Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#133

133. Behold, How Good, How Pleasant Is the Union

Text Information

• First Line: Behold, how good, how pleasant is the union
• Title: Behold, How Good, How Pleasant Is the Union
• Versifier: Bert Polman (1986)
• Meter: 11 11 8 10 10 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 133
• Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Aaron; Marriage; Church; Evening; Ministry & Service; Pentecost; Wisdom
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications
• CCLI Number: 1018399

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 133
• Composer: Louis Bourgeois (1551)
• Harmonizer: Howard Slenk (1985)
• Meter: 11 11 8 10 10 8
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

Acclaim for the good and beautiful unity of people knit together in their commitment to the LORD.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2
st. 2 = v. 3

Psalm 133 is another of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (120-134) the Israelites sang as they went up to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. The people's oneness of heart in commitment to the LORD sanctifies them for the worship of God, as did the oil of consecration poured on Aaron's head (st. 1). There on Mount Zion, God's blessing falls upon the people like the life-refreshing dew on Mount Hermon (part of the Lebanon range, st. 2). Bert Polman (PHH 37) versified this psalm in 1986 for the Psalter Hymnal Another setting of Psalm 133 is at 514.

Liturgical Use:
Reflections on the goodness and beauty of unity among God's people (especially appropriate at ecumenical gatherings).

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

GENEVAN 133 first appeared in the 1551 edition of the Genevan Psalter. Howard Slenk (PHH 3) harmonized the tune in 1985. Composed in the Ionian mode (major), GENEVAN 133 consists of six lines that group into two very long melodic curves with identical cadences at the ends of lines 3 and 6. Sing the tune at a brisk pace in a festive manner with crisp organ articulation.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook