This psalm, although small, is so rich in truth. Let’s read it in its entirety. Psalms 133:1-3 says, “A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”

This psalm of David celebrates the love and unity of brothers and sisters in the Lord. It is GOOD, as the right thing to do. And it is PLEASANT, as giving pleasure to those who live in unity with their brothers and sisters. Ephesians 4:1-3 tells us, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ENDEAVOURING TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT in the bond of peace.” True unity is the work of the Lord. We are exhorted to KEEP that unity that He creates.

The joy of this unity is compared to the anointing oil that was used when anointing Aaron, the high priest of Israel. To read about this oil, I encourage you to read Exodus 30:22-29, with verse 30 saying, “And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.” We see from our portion that there is an abundance of oil poured upon the head that would run down Aaron’s beard and to the skirts of his garments. Notice that this joy is not compared to oil that is still in its container. No, it is compared to oil that is being poured out, showing that it is the use of this precious oil that determines its value. This precious oil, when poured out, would produce a very pleasurable odor to all that were near and would bring refreshment to the one being anointed.

This oil is also compared to the “dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion.” The gentleness of the descending dew gives the thought of that which comes quietly and does its work effectively. Genuine joy does not come with a fanfare, like the rain that comes with wind, lightning, and thunder. The dew ‘descends’ from on high, from the Lord, upon those who value and practice the ‘unity of the brethren.’ What a pleasant picture this psalm paints of the quiet joy of brothers and sisters in Christ dwelling together in unity.

I would be amiss if I did not point out that the Lord HATES those who would disrupt this spiritual unity.   We read in Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN.” Discord is the opposite of unity. There are those who love to cause problems and create division among the Lord’s people. Be aware and cautioned: the Lord HATES that behavior. He HATES the spirit that would cause someone to desire to cause unwarranted division among His people.

The Lord Jesus prayed for unity among His people. He said in John 17:20-22, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” Are you enjoying and appreciating the unity of the brethren or are you trying to cause discord among the brethren? Keep in mind that the Lord LOVES the unity of His people, but HATES discord being sown among His people. (279.4)