm 78:67-69, note; Psalm 87:2, note. The "dew of Hermon" is referred to ( Psalms 89:: 12). Also, it provides what people would otherwise lack. What was it that made Timothy care for other people?

Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. It is like ointment descending from the head of the high priest to the skirts of his garment; and it is like the dew descending, in refreshing power, from Hermon's snowy top. Hermon is the very loftiest peak in all the land of Palestine, and from its snowy cap, when all the surrounding country is parched, the refreshing dew descends upon the mountains of Zion; and this is one of the figures used by the Holy Ghost to illustrate the beauty and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity. It is Christ, and not self; and this is what we want, if we are to "dwell together in unity.". It was another holy mountain, and it looks like one too. Thus we shall learn to bear and forbear. By living sufficiently near to our great priestly Head to catch the fragrant ointment as it descends from Him-to be living so near the Man in the glory as that the refreshing dew of His grace may drop upon our souls, thus rendering us fragrant and fruitful to His praise. See the word list for explanation of words with a *. The descent of the moisture offered itself, as the flowing down of the oil did, as an emblem of the operation of the blessing”. Its modern name is Jebel-esh-Sheikh, "the chief mountain." We may profess to hold "the unity of the body," and "the unity of the Spirit"-most precious and glorious truths surely-and all the while be really full of selfish strife, party spirit, and sectarian feeling, all of which are entirely destructive of practical unity. commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.". But the conclusion of the simile is only implied. They must live close to Christ, and be occupied with Him, so that they may show forth His virtues, and reflect His blessed image. There truly we see, first of all, the divine Head Himself, and from Him the ointment descending to the skirts of His garments. It is He who says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" And yet they are but figures used to set forth the divine idea of unity among brethren. We must evidently take “the dew of Hermon” as a poetical synonym for “choice dew.” And that would not just be a temporary relationship. How truly delightful! If brethren are to dwell together in unity, they must have the "ointment" and the "dew" dropping continually upon them. Even life for evermore - literally, "Life to eternity." "we were sufficiently instructed by experience what the holy psalmist means by the dew of Hermon; our tents being as wet with it as if it had rained all night.''. Charles Henry Mackintosh The expression "the dew of Hermon" has, it seems, long proved "a geographical puzzle" to some. the house is filled with the odour of the ointment. What is the one grand answer to all these questions? If we imagine Palestine aso a body, Hermon is at the "head," and the dew flows all the way down to Zion near the "feet," covering the whole land. Hermon is the very loftiest peak in all the land of Palestine, and from its snowy cap, when all the surrounding country is parched, the refreshing dew descends upon the mountains of Zion; and this is one of the figures used by the Holy Ghost to illustrate the beauty and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity. As the dew of Hermon that descended upon the mountains of Zion; [The interpolated words, "and as the dew," spoil the beauty of the figure.] Love between God’s people is like dew from Hermon that falls upon Zion. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for ever more. Songs of Ascent Commentary.