What does it mean to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1)?

King David’s fourth Song of Ascent enthusiastically declares the blessing of unity among God’s people:

Using two similes, David describes harmonious living: “It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalm 133:2–3).

David paints a striking picture of dwelling together in unity. The anointing oil running down the high priest’s beard and onto his robe represents the presence of God among His people. Every year on the day of atonement, Aaron entered the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle to offer sacrifices for the people’s sins, thereby restoring fellowship with God. Christians today come into a relationship with God through the atoning sacrifice of our high priest, Jesus Christ.

The dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion symbolizes God’s divine provision. Both illustrations depict abundant spiritual blessings being poured out from above, from the head downward, from God to His spiritual leaders and then spreading to cover the whole body of believers. The Lord’s holy presence creates an atmosphere where unity can flourish, bringing refreshment and nourishment to God’s people. Where there is unity, God’s blessings will abound.

Unity is an expression of God’s character. It is reflected in the three Persons of the Trinity unified in one Godhead (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1; 17:11, 22; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 5:7–8). Unity is also a purpose of God. The Lord purposed “according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (Ephesians 1:9–10).

Harmony among God’s people is good and pleasing to the Lord. Dwelling together in unity means understanding that every believer is a child of God. He is our heavenly Father, and we are all brothers and sisters, created to be His children (Malachi 2:10; Matthew 23:8–9; Romans 8:15–17; 1 John 3:1; 5:1). We all belong to Him (Exodus 6:7; Ephesians 1:14; 1 Peter 2:9–10) and are members of the family of God. We share a common union through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16–17; John 11:52; Galatians 3:26–28; Ephesians 2:16–19; Ephesians 4:25). Likewise, we recognize that as believers and members of Christ’s body, we all belong to each other (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

Unity does not equal uniformity. Dwelling together in unity does not mean that we are all the same. Instead, we acknowledge that we have different gifts, personalities, and ministries (1 Corinthians 12:4–30; Ephesians 4:11–13). But we all live and work together peacefully (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 2:1–2), united in purpose (Philippians 1:27; Matthew 18:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:24), making every effort to use our unique giftings in harmony with all the others (Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 14:26). The apostle Peter urged, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8). The apostle Paul encouraged, “Live in harmony with each other” (Romans 12:16, NLT) and “let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT).

God wants His people to enjoy the rich blessing of dwelling together in unity. He calls us to help and support one another (Philippians 4:14), share resources as we are able (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32; Luke 3:11; Romans 12:13; 15:27), worship and fellowship together (Romans 15:5–6), pray for one another, and build each other up in the faith (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24–25; Galatians 6:6; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 13:11).

Above all, dwelling together in unity means loving one another deeply and sincerely (John 15:12; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14; Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Ephesians 4:2; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:8; 1 John 3:23). Such unity among the people of God gives off a pleasing aroma that is attractive to unbelievers (John 13:35; 17:21, 23; 1 John 2:10; 3:14), but the stench of division destroys our witness in the world and drives unbelievers away (1 Corinthians 3:3–4; 6:1–6; 11:17–26; Romans 14:13–23; James 4:11–12).