Psalms 133

Psalms 133:1-3

This psalm is supposed to be penned in the union of the tribes, at making David king, 2 Sam. v. 1—3, or on his restoration, 2 Sam. xix. q—14. It teaches us the blessing of peace and unity, which in church, in State, and in private, we are called upon by all means to cultivate and promote. Here is, 1. The doctrine laid down of the happiness of brotherly love, ver. 1. 2. The illustration of that doctrine in two smallitudes, ver. 2, 3. 3. The proof of is in a good reason given for it, ver. 3.

1. Bhold how good and how pleasant it is, ‘for brethren to dwell it together in unity, 2. If it like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that went down to the firers of his garments. 3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Among the deadliest evils which have befallen the church of God, we may justify reckon the dwellings, disputes, and animosities, which have from time to time for grievous rest is, disfigured its beauty, destroyed its peace. Oh what we had passed as last the waters of firs, and began to take the blessedness of loving one another out of a pure heart fervently. We have said,

1. The practise recommended, as brethren to dwell together in unity; for all God’s children have one father, one inheritance, one interest, one pursuit, one home, and therefore should have one heart and one mind, united in the same worship, affectionate in their regards, bearing and forbearings, forgiving and forgetting, and only jealous who shall show the most abundant meeknoll, charity, and kindness to each other.

2. The blessedness of this conduct. Behold how good, God approves and delights in it, and how pleasant, it is its own reward. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that went down to the firers of his garments, which was composed of the sweetest spices, diffused the most grateful fragrance, and caused the countenance to shine in beauty. Such an unction from the Holy One have they who have this brotherly love shed abroad in their hearts;

in the eyes of God and men they shine; this sweet favour of Christ in them is most pleasing, and without it all out doings in God’s light are nothing worth, 1 Ger. xiii. 1. 2. It is in the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, that allays the heat of the foreching sun, and fertilizes the soil: thus doth cha thy flesh to cool the heat of bigotry and angry dispute, diffused its gentle influences, and sweetly insinuates into the minds of the exasperated, producing the happy fruits of peace and union; and wherever this temper dwells, there God’s blessing abides, for there the Lord commanded the blessing; every blessing the soul can need, and which at his command instantly descends, even life for evermore, with God and in God; that life of love begun on earth, the earnest and the foretalle of eternal blessedness. Lord shed abroad this love in our hearts!