1 Samuel 25 29

1 Samuel 25:29 kjv

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

1 Samuel 25:29 nkjv

Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the LORD your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling.

1 Samuel 25:29 niv

Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling.

1 Samuel 25:29 esv

If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling.

1 Samuel 25:29 nlt

"Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!

1 Samuel 25 verses

1 Samuel 25 29 Meaning

1 Samuel 25:29 is Abigail's prophetic assurance to David regarding God's protective care over his life and His ultimate justice against David's adversaries. It declares that even though David is pursued by those seeking to end his life, his existence is divinely secured and precious to the Lord. Conversely, the lives of his enemies will be swiftly and utterly destroyed by God, like stones violently cast away from a sling, signifying complete eradication without trace or recovery. This profound statement serves as a call for David to forgo personal vengeance and trust in God's sovereign hand to establish justice and fulfill His covenant promises.

1 Samuel 25 29 Context

This verse is spoken by Abigail to David in a critical moment. David, having been gravely insulted and provoked by Nabal, Nabal's wealthy and foolish husband, was marching with 400 armed men to completely destroy Nabal and his household. Abigail, upon hearing of Nabal's contemptible behavior, gathered provisions and rode out secretly to intercept David. Her speech in 1 Samuel 25:24-31 is a masterful appeal to David's character, his divine calling, and God's ultimate justice. Verse 29 specifically forms the core of her theological argument, encouraging David not to defile himself with bloodshed (1 Sam 25:31) but to trust in God's providence. Historically, David was a fugitive from King Saul, who tirelessly pursued him, seeking his life. Abigail’s words not only address the immediate crisis with Nabal but also subtly reassure David regarding Saul’s relentless pursuit, indicating that God would ultimately secure David’s future as Israel's anointed king and defeat his enemies.

1 Samuel 25 29 Word analysis

• "Though men arise to pursue you and to seek your life": This acknowledges the stark reality of David's current plight as a hunted fugitive, primarily by King Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy and fear. It frames the danger David faced.
• "the life of my lord will be bound": The Hebrew term for "life" here is nephesh (נפש), often translated as soul, living being, or very essence of existence. "Bound" is from the Hebrew tserorah (צרורה), implying being tightly secured, preserved, or protected, as one might bind up something precious. This signifies divine security and care.
• "in the bundle of the living": This is a powerful and unique metaphor. The Hebrew is bitzror hachayyim (בצרור החיים). Tseror (צרור) means a "bundle," "bag," "pouch," or "treasury." It suggests a collection of highly valuable items carefully kept together. "Of the living" (החיים) refers to those whose lives are under God's special, providentially active care. It paints a picture of being stored safely within God's own treasury, implying secure and enduring existence. This concept echoes the idea of a "Book of Life" where the names of God's chosen are recorded for eternal preservation.
• "with the Lord your God": This clarifies the ultimate source and protector of David's life. His security is not based on his own strength or the absence of enemies, but solely on his relationship with and dependence upon the Sovereign God.
• "and the lives of your enemies He will sling out": A striking contrast to David's secured life. "Sling out" is from the Hebrew root qala' (קלע), which describes the action of a sling, as famously used by David himself against Goliath. It conveys a sudden, decisive, and forceful expulsion or destruction, emphasizing the ease and certainty with which God deals with opposition.
• "as from the hollow of a sling": This simile underscores the complete and utter removal of enemies. Just as a stone slung from a hollow leaves no trace and is irrecoverably cast away, so too will God deal with David's adversaries. Their lives will be extinguished with finality, and they will cease to be a threat.

Words-group analysis:

• "bound in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God" contrasted with "He will sling out as from the hollow of a sling": This sharp antithesis highlights God's discriminatory justice. For those aligned with His will (like David), there is secure preservation and life; for those opposing His anointed (David's enemies), there is utter destruction and removal. It reflects the truth that God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, dealing with each according to His perfect counsel.

1 Samuel 25 29 Bonus section

The unique phrase "bound in the bundle of the living" is seen by some as reflecting ancient practices where important or valuable items were bundled together for safekeeping, such as money in a pouch or jewels. This image reinforces the idea that David's life is not just preserved, but is of immense value and care in God's eyes, being carefully counted and stored in His divine keeping. It emphasizes the active, intentional nature of God's protection. Abigail's prophetic words here contribute to establishing a crucial moral and theological principle for David’s kingship: that he must rely on God's vengeance rather than his own, lest he become like Saul, whose actions were driven by personal vendetta. This moment marks a spiritual test for David, which he passes, affirming his trust in God's righteous judgment and safeguarding his character for future leadership.

1 Samuel 25 29 Commentary

1 Samuel 25:29 serves as a profound theological anchor in the narrative of David's rise. Abigail's insight transcends the immediate conflict with Nabal, addressing David's larger purpose and divine destiny. The "bundle of the living" signifies that David's life is inextricably linked to God's own preservation and covenant purpose. It teaches David, and by extension all believers, that God Himself is the guardian of His chosen, and His timing for justice is perfect. The powerful imagery of "slinging out" enemies echoes David's past victory over Goliath, reinforcing the idea that God uses His own methods and sovereignty to remove obstacles to His plans. This verse underscores the call to avoid personal vengeance, trust in divine justice, and live in alignment with God's anointing, allowing Him to fight one's battles and secure one's future. It reminds us that true security is found not in human power or retaliation, but in being "bound" to the eternal life that God provides.