“Behold, how good and pleasant it iswhen brothers dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133:1 (RSV)
I once heard a famous Israeli folk song, composed of the lyrics from this scripture verse. It was sung in a catchy melody in Hebrew. I was studying Hebrew at the time, so I
bought the tape and played the song in my home. Soon, my boys, who were three years old at the time, were singing the entire song together in Hebrew after listening to the tape.
I still remember their voices singing in unity, and in Hebrew, yet. I wish I had a video to capture that memory, but in the 80’s, we didn’t have cell phones at our fingertips as we do today. It made me aware that just as a parent receives joy in seeing their children dwell together in unity, how much more pleasing is it to God, our Heavenly Father, to see us dwell together in unity?
Scripture, unfortunately, is filled with stories of dysfunctional siblings, divided families, and brothers who didn’t dwell in unity, which left many parents broken hearted. It all began with the very first family.
Adam and Eve’s two sons, Cain and Abel, presented the first murder scene in scripture, committed by a brother against a brother. In Genesis, Abel was the first victim of murder, and a martyr, who was a type and foreshadowing of Jesus. Abel and Jesus, in their innocence, both suffered early deaths at the hands of angry brothers. Abel was killed by Cain, and Jesus was betrayed by brothers in the faith, the religious authorities of His time.
Through the 3,000 years of biblical history, inspired scripture reveals a deeper meaning through these many stories of sibling rivalries. Every betrayed brother in biblical history is a mysterious hint of the coming of God’s own beloved son one day. Jesus represents all brothers who were ever unjustly scorned, betrayed and mistreated by their siblings.
Isaac and Rebecca had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob was the son who was closer to his mother, and observant of the faith of his parents. Jacob is a subtle reminder of Jesus, but his brother Esau, was a carnal man, who had no regard for his family’s faith or his own birthright. Esau eventually hunted down his own brother, Jacob, attempting to kill him, but God protected Jacob, and he became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Out of Jacob’s twelve sons, Joseph, was his most beloved son, which stirred hatred and jealousy among the other eleven brothers. Joseph was mistreated by his brothers, who abandoned him, leaving him to be sold into slavery.
Joseph and Jesus were both beloved sons of their father. Both were betrayed by their brothers, and falsely accused, and both forgave those who once persecuted them.
Moses had a brother and a sister, Aaron and Miriam. His siblings were loyal to him up to a point, until they became jealous and started to question his authority and exclusive leadership. Miriam was struck with leprosy because of her rebellious attitude towards her brother, but Moses prayed earnestly for her and she was healed. Moses was humble and forgiving, and so was Jesus, who healed many lepers and forgave His enemies from the cross.
David was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel. As the youngest among a large family of brothers, he never received the respect he deserved from his siblings. Jesus also never received the respect He deserved from the Pharisees and Sadducees. David and Jesus both endured disrespect even though they were both chosen by God.
David’s own son, Absalom, betrayed his father, seeking to overthrow his throne and take over his kingdom by force. It was heartbreaking for David as he later mourned the death of his son, Absalom, after he was killed. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, a close friend from within His inner circle. Jesus wept in advance over the city of Jerusalem, knowing many would reject Him. (Luke 19:41)
Both David and Jesus were betrayed by someone close to them.
God put each of these stories in scripture about betrayed brothers, to prepare people to know that His own son would also be betrayed by his own brothers. Jesus is preeminent among all betrayed brothers in history.
Jacob, Joseph, Moses and David teach us by example to be humble and forgiving, and they were all exalted to positions of leadership, in spite of the betrayals they suffered.
Jesus taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and it is true throughout biblical history. God exalted Jesus, who is the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star, and He now sits on the throne of heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 22:16)
Any parent can understand how pleasing it is to see their children dwell together in unity. We are the sons and daughters of God, and as a Father, He has joy when brothers can live in unity, whether it is in a family or among the nations of the world.
Lord, the whole world desperately needs peace and unity among brothers of families as well as among nations. Give all people a desire to please you first, by forgiving others, living in unity, and fill us with your love and peace. Amen
(Mike (left) and Jon (right) age 2)