God's Name-A Strong Tower (II)

 

 

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GOD'S NAME
PART 1

WHY STUDY THE
NAMES OF THE LORD?

And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee
For Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee
Psalm 9:10

The great preacher C H Spurgeon commenting on this psalm says we should be diligent to study God's Names because

"Ignorance is worst when it amounts to ignorance of God, and knowledge is best when it exercises itself upon the Name of God. This most excellent knowledge leads to the most excellent grace of faith. O, to learn more of the attributes and character of God. Unbelief, that hooting night bird, cannot live in the light of divine knowledge, it flies before the sun of God's great and gracious Name. If we read this verse literally, there is, no doubt, a glorious fulness of assurance in the names of God....By knowing His Name is also meant an experimental acquaintance with the attributes of God, which are every one of them anchors to hold the soul from drifting in seasons of peril. The Lord may hide His face for a season from His people, but He never has utterly, finally, really, or angrily forsaken them that seek Him. Let the poor seekers draw comfort from this fact, and let the finders rejoice yet more exceedingly, for what must be the Lord's faithfulness to those who find if He is so gracious to those who seek....The names of God inspire trust. JEHOVAH Jireh, Tsidkenu, Rophi, Shammah, Nissi, ELOHIM, SHADDAI, ADONAI, etc...."

Matthew Henry says that

(1) The better God is known the more He is trusted. Those who know Him to be a God of infinite wisdom will trust Him further than they can see Him (Job 35:14); those who know Him to be a God of almighty power will trust Him when creature-confidences fail and they have nothing else to trust to (2Chr 20:12); and those who know Him to be a God of infinite grace and goodness will trust Him though he slay them, (Job 13:15). Those who know Him to be a God of inviolable truth and faithfulness will rejoice in his word of promise, and rest upon that, though the performance be deferred and intermediate providences seem to contradict it. Those who know Him to be the Father of spirits, and an everlasting Father, will trust Him with their souls as their main care and trust in Him at all times, even to the end.

(2.) The more God is trusted the more He is sought unto. If we trust God we shall seek Him by faithful and fervent prayer, and by a constant care to approve ourselves to Him in the whole course of our conversations.

(3.) God never did, nor ever will, disown or desert any that duly seek to Him and trust in Him. Though He afflict them, He will not leave them comfortless; though He seem to forsake them for a while, yet He will gather them with everlasting mercies. (
Ps 9:10) We never trust a man till we know him. The mother of unbelief is ignorance of God, his faithfulness, mercy, and power. They that know thee, will trust in thee. This confirmed Paul, Abraham, Sarah, in the faith. "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2Ti 1:12-note). "He is faithful that promised," and "able also to perform." (Heb 10:23-note 11:11-note, Ro 4:21-note)

James Montgomery Boice wrote...

The names of God are windows through which His character is seen. The names tell us that He is the Most High God, Possessor of Heaven and Earth (El Elyon), the Almighty God (El Shaddai), the Eternal, Unchanging God (El Olam), the Lord (Adonai), the God Who Is There (Jehovah Shammah), and much more. Since the names of God declare His attributes, we are not surprised that the unparalleled revelation of God's wisdom and grace in Abraham's near sacrifice of his son (in Genesis 22) brings with it another of God's names: Jehovah Jireh, which means "the Lord will provide." (Boice Expositional Commentary - An Expositional Commentary – Genesis, Volume 2: A New Beginning - Genesis 12-36).

Daily Light on the Daily Path

They that know thy name will put their trust in thee. Psalm 9:10

This is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. — I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor. — O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

The mighty God, The everlasting Father. — I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The Prince of Peace. — He is our peace. — Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. — Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help. — As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

Jeremiah 23:6. Psalm 71:16. Isaiah 9:6. Jeremiah 10:23. Isaiah 9:6. 2 Timothy 1:12. Isaiah 9:6. Ephesians 2:14. Romans 5:1. Proverbs 18:10. Isaiah 31:1. Isaiah 31:5.

“The people that do know their God
shall be strong, and do exploits.”
—
Daniel 11:32b

 

“THE Lord is a Man of war, Jehovah is his Name.”

