Unity

Recap

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” ; Matthew 9:9 “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.” 1 Corinthians 12:12 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Background

The book of Psalm has many authors and divisions. Our focus tonight will be that of the Songs of Ascent, the division of Psalm 120-134. These songs were song by families and communities on their route to celebrate the three required Jewish festivals,  known as the Shalosh Regalim are Passover (Pesach), Shavuot (Feast of Weeks), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)

How Good

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Behold or Pay special attention

Good tov in Hebrew often refers to what is morally right, beneficial, or in accordance with God’s will a. Unity is good because it aligns with God’s design for His people b. It reflects divine order, justice, and righteousness c. it produces tangible benefits - peace, cooperation, and mutual support within the community

Thus “good” speaks to the ethical and spiritual dimension of unit: it is something right and pleasing to God

Pleasant na’im refers to what is delightful, agreeable, or emotionally satisfying

a. Unity is pleasant because it brings joy, comfort, and emotional harmony among people b. It creates an atmosphere of love and fellowship that is personally enjoyable and socially enriching c. The word conveys a sense of beauty and sweetness in human relationship

Thus “pleasant” highlights the emotional and experiential side of unity - how it feels to live in peace with others.

Anointing Oil

Psalm 133:2 “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!”

Compares the unity of believers to the holy anointing oil used in the consecration of Aaron, the first high priest (ex 30:22) a sacred mix of olive oil and aromatic spices, used exclusively for setting apart priests and holy objectives for God’s service

Refreshing Grace

Psalm 133:3 “It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”

When God’s people live in unity, His presence descends upon them like the dew from Hermon upon Zion—bringing renewal, peace, and eternal blessing.

Unity without verity is not better than conspiracy.

John Trapp