Psalms 133 & 134 NKJV
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.
The 133rd and 134th psalms are both psalms of instruction — yet each aimed in their own way. The 133rd psalm is aimed at instructing in the spiritual and worldly realms; while the 134th psalm is aimed at teaching and admonishing men who are carrying out the Office of the Holy Ministry.
A Song of Ascents.
134 Behold, bless the Lord,
All you servants of the Lord,
Who by night stand in the house of the Lord!
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
And bless the Lord.
3 The Lord who made heaven and earth
Bless you from Zion!
The 133rd psalm celebrates the unity that the people of Israel had with one another as they gathered to worship the one God and to receive His blessings. Living in unity is, obviously, as soothing as being anointed with oil — and as refreshing as dew from the mountains on a parched desert. Descriptions of the goodness and pleasure of unity and brotherhood remind us that the opposite, then, must take place — namely, discord, strife and disunity. This can happen within our families, our communities, our congregations and even entire church bodies (just look at how fractured the Missouri Synod is when it comes to believing and practicing the same thing). Christ’s prayer rings true: “that they may be one, even as We are one” (Jn. 17:11)
The 134th psalm is the last and shortest of the Psalms of Ascents. The priests on duty at the temple during the night are urged to bless the Lord, and yet it’s the Lord who blesses us. The night is an emblem of darkness and sorrow and yet, by God’s grace, Christ is present in the darkness. He gives His blessing from the sacrificial mountain in Jerusalem by the continual ministry of the Church through Word and Sacrament.
Rejoice, dear Saints! Our unity is in Christ, and more specifically in that unchangeable priesthood by which He ministers in heaven on our behalf — as well as on earth through the Office He instituted — the one mediator between God and man. Through Him the Lord decrees blessings, indeed! Let us pray: We praise You, Lord, for the unity we have by Your bringing it about through steadfast faith and true doctrine. Keep us focused on Christ through Your beloved means. Amen.