Those who enlist under His banner shall have a Commander who will train them for the conflict and give them both vigor and valor. The times of which Daniel wrote were of the very worst kind, and then it was promised that the people of God would come out in their best colors: they would be strong and stout to confront the powerful adversary. Oh, that we may know our God—His power, His faithfulness, His immutable love—and so may be ready to risk everything in His behalf. He is One whose character excites our enthusiasm and makes us willing to live and to die for Him. Oh, that we may know our God by familiar fellowship with Him; for then we shall become like Him and shall be prepared to stand up for truth and righteousness. He who comes forth fresh from beholding the face of God will never fear the face of man. If we dwell with Him, we shall catch the heroic spirit, and to us a world of enemies will be but as the drop of a bucket. A countless array of men, or even of devils, will seem as little to us as the nations are to God, and He counts them only as grasshoppers. Oh, to be valiant for truth in this day of falsehood" (Spurgeon in  Faith's Checkbook

 

RECOMMENDED
RESOURCES
FOR STUDY OF THE NAMES OF GOD

This book is a self contained course on the names of God (click to order). A study of the names of God is really a study of His glorious ATTRIBUTES but in a way which is more "up close & personal" and personally applicable to real life situations. I have seen this study impact student's lives as much as any course I have taught over the past 15 years. This book would make a great morning devotional study but is equally useful in a small group setting or even a Sunday School class. Instructional teaching tapes are also available to help you plan your lessons and Kay Arthur has accompanying lectures that compliment and amplify the material in the book. I can guarantee you will never approach the Names of God the same way after you've done this study. It is not redundant to say that this is a truly life changing study.


This is the classic modern work on this subject and functions as an excellent supplement to the study "Lord I Want to Know You". Click order book. (
Online version free)


"The Names of God" by Ken Hemphill is
a recently published (2001) excellent modern expositional & devotional study that wonderfully supplements the above two works. Click here to order.

365 Ways to Know God: Devotional Readings on the Names of God  by Elmer Towns (reflect on one name of God for every day of the year)

Below are some of Elmer Towns online works on Names of God...

The Names of the Holy Spirit (Study Guide) by Elmer Towns
My Father's Names by Elmer Towns

Our Stronghold : A sermon on Proverbs 18:10

This is a powerful, practical sermon by the "prince of preachers" C H Spurgeon. Take a few moments and thoughtfully read through this exhortative, instructional sermon and be blessed and edified

 

THE NAME OF THE LORD
IN MUSIC

(See Technical Note Below)

All in All - short vocal
The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10)
No Other Name
I Sing Praises to Your Name beautiful vocal
Strong Tower (midi w/ lyrics)

><>><>><>

I Once Was a Stranger by Robert McCheyne

(Jehovah Tsidkenu, the LORD my Righteousness)

I once was a stranger to grace and to God,
I knew not my danger, and felt not my load;
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me.

I oft read with pleasure, to sooth or engage,
Isaiah’s wild measure and John’s simple page;
But e’en when they pictured the blood sprinkled tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu seemed nothing to me.

Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul;
Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu—’twas nothing to me.

When free grace awoke me, by light from on high,
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety in self could I see—
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Saviour must be.

My terrors all vanished before the sweet name;
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life giving and free—
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.

Jehovah Tsidkenu! my treasure and boast,
Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne’er can be lost;
In thee I shall conquer by flood and by field,
My cable, my anchor, my breast-plate and shield!

Even treading the valley, the shadow of death,
This “watchword” shall rally my faltering breath;
For while from life’s fever my God sets me free,
Jehovah Tsidkenu, my death song shall be.

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A Simple Inductive Study  
on Proverbs 18:10
What Does it Mean
to be Safe in Jehovah's Name?

The Hebrew text of Proverbs 18:10  is translated in the NASB as...

The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower.
The righteous runs into it and is safe. (Margin note = "set on high")

Proverbs 18:10  in other translations reads as follows...

