translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: PSA

label: NET study note

text: . The psalmist affirms the benefits of family unity.


text: The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134 , is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.


text: Hermon refers to Mount Hermon, located north of Israel.


text: 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.