What does it mean that the name of the Lord is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10)?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Proverbs 18:10 compares the Lord’s name to a “strong tower,” which provides safety. Biblically speaking, a name represents a person's character. The comparison of the Lord’s name to a “strong tower” communicates elements of His nature: His love for us, His faithfulness, and His omnipotence. These traits are revealed throughout the Bible, especially the Psalms (Psalm 9:10; 18:1–3; 27:5; 61:2–3). They are also shown in many Old Testament historical narratives, which depict God’s people calling on Him and Him providing deliverance (Exodus 14:10–14; 2 Kings 6:15–17; 18:13—19:37; 2 Chronicles 20). The New Testament emphasizes spiritual salvation leading to eternal life. The gospel message is that Jesus saves (Matthew 1:21; Luke 24:47; John 14:13–14; 20:31). The Bible teaches that He is our refuge (Romans 8:31–39; Hebrews 13:5–6; 1 Peter 5:6–7). The overall message of the New Testament is clear: only through the person and work of Jesus—a name representing salvation—can we be saved (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9–10; Philippians 2:9–11). According to the Bible, when we call on the Lord, He will give us “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6–7).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” The tower metaphor conveys the Lord’s protective care over us. Like so many in the Bible, believers today know that God is our refuge.
• David knew this about God, as he expresses in many psalms. For example, he write in Psalm 18:2 “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.” David sang this in praise to the Lord after God delivered him from his enemies, including Saul. David knew what so many other believers realize: The Lord is our salvation.
• Second Chronicles 20:15 records King Jehoshaphat of Judah and all the inhabitants turning to God in their time of need and God answering them through Jahaziel: “And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.’” Those who rely on God will never be disappointed as He will allow us to overcome our trials, physically and/or spiritually, according to His will.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Romans 10:9–10 discusses our eternal salvation: “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Paul had been discussing the salvation of all people, Gentiles and Jews, through the new covenant God established through Christ. Those verses show that we aren’t saved through ancestry, but through belief in Christ, which involves proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior.
• Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, understood that salvation comes through Christ, whose saving grace is represented by His name. Peter expresses this in Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” The name of our Savior will be proclaimed in all the earth as the only One who can save us (Matthew 28:18–20)
• In speaking of Christ, Paul writes in Philippians 2:9–11, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The “name” here is emphasized because only through Christ can we be saved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Did you ever get lost in a public place as a child? If so, you can probably still recall the moments of terror before your mother or father found you. Not knowing who to turn to, not knowing what would happen—those feelings can be traumatic. As children of God, we may have faced equally (or more) terrifying trials. Many Christians in the early church faced torture and death for Christ. In some countries today, Christians still face this. Even in places where religious freedom is tolerated, Christians often contend with the soft persecution of losing jobs or friends because they won’t participate in worldly practices that go against God’s Word. Regardless of the time or place, the right Christian response is the same: calling on the name of the Lord. Although we might not be delivered from physical trials, even the worst the world can do to us cannot overcome what Christ has already delivered us unto: eternal life (John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 5:8). Christians should stay steeped in God’s Word and pray to the Lord for strength during trials. According to the Bible, when we call on the Lord, He will give us “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6–7; cf. 1 Peter 5:7).

UNDERSTAND

• God’s name reflects His nature.
• God's name offers safety and refuge in times of trouble.
• Calling on the name of Jesus leads to salvation, the ultimate strong tower.

REFLECT

• How have you experienced God as a strong tower in your own life during difficult times?
• How does knowing that God’s name represents His love, faithfulness, and power impact your trust in Him?
• When facing trials, how can you actively run to God as your refuge? What does running to God look like for you?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding God’s nature as a strong tower shape the way we respond to challenges as a community of believers?
• How can the name of Jesus as a source of salvation be a powerful testimony to others in both words and actions?
• How might reflecting on God’s protection in the Bible influence our view of His faithfulness today?