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Commentary on Psalms 133 verses 1–3
Here see, I. What it is that is commended - brethren's dwelling together in unity, not only not quarrelling, and devouring one another, but delighting in each other with mutual endearments, and promoting each other's welfare with mutual services. Sometimes it is chosen, as the best expedient for preserving peace, that brethren should live asunder and at a distance from each other; that indeed may prevent enmity and strife (Gen 13:9), but the goodness and pleasantness are for brethren to dwell together and so to dwell in unity, to dwell even as one (so some read it), as having one heart, one soul, one interest. David had many sons by many wives; probably he penned this psalm for their instruction, to engage them to love another, and, if they had done this, much of the mischief that arose in his family would have been happily prevented. The tribes of Israel had long had separate interests during the government of the Judges, and it was often of bad consequence; but now that they were united under one common head he would have them sensible how much it was likely to be for their advantage, especially since now the ark was fixed, and with it the place of their rendezvous for public worship and the centre of their unity. Now let them live in love.
II. How commendable it is: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is! It is good in itself, agreeable to the will of God, the conformity of earth to heaven. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort. It is pleasant and pleasing to God and all good men; it brings constant delight to those who do thus live in unity. Behold, how good! We cannot conceive or express the goodness and pleasantness of it. Behold it is a rare thing, and therefore admirable. Behold and wonder that there should be so much goodness and pleasantness among men, so much of heaven on this earth! Behold it is an amiable thing, which will attract our hearts. Behold it is an exemplary thing, which, where it is, is to be imitated by us with a holy emulation.
III. How the pleasantness of it is illustrated.
1.It is fragrant as the holy anointing oil, which was strongly perfumed, and diffused its odours, to the great delight of all the bystanders, when it was poured upon the head of Aaron, or his successor the high priest, so plentifully that it ran down the face, even to the collar or binding of the garment, Psa 133:2. (1.) This ointment was holy. So must our brotherly love be, with a pure heart, devoted to God. We must love those that are begotten for his sake that begat, Jo1 5:1. (2.) This ointment was a composition made up by a divine dispensatory; God appointed the ingredients and the quantities. Thus believers are taught of God to love one another; it is a grace of his working in us. (3.) It was very precious, and the like to it was not to be made for any common use. Thus holy love is, in the sight of God, of great price; and that is precious indeed which is so in God's sight. (4.) It was grateful both to Aaron himself and to all about him. So is holy love; it is like ointment and perfume which rejoice the heart. Christ's love to mankind was part of that oil of gladness with which he was anointed above his fellows. (5.) Aaron and his sons were not admitted to minister unto the Lord till they were anointed with this ointment, nor are our services acceptable to God without this holy love; if we have it not we are nothing, Co1 13:1, Co1 13:2.
2.It is fructifying. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it is as the dew; it brings abundance of blessings along with it, as numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the evening dews cool the air and refresh the earth. It contributes very much to our fruitfulness in every thing that is good; it moistens the heart, and makes it tender and fit to receive the good seed of the word; as, on the contrary, malice and bitterness unfit us to receive it, Pe1 2:1. It is as the dew of Hermon, a common hill (for brotherly love is the beauty and benefit of civil societies), and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, a holy hill, for it contributes greatly to the fruitfulness of sacred societies. Both Hermon and Zion will wither without this dew. It is said of the dew that it tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men, Mic 5:7. Nor should our love to our brethren stay for theirs to us (that is publican's love), but should go before it - that is divine love.
IV. The proof of the excellency of brotherly love. Loving people are blessed people. For, 1. They are blessed of God, and therefore blessed indeed: There, where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing, a complicated blessing, including all blessings. It is God's prerogative to command the blessing, man can but beg a blessing. Blessings according to the promise are commanded blessings, for he has commanded his covenant for ever. Blessings that take effect are commanded blessings, for he speaks and it is done. 2. They are everlastingly blessed. The blessing which God commands on those that dwell in love is life for evermore; that is the blessing of blessings. Those that dwell in love not only dwell in God, but do already dwell in heaven. As the perfection of love is the blessedness of heaven, so the sincerity of love is the earnest of that blessedness. Those that live in love and peace shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall be with him shortly, with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace. How good then is it, and how pleasant!
Assist, therefore, one another in good faith, and by deed and with a hearty will; nor let any one remove his hand from the help of a brother, since “by this,” says the Lord, “shall all people know that you are my disciples, if you have love one toward another.” Wherefore, too, he speaks by the prophet, saying, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” In a spiritual dwelling, I interpret it, and in a concord that is in God, and in the unity of the faith that distinguishes this pleasant dwelling according to truth, which indeed was illustrated more beautifully in Aaron and the priests clothed with honor, as ointment on the head, nurturing the highest understanding and leading even to the end of wisdom. For in this dwelling the Lord has promised blessing and eternal life. Apprehending, therefore, the importance of this utterance of the prophet, we have spoken this present brotherly word for love’s sake and by no means seeking, or meaning to seek, our own things.
The apostle taught us that our community, the communion by which we are joined to one another, springs from God, when he said, “Do not forget good works and communion, for God takes pleasure in such sacrifices.” We read the same thing in the Acts of the Apostles: “For the multitude of believers had one heart and soul, and no one called anything his own. They held everything in common. And the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power.” The psalmist is in agreement with these words when he says, “Behold, how good and how delightful it is for brothers to live together.” And let us who live together in the Koinonia and who are united to one another in mutual charity, so apply ourselves that, just as we deserved fellowship with the holy fathers in this life, we may also be their companions in the life to come. We know that the cross of our life is also the foundation of our doctrine and that “we must share Christ’s sufferings,” and we must realize that without trials and difficulties no one attains victory. “Happy the one who endures trial, for when he has proved himself, he shall receive the crown of life.”
