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;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore."
— Psalm 133
The Entered Apprentice degree, the first step in Mason’s journey, emphasizes the foundational virtues of Freemasonry. Among these virtues, brotherly love stands paramount, symbolizing the unshakable bond that unites all Craft members. Psalm 133, often recited in Masonic lodges, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of brotherly love and unity, serving as an inspiring scriptural cornerstone.
The Symbolism of Unity in Psalm 133
The psalm beautifully describes the harmony among brethren as both "good and pleasant," highlighting its dual nature—beneficial and delightful. This mirrors the goal of Freemasonry, which seeks not only to enlighten the individual but also to foster harmony among its members. The imagery of the precious ointment running down Aaron’s beard signifies consecration, unity, and divine favor.
Similarly, in Masonry, brotherly love is a consecrating force, anointing and binding the brethren in mutual respect and shared purpose. The "precious ointment" mentioned in Psalm 133 is a reference to the sacred anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22–33. This oil was used to consecrate Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, and his sons for their priestly duties. It was a unique and holy blend of olive oil mixed with aromatic spices, including myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and cassia, prepared according to divine instruction.
Symbolic Significance of the Anointing Oil
Holiness and Consecration:
The oil symbolizes sanctification and setting apart for divine service. When poured on Aaron's head, it marked him as chosen by God to lead and intercede for the people. Similarly, in Freemasonry and other traditions, the concept of anointing represents the dedication of a person to a higher purpose.
Unity and Abundance:
The imagery of the oil flowing from the head, down the beard, and to the hem of Aaron’s garments signifies the completeness and abundance of God’s blessings. It portrays unity in its flow, as every part of the body—from the highest (the head) to the lowest (the skirts)—is touched by the same consecrating substance. This is akin to the unity described in brotherhood, where blessings flow seamlessly from one to another.
Fragrance and Purity:
The ointment was aromatic, symbolizing the pleasantness of unity and brotherhood. Just as the fragrance of the oil spread around Aaron, so too does the joy of harmony and love spread within a community or fraternity when brethren dwell together in unity.
Divine Favor and Blessing:
The anointing oil in Psalm 133 represents God’s favor, just as unity among brethren attracts divine blessings. The psalm concludes with the words, “For there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore,” emphasizing that unity invites God’s eternal blessings.
Reflection on Freemasonry and Brotherhood
In the context of Freemasonry, the "precious ointment" serves as a metaphor for the virtues that flow through the brotherhood: love, charity, and unity. Just as the anointing oil binds every part of Aaron, brotherly love binds the members of the Craft together, ensuring that no one is excluded from the fellowship.
This image inspires Masons to ensure that their actions and interactions are imbued with purity, unity, and the sacred purpose of uplifting one another, just as the anointing oil consecrates and blesses every part of the priestly garments.
The Symbolism of the Dew of Hermon
Life-Giving Nourishment:
Mount Hermon, a high mountain range in the northern part of Israel, is known for its abundant dew, which sustains vegetation in a generally arid region. The dew represents life-giving sustenance and renewal, much like the anointing oil represents spiritual consecration. In the same way, brotherly unity nourishes and revitalizes the spirit of individuals and communities.
Refreshing and Invigorating:
Just as the dew refreshes the dry land, unity refreshes the soul. The psalmist uses this imagery to convey the idea that dwelling together in harmony revitalizes relationships and fosters a sense of peace and joy. Similarly, the "precious ointment" invigorates Aaron, preparing him for his sacred duties.
Descending Blessings:
Both the dew of Hermon and the anointing oil share the imagery of descending: the dew flows from the heights of Hermon to the lower lands, and the oil flows from Aaron's head to his beard and garments. This descending motion symbolizes blessings that flow from above—divine favor that touches and transforms all who come under its influence.
Unity Across Diversity:
The dew of Hermon is said to fall even on Mount Zion, located far to the south. This represents the unifying power of God’s blessings, connecting distant and diverse regions. Similarly, the anointing oil binds the entire body of Aaron, symbolizing the unity of the priesthood and, by extension, the unity of the people of God. In the context of Freemasonry or brotherhood, this unity transcends differences, bringing people together in harmony.
The Connection Between the Ointment and the Dew
Both the anointing oil and the dew are symbols of abundance, purity, and divine favor.
They highlight the importance of unity and the blessings that flow from it, whether spiritual (as in the sacred oil) or natural (as in the dew).
The psalmist’s poetic pairing of these images emphasizes that brotherly harmony is both sacred and life-giving, bringing joy and vitality to those who experience it.
Reflection in Freemasonry
In Freemasonry, the parallels to the dew of Hermon and the anointing oil are clear. The bonds of brotherhood create a refreshing, life-sustaining atmosphere within the lodge. Each Mason is both a recipient and a conduit of blessings, contributing to the collective harmony.
The unity described in Psalm 133 inspires Masons to strive for mutual support and shared purpose, ensuring that the blessings of the fraternity, like the dew of Hermon, flow abundantly to all members, regardless of their station or background. It reminds us that, whether through sacred oil or refreshing dew, harmony and brotherly love are gifts that sustain and uplift all
Brotherly Love as a Pillar of Freemasonry
In the Entered Apprentice degree, candidates are taught that brotherly love is one of the foundational principles of the Craft. It is defined as an unselfish and universal affection that transcends individual differences, social barriers, and worldly distinctions. Just as the sacred dew nourishes the earth, brotherly love nourishes the heart and soul, allowing the fraternity to flourish.
This virtue manifests in several ways:
Support and Encouragement: Freemasons are called to support their brethren in need, offering guidance, assistance, and a listening ear.
Equality and Fellowship: Within the lodge, all men meet on the level, symbolizing equality and the suspension of social hierarchies.
Forgiveness and Understanding: Brotherly love encourages Freemasons to forgive the shortcomings of others and to approach disagreements with empathy and patience.
The Lodge as a Sacred Space of Unity
The Masonic lodge serves as the earthly embodiment of the unity described in Psalm 133. It is a place where men of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and experiences come together in pursuit of self-improvement and the betterment of humanity. Within its walls, brotherly love transforms into action—members work together harmoniously, bound by their commitment to the Masonic principles of morality, charity, and truth.
The Entered Apprentice degree reminds initiates that the strength of the fraternity lies not in its rituals or symbols alone but in the genuine affection and goodwill shared among its members. This love radiates outward, inspiring Masons to extend the same kindness and respect to all of humanity.
A Lifelong Pursuit of Brotherly Love
Brotherly love is not merely a lesson to be learned; it is a lifelong pursuit. Freemasons are encouraged to carry this principle beyond the lodge, integrating it into their daily lives. By practicing brotherly love, Masons strives to build a world that reflects the harmony and unity depicted in Psalm 133—a world where individuals dwell together in mutual respect and peace.
Psalm 133 serves as a profound reminder of the beauty and power of unity. In the Entered Apprentice degree, this scripture inspires new Masons to embrace brotherly love as a guiding principle. It challenges them to cultivate harmony within the lodge and extend that spirit of unity to the wider world.
As Freemasons, we are reminded that true brotherly love is both a gift and a responsibility. It calls us to rise above personal differences, to support one another selflessly, and to work collectively for the betterment of humanity.
Indeed, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
