A song of ascents.
This phrase indicates that Psalm 133 is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The ascent is both a physical journey to the elevated city of Jerusalem and a spiritual journey towards God. The Songs of Ascents emphasize themes of unity, worship, and the anticipation of meeting God in His holy city.

Of David.
Attributed to King David, this Psalm reflects his experiences and desires for unity among the tribes of Israel. David, as a unifying king, brought together the northern and southern tribes, establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. His authorship lends authority and historical context, as David himself experienced the challenges and blessings of unity among God's people.

Behold,
This word serves as a call to attention, inviting the reader or listener to consider the significance of what follows. It emphasizes the importance of the message and encourages reflection on the beauty and value of unity.

how good and pleasant it is
The terms "good" and "pleasant" suggest both moral and experiential benefits. "Good" aligns with God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1, where God declares His creation "good." "Pleasant" indicates a sense of delight and satisfaction, suggesting that unity is not only right but also enjoyable. This duality underscores the holistic blessing of harmony among believers.

when brothers live together in harmony!
The term "brothers" refers to the Israelites, the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. In a broader sense, it applies to all believers as spiritual siblings in the family of God. The concept of living "together in harmony" implies more than mere coexistence; it suggests a deep, abiding peace and cooperation. This unity is a reflection of God's nature and His desire for His people, as seen in the New Testament call for unity in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3). The imagery of harmonious living also points to the future Messianic kingdom, where perfect unity will be realized under the reign of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

1. David
The author of this Psalm, King David, was a central figure in the history of Israel. He was known for uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the nation's capital.

2. Israel
The nation of Israel, consisting of twelve tribes, often experienced division and conflict. This Psalm reflects the ideal of unity among the tribes.

3. Jerusalem
As the city of David, Jerusalem symbolizes the spiritual and political center of Israel, where unity among the people was crucial.The Beauty of Unity
Unity among believers is both "good" and "pleasant," reflecting God's design for His people. It is a testimony to the world of God's love and peace.

The Challenge of Harmony
Living in harmony requires effort, humility, and a willingness to put others before oneself. It is a call to live out the fruit of the Spirit in community.

The Blessing of Togetherness
When believers dwell in unity, it brings blessings and anointing, much like the oil running down Aaron's beard, symbolizing God's favor and presence.

The Role of Leadership
Just as David led Israel towards unity, spiritual leaders today are called to foster harmony within the church, guiding believers towards mutual love and understanding.

Unity as a Witness
The unity of believers serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's kingdom.(1) In unity.--Better, altogether. The Hebrew particle gam, here used with the word "together," is in our version sometimes rendered "yea," when it plainly should be taken with the adjective to intensify it exactly like our "all." (See, for instance, Psalm 25:3; 2Samuel 19:30.) The common idiom, gam shenayim, "all two" (i.e., both), exactly like the French tous deux, and the German alle beide, decides this. Many commentators, rendering also together, see an emphasis on the gathering for the yearly feasts: "How good and pleasant for those who are by race and religion brothers to unite for a sacred purpose" The allusion may be there, but the conjecture and purpose of the psalm, and not the form of the expression, suggest it. To a Hebrew, political and religious sentiment were always combined; and Jerusalem was the centre towards which their thoughts and eyes always turned. The translation of the LXX., "to the same place," though not exactly rendering the Hebrew, perhaps brings out the thought, for the poet was plainly thinking of "unity at Zion." This verse was quoted by the Roman legate at the meeting of Anselm and William II. at Windsor, Whitsunday, 1095. It was read at the reception of a new member into the brotherhood of the Knights Templars, and is by St. Augustine quoted as the Divine authority for monastic life.

Verse 1. - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! The unity described appears to be existent, and to present itself to the psalmist's vision. Hence the opening, "Behold!" All may see it, and see how blessed and pleasant a thing it is. "Brethren" is used in the wide sense of descendants of a common ancestor (Genesis 13:8; Exodus 2:11; Acts 7:26, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


A Song
שִׁ֥יר (šîr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7892: A song, singing

of Ascents.
הַֽמַּעֲל֗וֹת (ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4609: Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression

Of David.
לְדָ֫וִ֥ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

Behold,
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

how
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

good
טּ֭וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

and how
וּמַה־ (ū·mah-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

pleasant it is
נָּעִ֑ים (nā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5273: Pleasant, delightful

when
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

brothers
אַחִ֣ים (’a·ḥîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

live
שֶׁ֖בֶת (še·ḇeṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in harmony!
יָֽחַד׃ (yā·ḥaḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly


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OT Poetry: Psalm 133:1 A Song of Ascents (Psalm Ps Psa.)