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong." (Amplified Version)

"The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted." Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew OT)

"The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high." (Net)

"The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." (New Living Translation)

"A tower of strength is the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high." (Young's Literal)

Observe...

1) What is in a name, especially the Names of God?

The Lord's name stands for His person, since it reflects His attributes, character and qualities. Here the name of God is Jehovah, His covenant Name by which He made Himself known to Israel. To know God in covenant is a strong tower.

Moses records his conversation with God where

"God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you." (Exodus 3:14) (Click here for more on this Name Jehovah)

Persons may confidently and safely take refuge in God's covenant Name which conveys an assurance of security to those who are in covenant with Him by grace through faith (see Question #4 below)

James Montgomery Boice writes that...

"the name of God" is a Semitic phrase for speaking of God's attributes. To be protected by the name is therefore to be protected by the One Who is sovereign, holy, all-knowing, wise, compassionate, and anything else that can properly be said of God. And there is more, for to be kept "in the name" is not merely to be kept by God, as if He were only some distant force that could be called in to defend us if that were necessary. It is rather that we are actually in Him, much like being in a fortress. Thus, His power and other attributes surround us constantly. (The Gospel of John)

Comment: The verse Boice is commenting on is in Jesus prayer to His Father for His disciples where He prays...

And I am no more in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep (tereo in the present imperative) them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. (John 17:11)

Matthew Poole explains that...

The name of the Lord, i.e. the Lord, as he hath revealed himself in his works, and especially in his word by his promises, and the declarations of his infinite perfections, and of his good will to his people.

J R Miller asks...

What are we to understand by the name of God? Among the ancient Jews there was one divine name which had peculiar sacredness. It was so holy that they never pronounced it in public. When they came to it in reading, they would pass over it in reverent silence, not daring to take it upon their lips. The Mohammedans, also, have a great reverence for the divine name. They will not tread upon a piece of paper, even the smallest torn fragment which they see lying upon the ground, but will reverently pick it up, saying, “It may contain the name of God.” In this there may be little more than superstition in the outward honor shown to the diving name. Ofttimes men with wicked heart will treat the written or spoken name of God with seeming reverence, bowing at its every mention, while in their own life they have no true regard for God. It is very evident that more than this is meant in this petition for the hollowing of God’s name. We must honor it in our heart and in our life.

In the Bible a name stands for the whole of the character of the person. Many scripture names have meanings in which are enshrined the qualities which belonged to the man. Even among us a name comes to stand for all there is in the person’s life and character. A little child is born without a name, and when a name is given to it it means nothing as yet, for the child has no biography, no character, no personality, has done nothing to individualize itself. But as the days and years go on, and the child grows into manhood, everything he does and all that he is are gathered into his name, until by and by the name has a meaning wherever the man is known; is, as it were, a composite photograph made up of all the phases and aspects of his life. Any man’s name when spoken in the ears of his friends conveys to them a conception of his personality, his character, his disposition, his whole story; all that his is is enshrined in his name. There are certain names in every community that by reason of the noble life which the persons live, or the great or good things they have done, mean a great deal, standing for honor, for patriotism, for heroism, for philanthropy, for beneficence, for religion.

So the name of God includes all that God is and all that he has done, that is, all the revelations which have been made to us of him. When we speak His name there arises before our mind a vision which gathers in itself all that we know about God — all our thoughts of him, our impressions of him, our experiences of His goodness, His mercy, His help. When we mention the name of Jesus Christ, the whole story of His life is suggested to us, — His condescension, His beautiful character, His gentleness, His works of power, His teaching — above all , His atoning death, and then His resurrection and ascension. Thus the name of God stands for God himself, all that God is. In this petition we pray, therefore, not merely for the formal honoring of a name, but for the honoring of God himself in the revelations of him which have been made in the world.

Of course we cannot add a particle to the essential glory of God’s name. Nothing we could do would make His character any more glorious. We cannot add to the sun’s brightness by lighting candles and lamps on the earth; nor can we, by anything we may say or do, make God any more glorious than he is in His essential character. (from
The Hollowed Name)

2) What is the implied comparison?

