May 2 "Behold: Effusion of Holy Joy" Psalm 133

They call it a "sparkling sonnet." We call it one of the "songs of degrees." And the degree that it goes to is a very good one! 

David pens these words from bitter experience, and moved on to find "holy joy" among a community that is safe for him. If there is anyone who knows what it is like to be rejected by your father-in-law, it is David. A family divided. A family at war. And the patriarch dies. Through David's leadership, the mantra sings out loud: peace and pleasantness. We can change our world but it comes through patient dying to self, patient waiting for God to act. God acts in behalf of those who wait for Him ~ Isaiah 64:4 ~ and Scripture does interpret itself. 

 
"No wry words here. All is sweetness and light. . . . No wonder that brethren dwell in unity when God dwells among them, and finds his rest in them." The Treasury of David

"How good and holy pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
The Treasury notices that David does not attempt to measure the good or the pleasure. You can't even begin to tell how exceeding abundantly beyond excellent, Eph. 3:21, it is to be in that kind of holy fellowship with friends. The pendulum has swung full scale for David. 

How Good! How Pleasant! One commentary says that the use of "how" twice invites us to BEHOLD. And if we are in that kind of community, may we never take it anything but gratefully ours. 

 
David is referring to the gathering of Israel as one great family at the annual feasts. They call it an "effusion of holy joy." The drop of the background is Saul's jealousy and rejection and alienation and division. David exchanges their song for "mutual concord" as David ascends to the throne of this beautiful nation filled with such joy.   Joseph Addison Alexander.

Behold: Three Things:

1 ~ Behold they are joined together in doing good.  Are we?  "Workers together in any good work." 2 Cor 6:1. Turning away from evil.

2 ~ Behold, it is good morally.  "Good, as any grace is good." The Treasury. Let all that you do be done in love.

3 ~ Behold, this is so good in benefits. The consequences of dwelling in unity with my brothers brings much advantage to life. The word "dwell" in the Hebrew means abode. Are we living in perseverance of unity?

COME BOLDLY:  Timeless Prayers

Father, no matter where we sit this day, in the midst of rejection or royalty, infuse each of us with joy.  You can.  May we be so caught up in peace and pleasantness.  Oh that so speaks to deep places in me.  Help us to behold wondrous things in our communities of faith.  

PHOTO:  It's the backyard of where Bob's dad lives.  Behold the Beauty.  Do we have eyes to see this day the beauty in the souls of those with whom we dwell.