Two Sundays ago, when we celebrated World Communion Sunday, we sang a hymn from Argentina based on Psalm 133 called "O Look and Wonder (Miren que bueno)". The lyrics in English are:
O look and wonder, how good it is.
How good it is when brothers dwell in peace with one another;
it is like precious oil running fresh on Aaron's beard.
O look and wonder, how good it is.
How good it is when sisters dwell in peace with one another,
fresh like the morning dew that falls on Zion's holy hill.
O look and wonder, how good it is.
How good it is when all earth's people dwell in peace together:
that is where God will pour the blessing, life forevermore.
Listen to the hymn in Spanish. This is another great example of how the meaning of psalms really comes alive when they are sung.
The psalmist gives us these wonderful similes to illustrate the goodness of unity and peace (precious oil poured on the head, dew on the mountains). What other comparisons/images would you use? As your personal devotion for today, fill in the blank (and feel free to share in the comments if you like): "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity. It is like______."
Psalm 133
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.