How is unity portrayed in Psalms 133?

Psalm 133 is a short yet profound piece of scripture that beautifully encapsulates the concept of unity among believers. This Psalm, attributed to David, paints a vivid picture of the blessings that flow from harmonious relationships within the community of God's people. It reads as follows:

"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."
(Psalm 133:1-3, KJV)

The first verse sets the tone by declaring the goodness and pleasantness of unity. The Hebrew word used for "good" (טוֹב, tov) often connotes moral goodness and well-being, while "pleasant" (נָעִים, na'im) suggests sweetness and delight. Thus, unity among God’s people is not just a practical necessity but a source of profound joy and moral excellence.

David then employs two striking metaphors to illustrate the nature and impact of this unity. The first metaphor is the anointing oil used in the consecration of Aaron, the high priest. This oil was a special blend, as described in Exodus 30:22-25, and it symbolized sanctification and the Holy Spirit’s presence. The oil running down Aaron's beard and onto his garments signifies the all-encompassing and overflowing nature of unity. Just as the oil consecrates Aaron from head to toe, unity sanctifies the entire community, making it holy and pleasing to God.

The second metaphor compares unity to the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion. Mount Hermon, located in the northern part of Israel, is known for its abundant dew which is vital for vegetation in the arid climate. The dew symbolizes life-giving refreshment and fertility. When David speaks of this dew descending upon Zion, he is highlighting that unity brings a divine blessing that invigorates and sustains the spiritual life of the community. Zion, often representing the spiritual center of Israel, becomes a recipient of this life-giving unity.

In both metaphors, the imagery moves from the top downwards – the oil from the head to the beard and garments, and the dew from Hermon to Zion. This top-down movement signifies that true unity is a divine gift that flows from God to His people. It is initiated by God and sustained by His grace, emphasizing that human efforts alone cannot achieve such perfect unity.

The final verse of the Psalm encapsulates the ultimate blessing of unity: "for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." Unity among believers is not merely a social or emotional state; it is a condition where God’s blessings are abundantly poured out. The phrase "life for evermore" points to eternal life, suggesting that unity has both temporal and eternal dimensions. It enriches our lives here on earth and prepares us for the everlasting life to come.

To further understand the portrayal of unity in Psalm 133, it is helpful to consider the broader biblical context. Throughout scripture, unity is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of communal harmony in fulfilling God’s purposes. In the New Testament, Jesus prays for the unity of His followers in John 17:21, saying, "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." This prayer highlights that unity among believers is a testament to the world of God’s love and mission.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes unity in his letters. In Ephesians 4:3-6, he urges believers to "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Paul’s exhortation underscores that unity is rooted in the very nature of God and the shared faith of believers.

Christian literature and tradition have also recognized the importance of unity as portrayed in Psalm 133. For instance, St. Augustine, in his "Expositions on the Psalms," reflects on this Psalm by emphasizing that unity is a reflection of the Trinity – three persons in one essence. Augustine sees the anointing oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who binds believers together in love and peace.

Moreover, the early church fathers often cited Psalm 133 in their writings to encourage communal harmony and mutual support among Christians. The Didache, an early Christian treatise, echoes the sentiments of this Psalm by urging believers to "assemble together frequently, seeking the things that benefit your souls."

In contemporary Christian practice, Psalm 133 continues to inspire and challenge believers to pursue unity. It serves as a reminder that unity is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of active love, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Churches and Christian communities often turn to this Psalm in times of division or strife, seeking to restore the harmony that reflects God’s will.

In practical terms, fostering unity requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace. It involves humility, as Philippians 2:3-4 advises: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." It also necessitates forgiveness and reconciliation, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:21-22, where He instructs Peter to forgive "seventy times seven."

In conclusion, Psalm 133 portrays unity as a divine blessing that brings joy, sanctification, and life to the community of believers. Through vivid metaphors of anointing oil and refreshing dew, David illustrates that true unity is a gift from God that encompasses and sustains His people. This unity is not just a lofty ideal but a practical and essential aspect of Christian living, deeply rooted in the nature of God and the teachings of scripture. As believers strive to embody this unity, they reflect the love of Christ and become conduits of God’s blessings to the world.