May 2

Psalm 133 (biblegateway.com)

How Beautiful and Pleasant It Is - Unity

Psalm 133 is a short but powerful psalm that celebrates the beauty and blessing of unity among God’s people. It reflects that harmony among brothers and sisters is both rare and precious —a sacred gift from God, bringing life, refreshment, and divine blessings. This psalm reminds us that true fellowship among believers is not something we create by effort alone; it is a gift to be treasured and a reflection of God’s own heart for His people.

Psalm 133 is a “Song of Ascents,” traditionally sung by Israelite pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts, such as Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles. It is attributed to David and celebrates the blessing of unity among God’s people, likening it to sacred and abundant images: the anointing oil flowing down Aaron’s beard and the dew of Hermon descending on Mount Zion.

In verse 1, David exclaims how “good” and “pleasant” it is when believers dwell together in unity. This sentiment was especially fitting during the religious festivals, when Israelite families gathered in Jerusalem to worship the Lord. As a Song of Ascents, Psalm 133 would have been sung by fellow pilgrims, “brothers dwelling in unity,” as they journeyed and worshiped together in peace. The ideal Israel is pictured as a covenant community marked by mutual care, solidarity, and harmony. When such unity is realized, it is truly both good (beneficial) and pleasant (delightful).

This vision extends to the church today, where Christ prayed that His followers would be one, so that the world might believe in Him (John 17:20-23). Unity among God’s people is not only a powerful testimony to the world but also a blessing we are called to actively pursue. It reflects the very nature of God—perfect unity within the Trinity—and is meant to characterize the covenant community of believers. True unity is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of genuine love, a shared mission, and worship centered wholly on God.

David then uses rich imagery to describe this unity. In verse 2, he likens it to the precious oil poured on Aaron’s head, running down onto his beard and garments. To better understand this imagery, it helps to recognize that in the ancient world, banquet guests were often honored by their host with anointing oils. This practice not only gave their faces a radiant appearance but also filled the room with fragrance.

An Assyrian text from the reign of Esarhaddon, for example, records that he “drenched the foreheads” of his banquet guests with “choicest oils.” Such oils also served a practical function, preserving the skin in the harsh, arid climate of the Middle East. Ancient sources, such as the Egyptian Song of the Harper and the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, describe individuals dressed in fine linen and scented with myrrh, emphasizing celebration and honor.

In Israelite tradition, however, anointing carried even deeper significance: priests were consecrated with the finest oil as a symbol of God’s blessing and the heavy responsibility of their calling. Anointing was also closely associated with divine election and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

The image David uses here recalls the anointing of the high priest (Exodus 29:7), where sacred oil symbolized the Spirit’s consecration and divine favor. The oil was costly and poured out abundantly, representing holiness, joy, and God’s empowering presence. David teaches that when God’s people dwell in unity, it is not only refreshing but also sacred. Such unity is set apart and empowered by God Himself for His purposes. It is not merely a social ideal but a deeply spiritual reality.

In verse 3, David compares unity to the dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion. Mount Hermon, located far to the north, was known for its heavy dew and abundant moisture, which brought life to the land. Zion, by contrast, was often dry, yet David poetically imagines it being refreshed by Hermon’s dew. Unity, then, is life-giving and revitalizing; it brings spiritual nourishment and vitality to the people of God. In the dry seasons of life and faith, unity among believers refreshes weary souls.

David concludes by stating that it is in this place of unity that “the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore” (Psalm 133:3). Unity is not merely a human achievement but a divine work. The blessing of eternal life, of flourishing now and forever, is tied to the shared life of God’s people living in harmony.

There is a beauty to unity that words can scarcely capture. When the people of God move together, though different in background, opinions, and personalities, there is a fragrance, a goodness, that fills the air like the richest anointing oil. Psalm 133 paints this picture for us: unity among believers is precious, sacred, and life-giving.

In our churches today, it’s easy to focus on what separates us. We hold different ideas about worship styles, ministry approaches, and even day-to-day decisions. Some of us like things planned down to the minute; others long for a freer flow of the Spirit. Some are drawn to tradition; others lean toward innovation. Sometimes, these differences can feel like mountains too high to cross.

But the psalmist reminds us that unity is not about sameness. It’s about togetherness for a greater purpose—the glory of God. It’s about brothers and sisters standing shoulder to shoulder, each offering their unique gifts, perspectives, and passions, and laying them down at the feet of Jesus.

Unity doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything. It means we agree on the most important thing: that God is worthy of our collective worship, our service, and our love. When we fix our eyes on Him, our differences don’t disappear, but they become beautifully woven into a tapestry that reflects His creativity and grace.

Serving together with one heart, even amidst our diversity, creates a testimony to the world. It tells them that Jesus is real, powerful, and worth following. When we pursue unity, the Spirit breathes new life into our churches. Worship becomes sweeter, service becomes lighter, and our mission becomes clearer.

Maybe today, you’re feeling the tension. Maybe unity feels out of reach because disagreements or misunderstandings have crept in. If so, take heart. True unity isn’t something we manufacture; it’s a gift from God that we choose to embrace. It starts with humility. It grows with forgiveness. It is sustained by love.

Let us lay down our pride, pick up grace, and move forward hand-in-hand, not for our glory, but for His. When we serve with a common purpose, when we glorify God together, we experience something far more beautiful than mere agreement—we taste the very blessing of the Lord.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).