Psalm 133

Psalm 133 (NRSV)

¹ How very good and pleasant it is

when kindred live together in unity!

² It is like the precious oil on the head,

running down upon the beard,

on the beard of Aaron,

running down over the collar of his robes.

³ It is like the dew of Hermon,

which falls on the mountains of Zion.

For there the Lord ordained his blessing,

life forevermore.

 

            Psalm 133 is a wisdom psalm. The psalm has taken a feature of family life and made it the subject of teaching.  It attempts to preserve the tradition of brothers living together at a time when it is declining. We might remember the stories of the difficult relationships within the extended families of the Patriarchs in Genesis or later the family of David and the kings of Israel. The verse is a reference to the typical tribal patterns of living, especially when male relatives shared grazing land for their sheep and cattle. Recall the Genesis accounts of Abraham and Lot, and Jacob and Esau. Often, sharing land resulted in nasty internecine squabbles and an eventual parting of the ways. Abraham and Lot could not live together, nor could Jacob and Esau. When the siblings or kindred parted, often it was not a pleasant scene. Abraham and Lot were the exception, thanks primarily to Abraham’s remarkable wisdom and gentle disposition. He fixes his eye on the ideal of the extended family.  Most of us have families dysfunctional enough to know that of which the writer speaks. Yet, when families that have a history of animosity change to a culture of acceptance and cooperation, we agree that goodness has entered. Others will take notice. Capulets sit down with Montagues, Hatfields with the McCoys, Catholics with Protestants, Jews with Muslims, conservatives with liberals, Democrats with Republicans, then we know something remarkably pleasant has happened. It makes for the good and pleasant in this life. Notice the text does not say that there is anything salvific or theologically redemptive about this. It is just good. It is pleasant. Of course, that is redemptive, and it might even result in the salvation of lives. Certainly, it would be true in the Middle East. Nevertheless, the psalmist is not trying to make a case for ecumenism, theological unity, or sharing doctrinal positions. Rather, this speaks to issues of long-standing estrangement. This speaks to the possibility of reconciliation. He is aware of the spiritual value of ancient traditions. Precious oil will show hospitality for guests. The anointing of priests brings divine blessing to Mount Zion. Such goodness and pleasantness in such relationships will lead to the preservation of their lives in the eternity of God. Ultimately, then, actions that lead to goodness and pleasantness in this life will have a saving and redemptive result for eternity.