Perform your duties in the church faithfully and joyfully, as they fall to your lot according to your rank, and fulfill your ministry with uprightness, because of that God under whom we are fellow servants and to whom we understand that we shall render an account of our actions. Therefore, his mercy ought to abound in us, because “judgment without mercy to him that has not done mercy.” For this reason pray with us for those who still cause us sadness, that the sickness of their carnal mind, intensified and concentrated by long custom, may be healed. For who does not understand “how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” if that pleasure touches a palate from which the mind has spit out all the bitterness of division and that loves the sweetness of charity? The God to whom we pray for them is powerful and merciful enough to use any sort of occasion to draw them even now to salvation. May the Lord preserve you in peace.
This is a short Psalm, but one well known and quoted. "Behold, how good and how pleasant is it, that brethren should dwell together in unity" [Psalm 133:1]. So sweet is that sound, that even they who know not the Psalter, sing that verse. ...
The law was given not for one, but for all. So, too, Christ came not for one or to one but to all and for all. He desired to bring all things together into a unity that alone is good and pleasant. The prophet, aware of the future, assures us, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” For not singularity but unity is acceptable to God. The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles with all his welling fountain when they were assembled together. This occurred after the apostles had been instructed by the Lord’s own commandment to wait in a group for the Spirit’s coming.
The prophet said in praise of fraternal charity: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” What good is there in the life of people except peace, in which upright pursuits make progress and religious activities are fostered? What is more joyful than all nations serving the one God in peace and the prayers of all people converging to the praise of the one Lord?To dwell together in unity is this: to believe in God and faithfully to remain in the one Son of God. This is the one profitable and joyful union for mortals: our not dividing, as the heretics do, the Father from the Son, or the Son from the Father or the Holy Spirit from both, but, rather, our believing that these three names are distributed among the persons and that the persons rejoice in the participation of the one godhead. Thus it comes to pass that, when there is agreement to unity, there will be no shattering of charity in the church.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 133:1 opens with an exclamatory declaration celebrating the profound beauty and inherent goodness of communal unity among God's people. Attributed to David and serving as one of the Songs of Ascents, this verse immediately establishes the central theme of the psalm: the desirable and blessed state when those who are spiritually connected as "brethren" live together in harmony, emphasizing that such togetherness is not merely practical but also deeply pleasing and beneficial.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 133:1 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The psalm opens with a striking exclamation, "Behold, how good and how pleasant," which immediately captures the reader's attention and conveys a sense of wonder and admiration for the described unity. This rhetorical flourish emphasizes the profound value and beauty of brethren dwelling together in harmony. The phrase "how good and how pleasant" also functions as a subtle rhetorical question, inviting the audience to implicitly agree that such unity is indeed supremely beneficial and delightful, making the truth self-evident. Furthermore, the term "brethren" serves as a metonymy or synecdoche, representing the entire community of God's people, transcending literal family ties to encompass a spiritual family bound by common faith and purpose. This broadens the scope of the psalm's message from individual relationships to the collective body of Israel and, by extension, the church.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 133:1 presents unity not merely as a practical virtue but as a divine ideal, reflecting the very nature of God, who is one and desires oneness among His people. This unity is portrayed as intrinsically good and pleasant, suggesting it aligns with God's moral order and brings forth joy and flourishing. It is a state that invites divine blessing, as elaborated in the subsequent verses of the psalm. The theological significance lies in its depiction of God's people living in harmony, a foretaste of the perfect communion found in God's presence and a powerful witness to the world. This unity is not uniformity, but a harmonious blending of diverse individuals under a common spiritual bond.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 133:1 serves as a timeless and profound call to cultivate and cherish unity within our families, churches, and communities. In a world often marked by division, strife, and individualism, this verse reminds us of the immense value and inherent beauty of living together in peace, mutual support, and shared purpose. True unity, as described here, is not the suppression of individuality but the harmonious blending of diverse gifts, perspectives, and personalities under the overarching bond of love and common faith. It requires humility to put others first, grace to forgive offenses, and a commitment to active reconciliation. When believers truly dwell together in unity, it creates an environment where God's presence is palpable, His blessings flow freely, and His kingdom is powerfully manifested to a watching world. This unity is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel and a source of deep spiritual nourishment for all involved.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "brethren" mean in this context, and how does it apply to believers today?
Answer: In Psalm 133:1, "brethren" (Hebrew: ʼâch, H251) refers primarily to the fellow Israelites who gathered for worship, emphasizing their shared lineage, covenant relationship with God, and national identity. It signifies a familial bond that transcends mere acquaintance, pointing to a deep sense of kinship and solidarity among God's chosen people. For believers today, this concept extends powerfully to the church. As followers of Christ, we are united by a spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family, making us "brothers and sisters" in Christ. This spiritual brotherhood means we share a common Father (Ephesians 4:6), a common Lord (1 Corinthians 8:6), and a common Spirit (Ephesians 2:18). Therefore, the call to dwell together in unity applies directly and profoundly to the Christian community, urging us to live in harmony, love, and mutual respect as members of one body.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 133:1, with its celebration of brethren dwelling together in unity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the church, His body. While the psalm speaks of the unity of Israel, Christ came to break down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is the true head of this new spiritual family, and through His atoning work, all who believe are brought into an intimate relationship with God and with one another, becoming "brethren" in the most profound sense. Jesus Himself prayed for this very unity among His followers, that "they all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). The "good and pleasant" unity envisioned in Psalm 133 is perfectly embodied in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit within the church, where diverse individuals are knit together by the love of Christ, reflecting the very unity of the Godhead. This unity is not merely a human endeavor but a supernatural reality empowered by the Spirit, enabling believers to live out the "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:34-35), thereby offering a compelling witness to the world of God's transforming grace.