The Name of Jehovah is pictured as if it were a strong tower (see discussion of metaphor) because the reader can more easily understand the value of a strong tower. The metaphor “strong tower” indicates that God is a secure refuge. This picture helps us understand the value of knowing and living in the light of the truth of God's Names of which there are many in Scripture. The Septuagint drops the metaphor of a tower and simply states God's Name is "of great strength" which is not quite as easy to understand as is a "strong tower" (a tower is easier to "run into" than a Name) In either case one can readily discern the great value of
meditating on the glorious Names of God.

Adam Clarke writes that...

The name of the Lord may be taken for the Lord himself; He is a strong tower, a refuge, and place of complete safety, to all that trust in Him. What a strong fortress is to the besieged, the like is God to His persecuted, tempted, afflicted followers.

3) What does a "tower" picture?

Webster defines a "tower" as

"a building, either round or square, raised to a considerable elevation and consisting of several stories. When towers are erected with other buildings, as they usually are, they rise above the main edifice. They are generally flat on the top, and thus differ from steeples or spires. Before the invention of guns, places were fortified with towers and attacked with movable towers mounted on wheels, which placed the besiegers on a level with the walls."

Another source adds that it is

"a towering citadel, a fortress, one that provides support or protection, a bulwark."

Erdman's Dictionary defines "tower" as...

A defensive structure either built into a city wall or located on a hill as a watchtower. Towers (Heb. migdāl) were built into city walls at strategic positions such as corners, city gates, and vulnerable locations. Massive towers built as part of the city gate structure (e.g., Megiddo, Samaria, Hazor, Dan, Beer-sheba, Timnah) increased defense capabilities at a city’s most vulnerable location. Towers, built into the walls at intervals to increase defense capabilities, usually jutted out beyond the city wall giving defenders a clear view of the wall’s foundation and anyone attempting to breech the wall. This type of tower is typically taller than the adjoining city wall."

The image of a "tower" or "citadel" reminds us that as believers we are aliens and strangers in this world and are in a very real struggle every day for the rest of our life until we see Jesus face to face. In the meantime, we need to remember that when the battle wages fierce against us, we have an ever present towering citadel, our Jehovah God, wherein we can run and be safe, though the battle continues all around us! God’s almighty providence is the surest and strongest defense against all enemies of whatever kind.

J Vernon McGee writes that...

The name of Jehovah is also the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is called Jesus because He saves His people from their sins. And He is called Christ because He is the Anointed One. He is the Lord of our life and our salvation. The Lord is a strong tower. You can run into it and be completely safe. This is a verse that many have used in speaking to children, and I have used it myself and found it very effective. It speaks of security and reminds us that no one can pluck us out of His hands. What a beautiful picture this is!  (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson or Logos) (Or listen to an Mp3 )

The Bible Illustrator has this note on ancient towers...

Strong towers were a greater security in a bygone age than they are now. Castles were looked upon as being very difficult places for attack; and ancient troops would rather fight a hundred battles than endure a single siege. He who owned a strong tower felt, however potent might be his adversary, his walls and bulwarks would be his sure salvation.

The Pulpit Commentary adds that "strong tower"...

"...suggest to us an image of a disturbed country with a massive fortified tower standing in its midst, ready to serve as a refuge for the peasants, who till the fields when all is peaceful, but who flee to the tower for shelter when they see the enemy scouring over the plain. The baronial castles of England served the same purpose when our own country was suffering from the ravages of war. In the dangers of life the Name of the Lord is a similar refuge for his people."

What is the dramatic contrast to the Lord as our strong tower? See the immediate context...

Proverbs 18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination.

Comment: Note although verse 11 does not begin with a contrast word like "but", it is clearly a contrast to the truth of Pr 18:10. The rich man imagines that his wealth ("the shaky tower of the god mammon") can protect him from harm as a high city wall used to protect from enemy troops, but the rich man is dead wrong. The danger of wealth is that it gives its possessor the illusion of greater security than it actually provides. Money simply cannot shield people from many problems and provides no hope for the greatest problem of all, the deadness of one's spirit because of sin.

