Psalm 133

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”  Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)

It is important to remember that Psalm 133 is a "Song of Ascents."  These songs were written (or at least utilized) to prepare a person’s heart for worship at the Temple (or Tabernacle in David’s day) in Jerusalem.  If you recall the narrative of King David’s life, how he was hunted by Saul and the army of Israel, it is easy to understand why David would find it important to remind the children of Israel to dwell in unity.  Once David became king, he went the “extra mile” to communicate that he was more interested in a peaceful nation than getting revenge on his enemies.  His psalm is akin to the war cry of the American revolutionary patriots, “United we stand, divided we fall!”  Jesus also preached this message of unity.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (NKJV)

Likewise, the apostles Paul and Peter exhorted the young church:

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV)

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)

I love the image that David uses, anointing oil being poured on Aaron’s head, the first high priest of Israel.  David is communicating that the willingness to forgive and serve one another is akin to a priestly role of the highest degree!

“It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.” Psalm 133:2 (NKJV)

Furthermore, if the Israelites would act in unity (united by God’s Word), then God would bless their land.  The image of blessing that David evokes is of the highest mountain in Israel, where the rainfall-runoff feeds the Jordan and waters the nation.

“It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing - life forevermore.”  Psalm 133:3 (NKJV)

If we humble ourselves to seek and obey God’s Word, we will serve one another and live in unity.  In turn, God will bless any nation whose citizens unite under His Lordship with miraculous blessings flowing down to His people!