02. Preface

Preface Psalms 133:1-3 begins with an exclamation:

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" The psalm ends with a promise:

"... For there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." The beginning and ending of the psalm are familiar to us. The beginning is something we hope for. The end is earnestly desired. But the center of this psalm holds the key for understanding the provisions for the practical enjoyment of both the exclamation and the promise. Without an understanding of the provisions and conditions for the blessing of brethren dwelling together, we cannot experience the blessedness of this promise. In our time there are many attempts to create or develop unities. Ecumenical efforts try to show unity. Many people, with a great show that looks so wonderful, enthusiastically participate in such events. The outward appearance and experience awes and excites them, but a closer look at the associations and practices of the participants cause some, who out of a pure heart want to be faithful to their Lord, to refuse to enter into such associations.

Smaller unities may also be developed based on friendships, family, business or other relationships. In many of such unities, scriptural principles are compromised for the sake of the unity. These compromises often cause the breakdown of the unity as the consciences of the members of that unity are affected and expressed. In both large and small unities, those who are not free to continue as part of that unity are often excluded in unpleasant ways. The exclusion may come from one side or the other, but either way, the results are usually disastrous to the unity. But Psalms 133:1-3 holds the key to understanding what true unity is. Verse 2 begins with:

"It is likethe precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments."

Verse 3 continues:

"As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion..."

Let’s take a look at the precious ointment and the path it took running down over the head and garments of Aaron, the high priest. Let’s also look at the dew and find it to be the "dew of heaven" to refresh and challenge our hearts. We will find treasures well worth our contemplation. May it be our mutual desire that we whom our Lord calls His brethren may dwell together in unity while we await His coming for us! If this is to be so, we must understand the provisions in order to maintain the principles we learn from the subject before us.