All of us tend to have our "fortified cities." For some, it may be an advanced college degree with its ticket to a guaranteed position; for others, an insurance policy or a financial nest egg for retirement years. For our nation, it is a superior arsenal of weapons. Anything other than God Himself that we tend to trust in becomes our fortified city with its imagined unscalable walls.

Alexander Maclaren has a lengthy note contrasting Pr 18:10 and Pr 18:11.

We have here the "strong tower" and the "strong city;" the man lifted up above danger on the battlements of the one, and the man fancying himself to be high above it (and only fancying himself) in the imaginary safety of the other.

I. Consider first the two fortresses.

One need only name them side by side to feel the full force of the intended contrast. On the one hand the name of the Lord, with all its depths and glories, with its blaze of lustrous purity and infinitudes of inexhaustible power; and on the other "the rich man's wealth."

(1) The name of the Lord, of course, is the biblical expression for the whole character of God, as He has made it known to us, or, in other words, for God Himself, as He has been pleased to reveal Himself to mankind. His name proclaims Him to be self-existent, and, as self-existent, eternal; and as eternal, changeless; and as self-existent, eternal, changeless, infinite in all the qualities by which He makes Himself known. But far beyond the sweep of that great name, Jehovah, is the knowledge of God's deepest heart and character, which we learn in Him who said, "I have declared Thy name unto My brethren, and will declare it." The name that is the strong tower is the name. "My Father!" A Father of infinite tenderness, and wisdom, and power.

(2) Look at the other fortress: "The rich man's wealth." Of course we have not to deal here only with wealth in the shape of money, but all external and material goods; the whole mass of the things seen and temporal are gathered together here in this phrase. Men use their imaginations in very strange fashion, and make, or fancy they make, for themselves out of the things of the present life a defence and a strength. Like some poor lunatic, out upon a moor, that fancies himself ensconced in a castle; like some barbarous tribes behind their stockades, or crowding at the back of a little turf wall, fancying themselves perfectly secure and defended,—so do men deal with these outward things that are given them for another purpose altogether; they make of them defences and fortresses. Of all delusions that can beset you in your course, none will work more disastrously than the notion that the summum bonum, the shield and the stay of a man, is the abundance of the things that he possesses.

II. Consider next how to get into the true refuge.

How does a man make this world his defence? By trusting to it. He that says to the fine gold, "Thou art my confidence," has made it his fortress; and that is how you will make God your fortress—by trusting to Him.

III. We have, lastly, what comes of sheltering in these two refuges.

(1) As to the former of them, as one of the old Puritan commentators has it, "The tower is so deep that no pioneer can undermine it, so thick that no cannon can breach it, so high that no ladder can scale it." "The righteous runneth into it and is perched up there."

(2) I say little about the other side. The world can do a great deal for us. It can keep the rifle bullets from us. But, ah! when the big siege guns get into position and begin to play; when the great trials that every-life must have, sooner or later, come to open fire at us; then the defence that anything in this outer world can give comes rattling about our ears very quickly. It is like the pasteboard helmet, which looked as good as if it had been steel, and did admirably as long as no sword struck it. (A. Maclaren, A Year's Ministry, 1st series, p. 301) (From "The Sermon Bible")

4) Who "benefits" from the truth of Proverbs 18:10?

The righteous man or woman or as the Amplified version reads "the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God]".

"Righteous" is the Hebrew adjective saddiyq/tsaddiyq which is an adjective meaning just, righteous. The root basically indicates that there is conformity to an ethical or moral standard. That standard could be "man" but the only standard acceptable to God is Himself. For practical purposes, one can say that righteousness is all that God is, all that God commands, all that God demands, all that God approves, and ultimately all that God provides in Christ.

And how does man conform to this "impossible" standard?

