Today's Reading: Psalm 106 & 133

Good and Pleasant Unity

The “Songs of Ascent” are a special group of Psalms comprised of Psalms 120—134. Also known as “Pilgrim Songs,” these songs were sung by the Jews while on their way to the great Jewish feasts in Jerusalem.  They are called songs of “ascent” because Jerusalem is situated on a mountain and to get there, you had to climb one of the uphill roads which led to the city. The pilgrims that flowed from the towns and villages of Judea and Samaria would sing these songs together on the roads, the hills echoing with their songs. According to some traditions, the Jewish priests also sang some of these Songs of Ascent as they walked up the steps to the temple in Jerusalem.

It must have been an incredible experience to walk together with crowds of other worshippers up the hills to the city while singing these songs together. Each of the Pilgrim Songs offered encouragement and joy for those seeking to worship God. The lyrics of this song collection cover a broad range of the peoples’ relationship with God such as: God’s presence during distress; joyful praise; God’s mercy; the joy of the Lord; repentance; and a cry for help to the Lord. In Psalm 133, king David focuses on the blessing of unity and harmony amongst the people of God.

As David looked down from his palace, seeing the thousands upon thousands of faithful worshippers working their way up the hill, he was struck by the profound blessing of unity. He noticed everyone singing in “unison” and it impressed on his heart the beauty of oneness and harmony amongst God’s people. It’s an amazing thing how music binds people together. Especially music sung in worship of God.

As David views this spectacle of the pilgrims ascending the mountain, he proclaims “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” David here draws our attention to something good and pleasant – unity among the people of God. It is good because it reflects God’s heart and purpose of oneness among His people. It is pleasant because it makes life together as God’s people so much more enjoyable than seasons when constant bickering and conflict dominate.

In His final hours upon Earth, Jesus prayed for this type of pleasant unity and harmony amongst His followers. In John 17:20-23, He asked, “that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one.”

Knowing that unity is God’s will for His people, every believer should pray for oneness as Jesus did, and should work to have good and peaceable relationships with all others (Romans 12:18).