Song Meaning
This hymn paints a picture of profound peace found in unity. It opens with a direct, almost declarative statement: "Behold how good a thing it is / For bretheren to agree." The immediate emotional tone is one of serene admiration for harmony, emphasizing the absence of conflict. The narrator seems to be observing a state of ideal fellowship, where disagreements are absent and only "peace and concord" are visible.
The central tension, or rather the ideal state being described, is the absence of strife. The lyrics present a vision of communal life where internal conflict is non-existent, allowing for a pure focus on shared understanding. This isn't about overcoming hardship together, but about the inherent goodness of a group that simply *doesn't* fight.
The imagery used to elevate this concord is striking. It's compared first to "pretious balme / From Arons head that fell," a rich, sacred anointing that flows down, signifying a divine blessing permeating the community. This is further likened to "the pleasant morning dew / The Mountaines doth releeve," suggesting a gentle, life-giving refreshment that sustains the whole.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their simple, yet powerful, evocation of a divinely sanctioned peace. By comparing unity to sacred oil and life-giving dew, the text suggests that such harmony is not merely pleasant but essential, promising not just earthly blessings but "lyfe eternall."
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