Paul summarized it in the introduction to his magnum opus, the epistle to the Romans writing that he was

"not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power (dunamis = inherent power, God's power present in the message independent of the one who speaks it) of God for salvation (deliverance, rescue from penalty [eternal death] and power of sin) to everyone who believes (mental =  mind understands the gospel and truth about Christ; emotional = embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God’s mercy and grace and volitional = sinner submits will to Christ and trusts in Him alone as the only hope of salvation. Genuine faith produces authentic obedience), to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God (better translated “righteousness from God”) is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written (Hab 2:4 the gospel is in the Old Testament and has always been God's way of declaring sinners righteous as stated in Galatians 3:8), "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Romans 1:16-17; click here for exposition of Ro 1:16-19)

"But now (not a time reference, but a change in flow of argument) apart from the Law (entirely independent of obedience to any law) the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets (the gospel was present in the OT - it was foretold in types and shadows of sacrificial system requiring the shedding of blood for atonement and it was foretold by direct prophecies), even the righteousness of God through faith (utter reliance on the living Lord Jesus Christ as one’s only Savior from sin and one’s only hope for heaven) in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned (all are born in Adam, inherit his propensity to sin and therefore commit sins) and fall short of the glory of God, being justified (declared righteous - pardoned from guilt and penalty of sin receiving imputation of Christ’s righteousness on one's "account", providing the righteousness sinners need to be accepted by God) as a gift by His grace through the redemption (
click here for Greek word apolutrosis; see also How to do Greek Word Study) which is in Christ Jesus...For we maintain that a man is justified (declared righteous) by faith apart from works of the Law." (Romans 3:21-24, 28; click here for exposition of Ro 3:21-23); here for Ro 3:28)

"What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say? "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS...Is this blessing then upon the circumcised, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say, "FAITH WAS RECKONED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."  (Romans 4:1-3, 9; click here for exposition of Ro 4:1-6; here for Ro 4:9)

From the passages clearly a man or woman is declared to be righteous the moment they place their faith and trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ, Old Testament saints doing so by believing the promises of the coming Messiah and New Testament saints by looking back in faith to the finished work of Christ on the Cross.

I would agree with the Amplified translation that it is the one who is "consistently" righteous who can run into the strong tower of Jehovah. In other words, it is not only the one who had been (past tense) declared righteous (Justified) upon the exercise of faith but the one who is living daily in the power God provides to live a righteous life (Sanctification).

5) What action does the righteous man or woman need to carry out?

There is no safety in looking at the "strong tower". It is necessary to flee to God in order to be protected by Him.

The passage says they must "run".  It does not say they are to amble or to stroll or to walk in a leisurely or idle manner but that they are to run. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary gives us the picture stating that to run is

"to go faster than a walk; specifically : to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step...to go without restraint...to go rapidly or hurriedly...to go in urgency or distress...to contend in a race."

The Hebrew verb (rus/ruwts) means to make haste, to travel or to journey by moving one’s legs more rapidly than in walking and in some contexts it conveys the idea of a sense of urgency or a need to hurry.

Lane comments that...

"...the illustration not only indicates what the Lord is, but that we have a responsibility if we are to avail ourselves of His ministry. A city’s fortress is not where people live and work, but there for refuge in emergencies, so that the citizens can run to it and be safe. Thus there is no automatic security in having wisdom and being righteous — we have to exercise them. The running describes faith and prayer, which give direct access to God who responds by warding off the danger. Safe is literally ‘lifted high’, as if one who trusts God is not only behind thick walls, but above the range of the enemy’s weapons." (Lane, E. Focus on the Bible: Proverbs) (Bolding added)

C H Spurgeon comments that the righteous run and

"...do not stop to make any preparation. And the running implies that they have nothing to carry; and that fear quickens them. When a man enters a castle, he is safe because of the impregnability of the castle, not because of the way in which he entered into the castle."

How can we "run" into the Name of Jehovah?

Clearly this is not literal running (although that may be what we feel like doing when trouble knocks). The  metaphor of “running” into the strong tower refers to a whole-hearted and unwavering trust in God’s Name and His willingness and ability to provide protection. It is only by faith that we can go to an invisible God.

Warren Wiersbe writes that...

