What does Psalm 133:1 mean?
ESV: A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
NIV: A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
NASB: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to live together in unity!
CSB: How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!
NLT: How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
KJV: {A Song of degrees of David.} Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
NKJV: {A Song of Ascents. Of David.} Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Verse Commentary:
This expresses the blessings of Israel's tribes living harmoniously together. Prior to the coronation of David over all Israel, the tribes pursued their own interests and some even opposed him. Finally, they came together as a unified kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:38–40).
The same joy applies when Christian believers follow Christ's command to love one another (John 13:34–35) in unity (John 17:21). Christians ought to love one another and enjoy a common bond in Christ and a common goal of providing a clear witness to the world. Paul addressed the issue of factions in the Corinthian church by pointing out that all believers belong to Christ and not to men (1 Corinthians 3). He also acknowledged that believers are one in Christ. He wrote: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul appealed for unity by calling upon two notable members to set aside some dispute and agree with one another (Philippians 4:2). It is not wrong for church members to disagree about nonbiblical matters, but they should agree to disagree—to disagree without being disagreeable. However, they should be of the same opinion about essential doctrinal matters. Churches do not have to become one large unification, where all people have the same tastes and preferences. They should be united in the fundamentals of the faith. Union and unity are not identical.
Verse Context:
Psalm 133:1–3 Focuses on unity and the joy it brings. This is a "song of ascent," sung while families traveled to Jerusalem for one of the feasts.
Chapter Summary:
Unity is the theme of this psalm. David affirms that the unity of the people of Israel was good and pleasant. Although there had been discord for years among the tribes, their coming together as one people was refreshing. It resembled the occasion when Aaron was anointed to serve as Israel's high priest. It resembled the refreshing dew that fell on Mount Hermon and on the hills around Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the city on which God placed his everlasting blessing.
Chapter Context:
This psalm, written by David, is a "song of ascent." These were sung by groups, likely families, on their way to Jerusalem to worship at one of the festivals. David may have composed this song upon his ascension to the throne when the tribes of Israel united to proclaim him king.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 5/3/2024 12:57:35 AM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
