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 for evermore. (PSALM 133, KJV)
Unity and harmony was non-existent in my childhood home. Neither my parents nor my siblings dwelt “together in unity.” Not until I later began to study the Word of God did I realize just how important these words are. In this Psalm, the writer paints a beautiful picture of unity in the anointing of Aaron, the high priest, brother of Moses. He pictures it being poured over Aaron’s head, flowing sweetly and smoothly, fragrantly down his face, through his beard, all the way to the hem of his priestly garments.
Why is that picture important? Unity is the glue that holds a family, a Church, a nation together. Psalm 133 extols the value of unity. The result of such harmony is a place where God’s people are refreshed and strengthened by His Spirit—just as the dew nourishes the dry ground! It is the place where God commands blessing and where His anointing flows! Vine’s Expository Dictionary records that the word together in Psalm 133:1 “emphasizes a plurality in unity. In some contexts the connotation is on community in action.”
The Hebrew word for unity, yâchadh, in verse one means “oneness, concord”; it denotes a people drawn together for one purpose—to follow Jehovah, fulfill His plan and purpose, and to dwell together under the umbrella of His blessings.
The Hebrew word for unity, yâchadh, in verse one means “oneness, concord”; it denotes a people drawn together for one purpose—to follow Jehovah, fulfill His plan and purpose, and to dwell together under the umbrella of His blessings. Aaron wasn’t anointed with just any old oil, with whatever was handy. No; it was the holy anointing oil used only in Temple ceremonies. It consisted of four spices: myrrh, cinnamon, sweet cane (or sweet calamus), and cassia. They were mingled together with olive oil—which to the ancient Hebrews was enormously symbolic and useful. It was a balm, a soothing healing oil poured into wounds; it was fuel to keep lamps burning and provide light; it was a food—blended with grains and other foods to fill the hungry.
As the spices enfolded Aaron, it became a picture of yâchadh—oneness—of a group of very different people united in service to Jehovah. As the oil was infused with the spices, it became holy. None of the ingredients alone could make the anointing oil, but together they become a wonderful example of unity. God has called us together “for such a time as this” and I give thanks to Him for your love for His Chosen People and your singleness of purpose to stand in their defense.