If you want to know how strong His name is, study the names of God in the Old Testament and the "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. But be sure to imitate the psalmist and make it your practice to trust and honor His name in every aspect of life (v. 56, NIV), not just during emergencies..."The name of the Lord" in Pr 18:10 signifies all the glorious attributes of the Lord. Because of who He is and what He is, those who trust Him don't have to worry—because He is always their refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1).

H A Ironside writes that...

The name of Jehovah stands for the Lord Himself. To run into it, as into a strong tower, is to confide in Him in the time of trouble. This is the blessed privilege of every true saint. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [i.e., garrison] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (see note Philippians 4:6; 4:7). All that perplexes and oppresses the human spirit can be poured into God's ear. Then the soul can leave all burdens with Him and can confide in His love. Thus the heart will be at peace, protected as in a garrisoned tower, however the enemy may rage. See a lovely picture of this in the tower of Thebez (Judges 9:50-57)....

Abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, all His people are protected from the power of the enemy.

The Biblical Illustrator adds the following thought on how we run into the Name of Jehovah...

The righteous “runneth into the name” by the exercise of fervent prayer. Praying is the immediate and direct means of imploring the Divine assistance and protection. Faith is the habitual principle, and prayer is the actual application of it. Though God knows all our wants perfectly, He requires that we implore His assistance by prayer. And prayer is the natural remedy to which all are ready to fly in extremity.

In Paul's last known communication, he explained to Timothy that because he was a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the gospel, he had experienced suffering. But he quickly added that he was not ashamed for (and I loosely paraphrase) he had "run" into the strong tower of the LORD, writing...

"for I know Whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." (see note 2 Timothy 1:12)

Paul expressed an unshaken confidence in the LORD's ability to do what he trusted Him to do. He not only knew the truth about the LORD (the Strong Tower) but he had become firmly convinced of this truth. There is practical difference between knowing truth of God's Names and being convinced of the truth.

 The difference is that we hold the former
While the latter holds us!

Until the Word of Truth (the Name of God), becomes not just something we hold, but rather something which holds us, then we will likely not fully experience all that is available in the strong tower when the winds of adversity begin to blow.

How can we be as "convinced" as Paul was?

We must first know the truth about God's Name and then we must obediently "traffic in that truth" by faith not by sight. Like Peter (at least momentarily), we need to look at Jesus rather than at the threatening waves in our life. God will give us ample practical exercises to work out this truth, so that we can one day say as Paul did...

"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13) (Click here for exposition)

Paul had learned the secret of the strong tower of Jehovah and we can do the same beloved.

6) What does it mean to be "safe" in the Name of the LORD?

Safe  (7682) (Hebrew = sagab) and is used 20 times in the NAS (Deuteronomy; Job 2x; Psalm 7x; Proverbs 3x; Isaiah 7x) and is variously translated in the NAS as "exalted, 7; high, 4; lifted, 1; raises, 1; safe, 1; securely on high, 1; set him securely on high, 1; set me securely on high, 2; set you securely on high, 1; sets the securely, 1; unassailable, 1."

With this definition we can "amplify" the meaning of Proverbs 18:10  as follows

The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe or set securely on high above the difficult circumstances, afflictions, persecutions, etc. The circumstances may still be present (and in my experience often are) but one's perspective is altered as the one in the strong tower of Jehovah views those circumstances from "above the fray" even though still surrounded by it. Where do you run when trouble comes? Who do you go to seek respite and comfort? The righteous run to the Name of the LORD. God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble, to those who are willing to run to Him and to cry to Him. The safety and security of the righteous is dependent on the trustworthiness of God’s Names, which are but a reflection of His righteous, unchangeable character. Ultimately only Jehovah (His Name) is the real source of safety and security.

One wonders if being set securely on high has any parallel with our position in Christ, a truth Paul explained to the saints at Ephesus stating that God has "and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (see note Ephesians 2:6)

Another parallel thought is Paul's instruction to the saints at Colossae reminding them "you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (see notes Colossians 3:1; 3:2; 3:3) These are profound truths worth taking time to ponder and meditate upon (or click here).

The Preacher's Commentary has the following comment on Proverbs 18:10...

