Introductory Thoughts
The psalmist proclaims: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Unlike the unity of unbelievers and the heathen, the Lord rejoices in the righteous unity of His people. King David was someone who knew and experienced the difficulties of division. He spent a great deal of his life running from a king and those who were against him. Even in the beginning of his reign, the people were divided (2 Samuel 2:8-11). It was not until 7 1/2 years later that the people were united in David (2 Samuel 5:1-5). When the people dwelt in unity, David rejoiced. He likened it to the source of spiritual life for the nation of Israel, the priesthood (Psalm 133:2), and to the source of physical life in the dew of Hermon (Psalm 133:3). In other words, the right kind of unity gave life and hope to the nation!
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read Genesis 13:5-9. This conflict could have ended in a fight, but Abraham says in Genesis 13:8 why that should not happen: for we be brethren. Hebrews 13:1 says, Let brotherly love continue. Are you doing your part to make things pleasant in your home, at church, and amongst those you influence?
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(For everyone): The anointing of Aaron was a monumental moment in the history of the nation of Israel. Why would David use that as a description of the blessedness of unity (Psalm 133:2)?
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The dew of Hermon sustains a great deal of life at its base and throughout the land of Israel. How is that like the time when brethren dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:3)?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to make the unity sweet in your local church.
- Ask God to teach you what unity is and how it can be obtained.
Song
Behold, How Pleasant and How Good
