October 15, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Thursday, October 15.
Have you heard the biblical term “song of ascents”? It’s applied to Psalms 120-134. These 15 psalms are almost all brief and almost all of a positive nature. Theologians theorize that they were recited by pilgrims on their way “up” to Jerusalem for holy days. The Holy City is 2700 feet above sea level, higher than all the areas surrounding it, so a journey there was always an uphill trek. Psalm 133 is one of my favorite “climbing” songs.
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured out on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon was falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life evermore.”
It’s thought that David wrote this psalm shortly after being crowned King over all Israel, during a period of sweet unity. He gives us two mental pictures. The high priest Aaron is being anointed with oil, and instead of it being merely placed on his head, as was the custom, the oil is overflowing to his beard and to his priestly robes. God’s blessings are being bestowed in an extravagant fashion. And then he speaks of Mount Hermon, the highest point in Israel. It’s snow capped through much of the year, and is a welcome contrast to the mostly arid desert regions that surround it. Green and fertile, this area must have seemed like a paradise to those who visited it. The blessings of God refresh our dusty souls.
Some things are good, but not pleasant. And some things are pleasant, but not good. When we, as brothers and sisters, live together in unity, King David tells us, it is both good and pleasant. And this unity brings the extravagant and refreshing blessings of God.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
