1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 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;
3 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 for evermore.
Psalm 133 is a short, yet profound psalm in the Book of Psalms in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. It is classified as a "Song of Ascent" and is often recited or sung by faithful believers as they ascend to a place of worship or spiritual significance. This Psalm, written by King David, is an ode to unity, harmony, and brotherly love. It espouses the importance of living in unity and peace with one another, highlighting the blessings that come from such a harmonious existence.
Psalm 133 is composed of only three verses, yet it carries a profound message. It opens with the words, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" This verse underscores the theme of unity and the joy that comes from living in harmony with others. The psalmist uses the metaphor of the precious ointment upon the head, running down upon the beard, Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. These metaphors emphasize the abundance, goodness, and blessing that flows from unity.
The primary theme of Psalm 133 is unity. From the opening verse, the psalmist emphasizes the goodness and pleasantness of unity among brethren. He speaks of the beauty and joy that arises when people live together in harmony. This theme is not only central to this psalm but is also a recurring theme in the Bible. Unity is often presented as a divine ideal, a state of being that reflects the nature of God Himself. As believers, we are called to emulate this divine unity in our relationships with one another.
The psalmist's choice of the word "brethren" is also significant. In the biblical context, "brethren" often refers to fellow believers or members of the community of faith. Thus, the psalmist is not only speaking of unity in a general sense but also emphasizing the importance of unity within the community of believers. This unity is not merely about physical proximity or absence of conflict; it is about shared values, mutual respect, and love for one another.
In Psalm 133, the psalmist uses two powerful metaphors to illustrate the beauty and blessing of unity: the anointing oil and the dew of Hermon. The anointing oil is a symbol of consecration, blessing, and the presence of God. In the Old Testament, the anointing oil was used to consecrate priests for their service to God. It was a symbol of God's blessing and favor. When the psalmist says, "like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard", he is referring to the anointing of Aaron as the high priest, a moment of great significance and blessing. This metaphor illustrates that unity is not just good and pleasant; it is sacred, blessed, and consecrated by God.
The second metaphor is the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion. Mount Hermon is the highest mountain in Israel, known for its abundant dew, while Zion represents the city of Jerusalem, the place of God's dwelling. The dew of Hermon is a symbol of refreshment, fertility, and life. By likening unity to the dew of Hermon, the psalmist is saying that unity brings refreshment, life, and blessing to the community. It is as essential for the spiritual life of the community as dew is for the physical life of the land.
The final verse of Psalm 133 reads, "For there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." This verse reveals the ultimate blessing of unity: the blessing of eternal life. The psalmist is saying that where there is unity, there God commands His blessing. This blessing is not just temporal or material; it is eternal life. This is the ultimate blessing, the greatest good that can be bestowed upon us. It signifies the presence of God, the fullness of joy, and the perfection of happiness.
Through this verse, the psalmist is also making a profound theological statement. He is saying that unity is not just a human ideal; it is a divine command. It is not just a good thing to strive for; it is a divine imperative. Unity is not just a means to an end; it is an end in itself. It is not just a pathway to blessing; it is the blessing itself. This is a powerful message that challenges us to seek unity, not for our own sake, but for the sake of God's glory and the fulfillment of His divine purpose.
In conclusion, Psalm 133 is a profound meditation on the theme of unity. Despite its brevity, it carries a powerful message that resonates with believers of all times and cultures. It reminds us of the goodness and pleasantness of unity, the sacredness of harmony, and the blessing of brotherly love. It challenges us to strive for unity, to live in peace with one another, and to seek the blessing that comes from unity. As we reflect on this psalm, let us be inspired to seek unity in our relationships, in our communities, and in our world. For in unity, there is blessing, and in blessing, there is life.
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