You asked

how does this psalm's vision of 'brothers' living together connect with jesus' idea of family and belonging in the church?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Psalm 133:1-3

“See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard; that came down on the skirt of his robes; like the dew of Hermon, that comes down on the mountains of Zion: For there Yahweh commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.”

Psalm 133 is a short "Song of Ascents," likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It celebrates the joy and fruitfulness of communal unity, drawing on powerful sensory images of anointing oil and life-giving dew.

What steps can I take to cultivate and experience such unity in my own communities?

Then — the setting

Psalm 133, a 'Song of Ascents' (Psalms 120-134), was likely used by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for religious festivals, reflecting on the joy of shared worship and community. This was a time when the unified kingdom of David and Solomon had long been divided, and political, tribal, and religious factions often created tension. The psalm's celebration of brothers living in unity was therefore not a description of a constant reality, but rather a hopeful vision and a prayer for the ideal, reminding the people of their shared heritage and covenant with God.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament, including Psalm 133, often focuses on the unity of the Israelite people, defined by shared ancestry, covenant, and worship of Yahweh. The 'brothers' here primarily refer to fellow Israelites. The New Testament, particularly through Jesus' teachings, expands this concept of 'family' and 'brotherhood' beyond biological or ethnic lines to include all who do the will of God or believe in him (Mark 3:31-35, Galatians 3:28). The early church, as seen in Acts, strived to embody this unity, forming a new community where social distinctions were minimized, echoing the precious anointing and shared blessings envisioned in the Psalm.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

John 13:34-35
Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another, by which all will know his disciples.
Acts 2:42-47
Describes the early Christian community living in remarkable unity, sharing all things.
Ephesians 4:1-3
Paul urges believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

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