How Good it is And How Pleasant
How good it is and how pleasant
This psalm emphasizes Christian community and the spiritual blessing of unified worship, which aligns with Lutheran emphasis on the communion of saints and congregational worship. The psalm grounds Christian fellowship in God's covenant blessing and anointing grace.
History & Background
This text derives from Psalm 133, a biblical psalm of ascent traditionally attributed to David. Lutheran hymnals have set various poetic versions of this psalm as congregational hymns throughout church history.
Hymnal Appearances
- Glory to God — 398
Translation
Bulletin Note
Psalm 133, attributed to David, celebrates Christian community as God's covenant blessing. Its image of precious oil anointing Aaron's beard has long symbolized the Spirit's grace unifying Christ's body in worship.
Preaching Connection
This psalm embodies the Gospel's power to transform the Law's demand for unity into a lived experience of grace-filled communion, where believers discover their deepest identity not in self-effort but in shared worship of Christ.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Themes
Community Unity in faith Brotherly love Covenant community Psalm prayer