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Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!”
Psalm 133 is a short 'Song of Ascents,' likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for festivals. It celebrates the joy and blessing of communal life among God's people.
What steps can I take to foster genuine unity in the groups I belong to?
Then — the setting
Psalm 133, a Song of Ascents (likely 5th-3rd century BCE), captures the spirit of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. People from different tribes and regions of Israel would travel together to the Temple, putting aside local loyalties to celebrate their shared identity as God's people. This 'living together in unity' refers not just to physical proximity but to a deeper spiritual and social cohesion, especially significant in a diverse society with tribal differences and historical tensions. It presents an ideal often aspired to rather than perfectly realized.
Across the Testaments
This Psalm's vision of brothers living in unity is rooted in the Old Testament covenant community of Israel. The New Testament, particularly in Jesus' teachings, expands and deepens this concept. Jesus frequently speaks of his followers as a new family, a community bound not by blood or tribal lineage but by their common relationship with God through him (Mark 3:31-35). His prayer in John 17 for his disciples to be 'one' emphasizes a unity that reflects the divine unity of the Trinity, moving beyond mere coexistence to a shared purpose and spirit. While Psalm 133 celebrates the joy of shared heritage and pilgrimage, Jesus grounds community in mutual love and service, often redefining traditional notions of belonging to include all who follow him.
Keep thinking
Read alongside it
Jesus prays for his followers' unity, mirroring the intimate bond he shares with God.
Paul exhorts believers to maintain unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Paul calls for unity of mind and purpose, driven by humble consideration of others.
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