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Psalterium Catholicum offers praying the Psalms, practicing Lectio Divina, and exploring faithful Catholic resources for daily devotion.

Psalm 133 The Psalter Psalm 135

PSALMVS CXXXIV

Ecce nunc benedicite

A Song of Degrees: Night Liturgy · Praise · Book V

Pray this Psalm · Lectio Divina

1Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.

2Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, Which ran down to the skirt of his garment:

3as the dew of Hermon, which descendeth upon mount Sion. For there the Lord hath commandeth blessing, and life for evermore.

Douay-Rheims · Challoner Revision

Read the NABRE at the USCCB

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Wisdom of the Church

Psalm 134, the final composition of the 'Song of Ascents' (Psalms 120–134), serves as a liturgical epilogue for pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. While tradition often ascribes the Psalter to David, scholars view these hymns as the collective voice of post-exilic Israel. The superscription 'A Song of Ascents' points to the annual pilgrimage festivals, where the faithful gathered at the Temple. Historically, the psalm functions as a dismissal or a 'night watch' prayer, reflecting the rhythm of Second Temple life where priests and Levites were tasked with perpetual vigilance in the sanctuary. It stands at the conclusion of the fourth book of the Psalter, providing a bridge to the final doxological section of the Book of Psalms. The text encapsulates the communal piety of the returned exiles, framing the relationship between God and His people through the metaphor of blessing—a reciprocal act where the assembly blesses the Lord for His covenant fidelity, and in return, the Lord bestows the blessing of Zion upon the congregation, affirming His sovereignty over heaven and earth.