Read Psalm 133
Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of song is this (superscript)? Of whom? How does Psalm 133:1a call for the readers attention? To what two characteristics? Of what circumstance (verse 1b)? To what do Psalm 133:2a–b compare this dwelling in unity? Running down whose beard (verse 2c)? Onto what (verse 2d)? To what does Psalm 133:3a compare this unity? Descending upon what (verse 3b)? What special thing does God do in this dwelling place of unity (verse 3c)? What blessing does He command there (verse 3d)?
Why is unity beautiful? Psalm 133 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that true unity is beautiful because it comes from God in Christ and His priesthood.
It is very appropriate for those who are going to worship together to rejoice over their unity. The Israelites rejoiced over a unity that was palpable for them in the Aaronic priesthood (Psalm 133:2) and the gathering together at Zion, i.e., Jerusalem (Psalm 133:3).
But Christians have a much greater unity. They may not be descended from one earthly father, as Israel largely were, but they have been adopted by one heavenly Father, united as the flesh and bone of one Christ (cf. Ephesians 5:30), and indwelt by the same Spirit. This Spirit, giving them the mind of Christ, brings them to speak the same thing, think the same thing, and conclude the same judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10). The priesthood that joins them is Christ’s own priesthood, and in Him they gather as one in the Holy of Holies in glory (cf. Hebrews, chapters 2–12). What a priesthood it is, reconciling them both to God and to one another (cf. Ephesians 2:11–22)!
So the Psalm demands our attention to this. It cries, “Behold!” Consideration of the beauty of dwelling together in unity, and of the loveliness of dwelling together in unity (Psalm 133:1) ought to produce in us great appreciation and gratitude for it. That consideration ought also to produce in us zeal and diligence toward it. One can hardly exaggerate the value of unity among the brethren.
In addition to delight in unity, and diligence unto unity, the Psalm also calls us unto dependence upon God for unity. Ordination comes from Him, as signified both in the pouring of the good (same word as in Psalm 133:1) oil upon the head (Psalm 133:2a), and even the design and designation of the garments mentioned in verse 2d. The same dew that falls upon Hermon in creational care (Psalm 133:3a) falls from God upon Zion in covenantal care (verse 3b). God is the One Who gives this unity, making it all the more attainable (by way of His means, verse 3c–d) and wonderful (because of its divine origins).
When God’s people are gathered under His anointed Priest (Psalm 133:2), to be watered by the Word (Psalm 133:3a–c), unto eternal life (verse 3d), this Psalm is wonderfully suited for calling their attention to their blessedness from Him.
What is your habit for taking the opportunity, when the time for gathering to worship approaches, to dwell upon the unity that God has given His church? How are you laboring toward greater unity in your own congregation?
Sample prayer: Lord, how good and pleasant is the unity that You have given us as Your children, Christ’s body, and the Spirit’s temple. Make us diligent to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. And pour it out upon us through the priesthood of Christ, and Your special blessing upon Your people, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP197 “Christian Unity” or TPH409 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
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