PSALM 133: GOOD & PLEASANT

Read Psalm 133 aloud. Read slowly and pause between phrases to take it in. After the reading, have each person share a single word to describe the feeling they had while the psalm was being read. Where does David lead us emotionally?

Before Aaron was anointed with the holy anointing oil, he was dressed in the holy attire of the high priest. Part of that attire is a breastplate containing 12 gems representing the 12 tribes of Israel. “Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.” (Exo 28:29)

What was the high priest’s role in establishing unity for Israel? What is Jesus’ role in establishing unity for the church? (See Eph 2:11-22 for help.)

David repeatedly describes the downward motion of the oil (v2) and the dew (v3). What is the significance of that motion (see James 1:17 for help)? Why is it important that our unity be founded on shared grace received, rather than shared history, opinion or action?

In Israel, Mt Hermon is the most significant mountain in the north, and Zion is the most significant mountain in the south. These two reference points convey a sense of totality (ie, “from New York to LA”), but also evoke the memory of a 7 1/2 year-long civil war between north and south that began with David’s inauguration as king. In light of that conflict, how does the tone of the poem change?

Create art in response to Psalm 133. Write your own psalm for unity, using imagery from our context. Or, draw/paint unity-themed pictures. If you are brave, share your artwork on our facebook page with the hashtags #Psalm133 #Unity