“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore”
Strength In Loyalty #2
“The wages of a mason are in the dealings with one another: sympathy begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness”
Genesis #1
“A surprise inspection, by the Grand Architect of the Universe, of the Temple of the Heart of a true Mason will probably find more flaws to be corrected but will never find rust on the Tilers sword of the true Mason”
Gideon #3
“As we continue to improve ourselves in Masonry, we are indeed improving life. We know from history that without ideals to guide us, the garden of a man's life will not grow into a place of beauty”
Isaiah #5
“Because of this ever-increasing discernment of the true Mason he will find more efficient ways to apply brotherly love, relief and truth”.
Chosen Warrior #4
“Being persuaded that a just application of the principles, on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded, must be promote of private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interests of the Society, and to be considered by them as a deserving brother”
Eureka #96
“Brotherly love, belief, truth, temperance, fortitude, prudence, justice these are far more potent to human development, to human relations, to human life, than are the rules of science. It is simply a question of physical of spiritual values”
Malachi #6
“Brotherly love is not a tangible commodity. We cannot touch it or weigh it, smell it of taste it. Yet it is a reality; it can be creative, it can be fostered, it can be made a dynamic power. The Master who has it in his Lodge and his brethren will find that Lodge and brethren give it back to him. The Master too worried over the cares of his office to express friendliness need never wonder why his Lodge seems too cold to his effort”
How good and pleasant it is" is the beginning of Psalm 133:1, a biblical verse that praises the value and beauty of unity, particularly among "brethren" or God's people. The verse uses metaphors of precious anointing oil and refreshing dew to illustrate the blessing and life that God commands when people live together in harmony and unity.
Meaning and significance
Unity:
The central theme is the excellence of unity among people.
Blessing:
When people live in unity, God commands a blessing, indicating that unity is a source of divine favor and life.
Metaphors for unity:
Precious oil: The oil poured on the head of Aaron, the High Priest, and running down his beard and robes, symbolizes the beautiful and unifying presence of God.
Dew of Hermon: The dew falling on the mountains of Zion is another image of refreshing and life-giving unity, showing how God's blessing is bestowed where his people are united.
Call to reflection:
The phrase serves as a call to attention, inviting readers to consider the importance and delight found in living in harmony.
In summary
The entire phrase, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity," from Psalm 133, highlights the deep satisfaction, benefit, and divine blessing that comes when people live in peace and harmony.