Bound in the Bundle of Life

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Bound in the Bundle of Life?”

I discovered this phrase in the Old Testament book of 1st Samuel, chapter 25. The text reads,

“If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God.”

To be bound in the bundle of life is to know that you are protected, valued, and cared for deeply. When valuable items were transported during biblical times, they were wrapped in cloth and other soft materials for protection. They were then wrapped again and again to ensure safe arrival.

In 1st Samuel, this phrase came from a wise woman named Abigail who was trying to protect a future king from ruining his future. David, who had been on the run from King Saul, had a side job of protecting the children of Israel from foreign invaders. In return, the beneficiaries of his protection would provide food for David and his men.

However, one of the beneficiaries—Nabal, was not very thankful for David’s protection. In fact, when he heard that David was expecting payment for his protection, he mocked him and shamed the fighting men. When David heard about this mockery, he became furious.

Filled with anger and vengeance, David and his men were on their way to pay Nabal a visit. David planned to kill Nabal that same day. Thankfully, God would intervene by sending an unusual messenger to give David a message. The messenger? —Nabal’s wife, Abigail.

Catching word of David’s intentions, Abigail gathered together more than enough provisions for the soldiers and came out to meet David. This wise woman also came with a word from the LORD. The message was simple but very powerful. She said,

“If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life in the care of the LORD Your God.”

Abigail’s reminder of God’s value and protection over him reminded David that vengeance belonged to God. This reminder also allowed David to turn away from his foolish behavior and leave the matter in God’s hands; a lesson he would carry with him the rest of his life.

As David faced many difficult days ahead, he began to realize that each difficulty, each set back, and each adversary, was used by God as a teaching tool to trust Him. Through these difficult tests, David was learning not to be wise in his own eyes, but to fear the LORD and depart from evil. It would seem that David was able to pass these lessons on to his son Solomon as we read in Ecclesiastes 7:9,

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools.”

As I look back on my own life, I see difficult circumstances and struggling relationships as a part of God’s sovereign plan to prepare me for what I do today. If I had taken matters into my own hands, I would never have been granted the privilege of starting Lamplighter Ministries. It was the truth revealed in the phrase, “Bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God,” that God used to convince me many years ago to stay the course in my marriage and my work.  

Like David, you too may find yourself today in a difficult situation that has caused great pain and shame. Maybe you have been insulted, betrayed, stabbed in the back, misunderstood, abused or deeply wounded by someone you love. When we are wounded, we often choose to flee or fight. David was about to fight when Abigail, God’s messenger of truth, reminded David that any act of self-will would jeopardize his future as king.

The key is remembering this truth. If you are one of God’s children, then you can cling to the faithful promise that you— yes, you—are,

“…bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God.”

We are kings and priests, joint heirs with Christ. Our Father, the Great King of kings and LORD of lords has our back. We will be brought safely to our designated destination, if, and I must reiterate, IF, we do not take matters selfishly or vengefully into our own hands.

For more resources on trust in our great Father, I invite you to read from the following rich well of resources. As always, thank you for reading!

Blessings,

Mark Hamby

Lamplighter Selections on Trust!

• Runaway Darling (Ages 9+)

• Crew of the Dolphin (Ages 9+)

• Tip Lewis and His Lamp (Ages 9+)

• Manchester House (Ages 12+)

• City Sparrows (Ages 12+)