Title: The Excellency of Brotherly Unity.

PSALM 133

1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!

2It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming
down upon the edge of his robes.

3It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded
the blessing—life forever.

Introduction: Unity is commonly used in organizations for a purpose of becoming strong such as united
nations, united states, united kingdom. This is unity in a secular world. However ,let us examine what is
unity King David is referring to in this passage.

I. The blessing declared

1. Unity among God’s people.

Verse 1 says, behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers dwell to together in unity.. Dwelling
together in unity.

The psalmist begins with an exhortation –

a. Behold , that is to take notice. What follows deserves our attention.

Psm 133:1 David described unity as

b. Good and pleasant. In Hebrew the word good is tuv.. Means exceedingly good. (creation).
It suggest that the brethren, in addition to local union, there should be heart harmony. David
draws our attention to something good and pleasant- unity among the people of God.
It is good because it reflects God’s heart and purpose of unity among the people of God.

Another adjective use by David in describing the brothers dwelling in unity is the word

c. pleasant.
How good and how pleasant it is for brother to dwell together in unity.
Pleasant means delightful. How delightful it is for brothers dwell together in unity.
Note: not everything that is pleasant is good. Unity among God’s people is such a remarkable
blessing because it is both good and pleasant.

Moreover, unity in hebrew is yachad which means to make one., having unity in heart, mind, and spirit.

Note: for brethren to dwell together in unity: this unity is tested, because these brethren dwell together.
In many ways it is easier to have some kind of unity with those distant. To dwell together means the
bond of unity and peace will be at times tested.
Illustration: according to the commentary of david guzik, this song was esp relevant fo pilgrims
travelling together to Jerusalem,. During the pilgrimage, the Jews enjoyed an ecumenical experience on
their way toward Jerusalem. The pi;grims came from many different walks of life, regions, and tribes, as
they gather for one purpose: the worship of the Lord in Jerusalem( VanGemeren)

This is what peter referred to in 1Peter 3:8. Finally, all of you, have unity in mind, sympathy, brotherly
love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. This is unity in a right theology and sound doctrine.

Moreover, true unity is built upon sound doctrine and right theology. We may differ in minor issues, but
in terms of major issues, major doctrines such as doctrine soteriology (dealing with salvation) , doctrine
of grace, doctrine of trinity or triune God, Christology, and other core doctrines, we have one stand on
these.

Apostle Paul says, I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of
you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be
perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 cor 1:10 II.

II. The blessing described

1. Like oil on the head

In v. 2, “It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running
down on the edge of his garments” (v.2).

In the ancient middle east, it was common to anoint one’s head with oil, sometimes as a greeting
entering a home(luk 7:46) this was done to refresh , have a good smell to the one receiving the oil.

Also, the anointing oil intended for the head( exom29:7) that after pouring of the oil on the head, some
was to be sprinkled on the robes: and his garments shall be holy.

2. Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron:

The picture in words shows that unity is a rich and abundant blessing- as the oil overflowed the
head and came down the beard. It also shows that unity is a rare and precious blessing because
the suggestion is that this was holy anointing, which was not to be imitated (exo 30:22-23)
a. Christians unity is..far beyond that common friendship. thus so highly valued
b. This is unity of holiness. That anointing oil ,poured upon Aaron, was the oil of consecration,
it was oil of holiness.
c. The odor of this must be very agreeable, and serves here a metaphor to point out the
exquisite excellence of brotherly love.

3. the beard of Aaron. *who is Aaron? Israel’s first high priest: expound.
*The anointing oil was used in the Old Testament to consecrate priests, prophets, and kings. Exo
29:7,30

*When oil is poured out in your head you will notice that the oil will not scattered. * It flows with unity
down to the body till the edge of the garment..

*The oil represented God’s abundant blessing, cascading down from heaven. The fact that David
described it as going from Aaron’s head to his beard and garments symbolizes God’s blessings over-
flowing.

Just as the anointing oil flowed from the head of Aaron to the rest of his body, unity allows God's
blessings to flow from one believer to another.

That brotherly unity is blessed, not only because it diffuses itself , and so blesses all in whose hearts it
dwells, but also because it is the condition on which still higher gifts are spread among brethren by their
brethrens mediation.

God himself pours on men the sacred anointing of His divine spirit and the dew of His quickening
influences. when God servants are knit together, as they should be, they impart to one another the
spiritual gifts received from above.

*It represents God's blessing, favor, and empowerment for His chosen servants.

4. It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion

In v.3 it says, It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord
commanded the blessing—life forever

a. The refreshing nature of dew:

Dew is a symbol of freshness, nourishment, and vitality.

Unity brings a refreshing and life-giving presence of God to His people.

It renews our spirits, strengthens our faith, and rejuvenates our love for God and one another.

b. The location of the blessing:

David’s second simile involves the dew of Mount Hermon: “It [unity] is like the dew of Hermon,
descending upon the mountains of Zion” (Ps. 133:3).
Geographical locations:

Mt. Hermon is the highest peak in Israel, rising 9,000 feet above sea level. It can be seen 120 miles away.
The water feeds the Jordan River, which then feeds the Sea of Galilee and runs again into the Jordan
River. Which then feeds the Sea of Galilee and runs again into the Jordan River.

Because Hermon receives more moisture than Zion, it is more glowing, vigor..a fitting symbol of the
Lord’s blessing on His people.”

The psalmist refers to the mountains of Zion, which represents the dwelling place of God.

Unity attracts God's presence, and where God's presence is, there is abundant blessing.

The blessings received through unity are not only temporary but eternal, leading to everlasting life in
Christ.

In Conclusion: As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 133, let us remember the profound truths it
holds for us today. Unity among believers is not merely a good idea; it is an essential element of our
faith journey. When we dwell in unity, we experience the goodness, pleasantness, anointing, and
blessings that God intends for His people.

III. Application

1.Let us strive for unity in our families, churches, and communities, seeking God's presence and the
eternal life He promises. May the power of unity transform our lives and be a witness to the world of
the love Let us create an environment where God's anointing can be experienced by all, benefiting the
entire body of Christ.

2. Let us always be united in the truth..biblical doctrine. Let us pray to God that this church will stand
firm on the truth and not apostasize.

3. let us be there in the gathering of God's people. (In the OT , Zion is the place of God’s presence. It is
where God wanted to meet with His people. They would come united in purpose to worship and
fellowship with one another. The former is just a shadow of the reality-the church. In the new covenant
community the church is the dwelling place of God. Thus, when the church dwell together in unity we
create a spiritual praises and spiritual sacrifices.)

4. Let us be united in doing the task of the church.