What does it mean that the name of the Lord is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10)?
A strong tower is associated as being a safe place to weather attack or the storms of life. Proverbs 18:10 says: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." Throughout the Bible, and especially in the Psalms, we see recurring descriptions of God in terms representing strength and safety. In Psalm 18:1–3, David writes, "I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."
Biblically speaking, a name represents a person's character. When the name of the Lord is referred to as a strong tower, it speaks to the elements of His character that provide us with safety and protection. Just as the biblical writers did, we know that as children of God through God's grace received by faith in Jesus, He is a safe refuge for us to turn to (Psalm 27:5; Hebrews 13:5–6; 1 Peter 5:6–7; Romans 8:31–39).
We might picture this strong tower as a lighthouse, or perhaps the tower of a castle. When you are inside, you are safe and you also have a vantage point from which to look out at the world and the surrounding chaos. Not only are you protected inside, you are able to gain God's perspective from the ultimate secure position of having Him as your refuge. He will always be with us. In the words of David, "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you" (Psalm 9:10).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower of safety and He will never turn us away. He is always faithful and trustworthy, and we can rest in the fortress of His safety: "from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy" (Psalm 61:2–3). As we continue to experience God's protection, we learn to trust Him more and more (Psalm 91:2).
Saying that the name of the Lord is a strong tower touches on only one facet of His character. There will always be more to discover. The character of God is perfect, and His attributes are limitless. We learn more about them from reading His Word, studying the life of Jesus Christ, and learning about the facets of His character that each of His many names reveal to us.
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