Unity is something we take for granted at times. Living together in unity is truly a pleasant thing. We see how healthy it is for individuals, for leaders and members of a church. Sadly, we can also see how destructive dis-unity is. Poison sets in when people are divisive, gossip and are rebellious. This leads to factions and a breakdown in relationships. 

On the other hand, when we see Christians loving one another and living out the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23), we see goodness multiplying. Here, there is blessing for those set apart for unified living; it is like the psalmist’s image of being anointed with precious oil (v 2). There is another anointing and a fragrance too that arises from those who are united in Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The life-giving dew of ‘Hebron’ speaks of God’s provision, and ‘Zion’ speaks of God’s presence (v 3). There is blessing for God’s people as his provision and presence enable them to live in unity. And that blessing and desire for unity come from a unified God, who models true relationship and oneness as Father, Son and Spirit. 

‘How good and pleasant is the sight / when brethren make it their delight / to dwell in blest accord’.¹ Pray for unity among Christians across racial, national and denominational divides.

Our faith must shape not only how we live as individuals but also how we live together – in community, as a community. Early in Exodus we read of God’s commitment to form a people and give them a land.² As they take possession of the Promised Land, God’s people must learn to ‘live together in unity’ (v 1). 

As king, David would have been deeply conscious of the importance of unity. He uses two images to emphasise ‘How good and pleasant’ (v 1) unity is. When Aaron was consecrated as Israel’s high priest, Moses had to ‘Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head’.³ David’s first image portrays oil poured out so lavishly that it runs all the way down Aaron’s beard and robe (v 2): ‘The anointing oil intended for the head … was not confined to it, nor could its fragrance be contained.’⁴ The second image draws on nature. Hermon, Israel’s highest mountain, was well watered, while Mount Zion was situated in a more arid region. To enjoy ‘the dew of Hermon … falling on Mount Zion’ (v 3) was a wonderfully welcome blessing, holding out the promise of plenty and prosperity. 

There is great strength in a nation that is undergirded by unity. The unity that David extols cannot be brokered by human agencies: it is a ‘good and perfect gift … from above’.⁵ God’s people must defend and nurture this unity. Authentic fellowship goes far deeper than cups of coffee and casual conversations on Sundays. It is forged by working through differences in personalities and preferences, patience with flaws and failures, speaking truth in love and extending costly grace. Then God’s people will enjoy the fullness of blessing (v 3b).

‘Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit’.⁶ Where disunity prevails, consider: Am I part of the problem? How can I be part of the solution?

¹ Charles Gabriel, 1856–1932  ² Exod 6:6–8  ³ Exod 29:7  ⁴ Derek Kidner, Psalms 73–150, IVP, 1975, p453  ⁵ James 1:17  ⁶ Eph 4:3