It is also like the dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion. Look at verse 1: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) Living together in unity is both good and pleasant. Title. So first of all, God gives his blessing where believers live together in unity. How we need to practice unity in the body of Christ! This may have been uttered in the actual contemplation of such an assemblage; or it may have been a picture of the imagination. Psalm 133 is a Song of Ascents–a song for going up to a high place. We see no reason for depriving David of the authorship of this sparkling sonnet. To this writer, the great message of this little gem is the desirability of harmony and unity in the fellowship of the church. Dew is refreshing, and Christian fellowship should also be refreshing. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/psalms-133.html. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tcc/psalms-133.html. BibliographyEllicott, Charles John. The kingdom of Israel was first united under David, and it is appropriate that David would write a psalm about living together in unity. Joseph Benson's Commentary. b) Pleasant, as productive of happiness: as pleasing to God. We must deplore the uncharitable spirit amongst ourselves. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is,.... Aben Ezra thinks the word thing should be supplied; the thing is what follows; for brethren to dwell together in unity: which the Targum interprets of Zion and Jerusalem, as two brethren; Aben Ezra of the priests; Kimchi of the King Messiah and the priest; and Jarchi, and Kimchi's father, of the Israelites; which is best of all, especially of those who are Israelites indeed; for this is not to be understood of all mankind, who are in some sense brethren, being all of one blood, and among whom peace is to be cultivated; nor merely of those of the same nation, under one and the same government, who should endeavour to live peaceably and quietly; nor of brethren in a strict natural state, who belong to the same family, and are of the same parents, and should be kindly affectioned one to another; but rather of such who are so in a spiritual sense, who have God for their fatherly adoption and regeneration, are related to Christ the firstborn among many brethren, and are members one of another, in the same church state; all which are a reason why they should love as brethren, and endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Matthew 23:8, 1 Peter 2:17; and "to dwell together in unity"; even as one man, as if one soul actuated them all; it is not only to dwell and abide in the house of God, where they have all a name and a place; but to associate together there, to go up to the house of God in company, and with delight to join together in acts of religious worship; to serve the Lord with one consent, with one mind and mouth to glorify God, and to be of one accord, having the same love; and to do all kind and good offices one to another in the most hearty and cordial manner; serving each other in love, bearing one another's burdens, sympathizing with each other in all circumstances, forgiving each other offences committed, praying with one another, and building up each other in their most holy faith, stirring up one another to love and to good works: now this is both "good" and "pleasant"; it is good, as being according to the will of God, the new command of Christ; what evidences the truth of regeneration, and of being the disciples of Christ; what makes the communion of saints comfortable and edifying, and without which a profession of religion is good for nothing: and it is pleasant to God and Christ, to angels and men, to the ministers of the Gospel, and to all about them and in a connection with them; and it is this which makes any particular dispensation in time delightful and agreeable; as the first times of the Gospel, and the latter day glory, the Philadelphian church state, which has its name from brotherly love; yea, it will be the glory and delight of heaven. It is descriptive of the pleasure which we derive from a picture, from a landscape, from sweet sounds and gentle voices, or from love. But unity among brethren, whether civil or religious, is productive both of profit and pleasure. "Behold" accords with the reference being to a meeting of the national brotherhood at the great festivals. These good men often hit off the meaning of a passage in a few words. The sacred anointing oil had a sweet-smelling fragrance, and oh the sweetness of Spirit-anointed fellowship in the church. Pleasure is such a kind of goodness, especially to some kind of persons, as that they care not almost what they do or part with to obtain it, and all other good besides is nothing to them, if it be devoid of this. Compare Josephus (Antiquities ix. The goodness of living together in unity is so good, that the psalmist says, “Behold! 1859. White, Contemporary Pulpit, vol. No small part of the obstructions to the progress of religion in the world has been caused by the strifes and contentions of the professed friends of God. But the unity that comes from God is not just like oil. Do Christians attach no meaning to our Lord’s Prayer? Last week we looked at God coming to dwell with us. Now, under David they were being renewed at Zion, where the ark had been removed. Separation, isolation, discord, are unnatural and inhuman. But we need to work together to overcome disagreements and always, always love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Find Top Church Sermons, Illustrations, and Preaching Slides on Psalm 133:1. Once again God’s blessing of unity comes down to us from heaven. It was read at the reception of a new member into the brotherhood of the Knights Templars, and is by St. Augustine quoted as the Divine authority for monastic life. Sweet as that precious ointment, &c.—Ver. The number of two hath by the heathens been accounted accursed, because it was the first that departed from unity. And living together in unity is like the dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion. For brethren to dwell together in unity - Margin, even together. c) Because "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" ( 1 Corinthians 12:13 ), wherein unity must be kept: Ephesians 4:3 . Psalm 133 tells us three things about living together in unity. yahad (not "ehad. "Commentary on Psalms 133:1". For brethren to dwell together in unity! Peace is called "the peace of God:" Philippians 4:7 . Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! The previous Psalm, which sings o f the covenant, had also reveal ed the centre of Israel's unity in the Lord's anointed and the promises made to him. Psalm 132 focused on God’s promise of the Messiah, which means “the anointed one.” And so Aaron the anointed high priest points forward to Jesus, who is our Great High Priest and who is also the promised Messiah. Seeking the glory of God unites; in opposition to self honour which divides. Psalms 134:2.—H. Brotherly concord and the improvement of it in all occasional expressions is a very great good. EXEGESIS: CONTEXT: At three verses, this is one of the shortest psalms in the psalter. Unity, to be real, must begin within. Unable to obtain redress of doctrinal abuses, the English Church reformed herself. The word of the Holy Spirit; as "yea" is of the Father; and "verily" of the Son. Oil was a valued commodity in ancient Israel, not for making gasoline or fuel like today, but it was used for cooking and also for moisturizing and refreshing. So the comparison to the priesthood (Psalms 133:2). BibliographyTrapp, John. A church united for years m earnest service of the Lord is a well of goodness and joy to all those who dwell round about it. The people might use it on the last day of the three great festivals; or the Levites are exhorted to watch carefully. God looks on with approval, therefore consider it with attention. How good and holy pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Hezekiah found this Psalm exactly suited for his purpose. To dwell together] Heb. It is like precious oil. How good - How good in itself; how proper; how suited to promote happiness, and to diffuse good influences abroad. For any web postings, please link to the sermon directly at this website. 1832. Well in ancient Israel, you might offer them something to drink, but you would also offer oil for their head. BibliographyNicoll, William R. "Commentary on Psalms 133:1". Verse 1-3. DD. It something we receive from the Lord. We can dispense with uniformity if we possess unity: oneness of life, truth, and way; oneness in Christ Jesus; oneness of object and spirit -- these we must have, or our assemblies will be synagogues of contention rather than churches of Christ. Here that place is pictured as Mount Zion, which we’ve seen is a symbol for the place where God meets with his people. Look at verse 2: “It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.” (Psalm 133:2) This is one of those Biblical images that grows and expands in meaning with every phrase and every word.