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Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (v. 1, ESV)
How often have you listened to a sad commentary about families fighting during the holidays? For 49 years as a pastor, I listened to tales of angry words, disunity about inheritances, someone mis-marrying, and control issues at family gatherings, and I usually thought, “How petty!”
I once officiated a memorial service with two differing sides within a family distraught over a disagreement. As the casket was carried to the hearse from the funeral home, a literal brawl began between the two factions with flying fists and purses!
I walked through the crowd, holding my Bible in front of me, telling those swinging and kicking to remember that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. The Bible was my shield that day, as everyone who saw this crazy pastor approach them holding out a Bible stopped brawling.
As King David continues …
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! (v. 2)
I’m fortunate that my family gets along; no family turmoil, but lots of teasing, fun, and celebrations at gatherings. We stick together and support one another even when we disagree politically.
The setting of Psalm 133 came after a family squabble with the Israelites. King Saul died, and David became king, and for seven and a half years, he was king only of Judah. The rest of the tribes of Israel resisted his leadership, following instead King Saul’s son Ishbosheth*. The northern tribes and Judah did not unite until Ishbosheth’s death.
With Israel now reunited, Psalm 133 gives two illustrations of the blessings of unity …
First, oil running down Aaron’s beard …
Not necessarily a pretty sight by American scruples, but the anointing oil used for the ordination of priests could cost months of an average laborer’s wages.
Anointing oil on Aaron’s beard = great value.
Second, the dew of Mount Hermon …
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion (v. 3, NLT).
Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel, is on the northern border of Israel (northern tribes), along with the mountains of Zion (Jerusalem or the tribe of Judah), both of which are mentioned in the life-giving symbol of dew.
In a desert country, water is desperately needed. Dew from Mount Hermon = life!
Psalm 133 teaches that unity has great value and gives life. With disunity in our family or in our church, we would pay a great sum to restore peace, because we desire joy at our gatherings.
As Psalm 133 concludes …
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore (v. 3, ESV).
Amen. Peace out!
*OG Advice: If you are reading the Bible in a small group and come to a difficult name, don’t pause. Say confidently whatever the pronunciation of the name seems like to you, and those listening will be impressed, even if you don’t know what you are saying.