Today, we’ll explore some truths in one of my favourite Psalms, which will prepare us well for what God has in store for us as we end one year and enter a new one.
Text: Psalm 133
Psalm 133 is one of the Songs of Ascent—a collection of 15 psalms (120–134) that pilgrims sang as they ascended to Jerusalem—750 metres above sea level.
Pilgrims sang the Songs of Ascent as they ascended to Jerusalem, especially during the three major Jewish festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. However, this wasn’t merely a physical ascent; it also marked occasions of spiritual ascent toward God.
Psalm 133 is the second-last Song of Ascent, focusing on the beauty of unity:
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Let’s explore some stunning truths from this psalm:
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Unity is community togetherness—whether through a physical gathering (like a church service), emotional or spiritual connection, or a shared purpose.
www.biblehub.com puts it this way: In ancient Israelite society, community and unity were vital for survival and identity. The concept of “yachad” reflects the importance of collective action and harmony within the family, tribe, and nation. Unity was seen as a strength, whether in worship, warfare, or daily life. The Israelites understood that their covenant relationship with God required them to live in unity with one another, reflecting God’s oneness.
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The opposite of unity is disarray, confusion, panic, disorder, or chaos.
Q. Have you ever walked into an environment where there is disunity?
Unity does not mean uniformity.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul uses the human body as an example. There are different parts, but one body. Unity can be defined as “love despite differences.”
Q. What is unity like?
David’s song provides two illustrations of what it’s like when God’s people live together in unity. It is good and pleasant…like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
In Israel, oil was commonly used to anoint people during festivals and joyous occasions. Thus, oil became a symbol of enjoyment and fragrance. The abundance of anointing oil filled the atmosphere with a magnificent aroma.
And so, David says that unity brings joy and celebration. His second illustration of unity is that it is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
Mount Herman (2800+ Metres) vs. Mount Zion (765 Metres)
Mount Kosciuszko (2200+ Metres) vs. Mount Dandenong (630 Metres)
The presumption is that the volume of dew falling on a massive mountain is much greater than that which falls on a small hill. Unity brings the blessings of the biggest to the smallest.
This is a beautiful promise. God says that when you make unity your goal, He will bless you beyond your wildest dreams. That’s David’s conclusion in Psalm 133:
For there (i.e., in the place of unity), the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Bestows = to command or to give orders.
His blessing = divine favour, which shapes the future of the recipients and their descendants.
Consider that—unity is the key to God’s blessing. God orders divine favour to be poured out on those who strive for unity. I encourage you to reflect on what this might look like among your family, friends, workplace, and church.
Unity in a church doesn’t mean we all agree on everything. It doesn’t mean that we’re all the same. It means that we work through the issues, choose to love each other despite our differences, and focus on what we have in common—the same Saviour redeems us; we serve the same Master; we cherish the same hope; we’re looking forward to the same heaven; we’re subject to the same trials, temptations, and sorrows; we have the same comfort, and we’re focused in the same direction—to courageously love and empower people to become like Jesus.
Discussion Questions
Beginning in February 2025, we will follow the scripture reading plan in Pastor Rob’s book, FRESH. We encourage you to buy a copy so we can read the same scriptures each week in the New Year. You might like to consider discussing these chapters and the commentary in FRESH within your Connect Group.
(All proceeds from the sale of FRESH will support Bayside Church’s congregation in Lusaka, Zambia).
Share your experiences of unity or disunity. Where and why did this happen? How was unity achieved?
“Unity is community togetherness—whether through a physical gathering, emotional or spiritual connection, or a shared purpose.” How could your connect group express unity through a shared purpose?
Discuss: “Unity does not mean uniformity.” (Consider 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 in your thoughts).
Read Psalm 133 and discuss David’s two illustrations about unity—anointing oil and mountain dew.
“God orders divine favour to be poured out on those who strive for unity.” What might this look like among your family, friends, workplace, and church?
Discuss: “Unity in a church doesn’t mean we all agree on everything. It doesn’t mean that we’re all the same. It means that we work through the issues, choose to love each other despite our differences, and focus on what we have in common.”