The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord” signifies all that God is in Himself and always reveals a title through which God has made Himself known. When God’s name is referenced in the Scriptures, the truth that follows always reveals His manifested perfections such as love, mercy, holiness, wisdom, and power. The name of the Lord, who God is in Himself, is a tower of perfect strength.
Within the literary structure of Proverbs, a definitive truth is usually marked with a strict contrast (often times found within a single verse). But here, the expected contrast follows in the next verse: “the rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and his imagination (his conceit) is like a high wall” (Proverbs 18:11). The rich man imagines that his wealth is his unassailable defense, preserving Him amid all the uncertainties of life. But the righteous know that God alone is their strong tower, and they run into it and are safe.
God as our strong tower indicates security. Language reflecting such an imagery is used by David in Psalm 20:1, “May the name of the God of Jacob set your securely on high”, indicating that which is inaccessible. A strong tower is an elevated tower, and in Old Testament history such elevated towers were used as fortresses in times of war. When an invading army approached, retreat to a fortified tower lifted you above the conflict and assured protection and refuge.
Solomon wrote for His day and ours, “the name of the Lord” is our place of refuge. We run to His name – His nature, character, and His perfect manifestations. Spurgeon announced, “The character of God furnishes the righteous with an abundant security.”[1] We run to Him! HIS NAME is our strong tower. And, this is most reassuring. The need for refuge is great in these days. Everyone needs a place to run when it seems there is no retreat – when enemies are in pursuit, when walls seem to be falling in, and when moments in life squeeze with uncertainties and frustrations. And, sometimes, our greatest need for a refuge is within the context of our own selves. Paying careful attention to the context of Proverbs 18:10, the verses leading to this great announcement warns of actions that are foolish: being gossipers, slanderers, lazy, wise in one’s own eyes. Most could say of such a list at one time or another, “guilty as charged.” So, who can save you from the onslaught of uncertainty that seems overpowering? Who can save you from your own slips and tumbles? The Lord. Our God. In just His name – His manifestation to you of His perfect attributes – there is all the refuge you could ever seek or hope for in any context of life.
There is one significant distinction between those who pursue God and those who are chasing after the world. Both equally possess great need for a refuge. But one handles the pressures of life in his or her own strength and wisdom. And, the other runs straight to God through faith in Jesus Christ, laying one’s self down before the majesty of Christ our Lord in humble dependence, adoration, and worship. Which one are you?
Today, may we with fresh resolve admit our need for Jesus as our refuge and strong tower. And, may we run to Him. Have you considered that Solomon described one who realized where His refuge was as one who actually ran toward the security? And the reason? Running, in this context,indicates that there is indeed no other resource, direction, or hope. So, lay aside any act of faith that in the past has been tainted with casualness and apathy, and run to Him with resolve. Make Him your first thought, and your first and highest affection in all things. Run to Him. Run and be safe. And, you will be amazed at how the present moments of frustration and difficulty can’t touch you.
Blessings.
READ
Read Psalm 20:1-9 and grip tightly the truth of our security in God.
[1] A sermon (No. 491) delivered on Lord’s Day Evening, October 26th, 1862,
