"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 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 forevermore."
Psalm 133:1-3
A “Christian home” is one in which Jesus Christ, and everyone’s love for Him and His Word, is central. Unity in the home begins and ends with Jesus.
Part 2
Yesterday: Dwelling Together in Unity
“Behold.”
Pay attention here. We need to learn something!
“How good, and how pleasant.”
Unity in the home is both good and pleasant.
“It is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Here is a goal for every believer.
Today: The Fragrance of Unity
“It is like the precious ointment upon the head.”
The sweet unity of “brothers” is compared to the anointing oil that Aaron, the High Priest, was anointed with when beginning his holy office. This is not just any oil, but it is sacred and is rarely used except for certain special events such as celebrations and other festive times. This oil is the very picture of God’s favor, prosperity, and joy.
“Anointing with oil was common on festivals and joyous occasions…, and hence, it became an emblem of anything joyous, happy, beautiful; and the idea seemed to be carried to the highest degree when it was connected with the anointing of a high priest to the sacred duties of his office”[1] (Barnes).
This unique oil was made of olive oil mixed with four of the finest aromatic ingredients, causing it to be strongly scented (Exodus 30:23-25). The oil must have smelled wonderful, and its sweet scent spread quickly to anyone who was nearby when Aaron was anointed.
“Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him” (Exodus 29:7).
“And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him” (Leviticus 8:12).
David describes the unity of brothers as being like this precious ointment, so blended and aromatic that it brought joy to anyone near enough to it to be blessed by the fragrance. This is a vivid picture of a godly home where authentic unity is a remarkable example to anyone who may have the opportunity to see it. This is the kind of family that others want to be near.
“That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard.”
The anointing oil was generously applied. When anointing, plenty of oil was poured out upon the head to flow down the body and reach each limb.
“The idea here is that of copiousness, or abundance – as if so much ointment was poured forth as to descend on the whole person, consecrating the entire man”[2] (Barnes).
“That went down to the skirts of his garments.”
The anointing oil ran down into the opening of Aaron’s robes. His whole person is affected by it.
Perhaps David’s idea of unity with the picture of the anointing oil has to do with the total man. It wasn’t just Aaron’s head, or beard, or robes, but his whole person affected by the oil. All of Aaron had the aroma of the fragrant oil.
In this word picture, we can see the importance of every member participating in the family’s unity. It is not enough for dad and mom to agree if the children are not taking part in it. Harmony in the home comes about when each son and daughter stand with mom and dad together as one complete unit. In the household, they each rally around the Savior and His Word. They strive to live life together for the glory of the Lord Jesus.
There is a heavenly fragrance that gently wafts around those families that are living for Christ. While no family on earth is “perfect,” these are living by the Word of God and working together to honor Him. They do not ignore family problems, but they work together to solve them based upon His Word.
Please join us tomorrow as we look at one other picture of unity from David’s thoughts in this psalm.
Quote: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9, ESV).
[1] Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword. Psalm 133:2.
[2] Barnes, ibid.