“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to live together in unity!”

“It is like the precious oil on the head,
Running down upon the beard,
Aaron’s beard,
Running down to the edge of his robes.”

“It is like the dew of Hermon
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
For the Lord commanded the blessing there—life forever.”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 133, a Song of Ascents of David, is a poetic celebration of unity among God’s people.

The imagery of anointing oil and refreshing dew highlights the beauty and blessing of unity:

• Oil represents consecration, joy, and abundance.
• Dew represents refreshment and fruitfulness.

Unity is not only pleasant for God’s people but also where the Lord commands His blessing, ultimately pointing to eternal life.

Key Themes:

1. The Goodness of Unity: Unity is both good (morally right) and pleasant (delightful) (v. 1).
2. Unity as Anointing Oil: Like oil on Aaron’s head, unity is consecrated and overflowing (v. 2).
3. Unity as Refreshing Dew: Like dew on Mount Hermon, unity brings life and fruitfulness (v. 3).
4. Unity as the Place of Blessing: God commands His blessing where His people are united (v. 3).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 133 teaches us that unity among God’s people is a sacred blessing where life and joy abound:

• Unity is beautiful in God’s eyes – “How good and pleasant it is” (v. 1) recalls John 17:21: Jesus prayed that His followers would be one.
• Unity consecrates and overflows – “Like oil on Aaron’s head” (v. 2) reflects Ephesians 4:3: make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
• Unity refreshes like dew – “Like the dew of Hermon” (v. 3) connects to Hosea 14:5: God’s people will blossom like the lily under His refreshing.
• Unity brings God’s commanded blessing – “There the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever” (v. 3) echoes Acts 2:44–47: the early church shared life together, and God added daily those being saved.

Application

• Pursue Unity in Relationships: Strive for harmony within your family, church, and community.
• Value Unity as Sacred: Treat it as a holy gift, not something to take lightly.
• Be a Peacemaker: Bring refreshment and blessing through reconciliation.
• Celebrate God’s Blessing in Unity: Recognize that life and growth flow where God’s people are one.
• Look to Eternal Unity in Christ: Our unity today points to the forever-life we share in Him.

Closing Thought

Unity is both beautiful and sacred. Like oil and dew, it consecrates and refreshes, and it is in such unity that God commands His blessing—life forevermore.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!”