Safety in danger is what He offers as well as deliverance in battle. His very “name,” that is, His person revered for majesty, power, and truth, is like the “strong tower” of a fort. Those who are loyal to His will and ways (“the righteous”) eagerly “run” to that name and find themselves as “safe” as though they were surrounded by high, insurmountable walls. This metaphor for dependence on God is colorful indeed in the context of a tiny land, always vulnerable not only to threat of major powers from the valleys of the Nile or the Tigris-Euphrates but also to opportunistic neighbors like Edomites and Philistines. A secure refuge in times of assault was indispensable. Whatever attack life hurled at them could not threaten the strong name of the everlasting Lord. Confidence in God was never misplaced." (Hubbard, D. A., & Ogilvie, L. J. The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 15 : Page 242. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson)

The Pulpit Commentary adds that

The Name of the Lord signifies all that God is in Himself — His attributes, His love, mercy, power, knowledge; which allow man to regard Him as a sure Refuge. “Thou hast been a Shelter for me,” says the psalmist (Psalm 61:3), “and a strong Tower from the enemy.” The words bring before us a picture of a capitol, or central fortress, in which, at times of danger, the surrounding population could take refuge. Into this Name we Christians are baptized; and trusting in it, and doing the duties to which our profession calls, with faith and prayer, we are safe in the storms of life and the attacks of spiritual enemies.

C H Spurgeon comments...

The believer in his high days {and they ought to be every day) is like an eagle perched aloft on a towering crag. Yonder is a hunter down below, who would fain strike the royal bird; he has his rifle with him, but his rifle would not reach one-third of the way. So the royal bird looks down upon him in quiet contempt, not intending even to take the trouble to stretch one of his wings, for he is quite safe, he is up aloft. Such is the faithful Christian’s state before God.

We can also glean some insights by reading Proverbs 18:10 in context:

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination.

Solomon clearly meant these juxtaposed verses to bring out a contrast and he even used some of the same Hebrew words (strong = oz // safe = high = sagab) to highlight the contrast. The righteous man's strength is found in God. The ungodly man's strength in wealth. The righteous man is safe in God's strong tower. The ungodly man imagines he is safe enclosed by a high, secure wall of wealth.

Lane comments on the contrast writing that...

"The rich man feels he is more secure than ‘the righteous’... ‘The name of the Lord’ is only words but he has tangible money and goods. ‘The righteous’ has ‘a strong tower’ but the rich has a whole fortified city. ‘The righteous’ is placed in a room at the top of the tower which will have steps up to it and which an enemy can climb, but the rich is behind an unscalable wall. True as all this is, the security of it is something they imagine. He might accuse ‘the righteous’ of living in an unreal world, trusting a God he can’t see, hear or touch, while the rich has visible money and solid city walls. In fact, money, goods and fortifications are vulnerable commodities (Matt. 6:19). Even if he retains them throughout his life they won’t keep him from death and the judgment of God (Luke 12:19–21). On the other hand, God is eternal and faith which rests on him is for ever (Isaiah 26:4)." (Lane, E. Focus on the Bible: Proverbs)

If we are honest, each of us would admit that we have our "strong cities" that we tend to trust in rather than choosing to run first into the strong tower of God's Name. When we place our trust in anything other than God's Name (and all it entails), that which we trust becomes to us our "strong city" which may seem "real" but is in fact imaginary. Solomon is not saying we are to disregard the usual means of supply God has provided. It means we must not trust in them in place of trusting in God. A mark of Christian maturity is to continually trust the Lord in the minutiae of daily life. If we learn to trust God in the minor adversities, we will be better prepared to trust Him in the major ones. But whether the difficulty is major or minor, we must choose to trust God. God will not force us to run into His strong tower, but He will allow circumstances that encourage us to cease relying on our "strong cities" (whatever they might be) and choose to run into His strong tower! Beloved, the more you know God's Name, the more you will trust and believe Him.

Click here for more detailed discussion of the comparison of these two verses, Proverbs 18:10-11 by Alexander Maclaren: "Two Defenses: Real or Imaginary"

What is the contrast in these two verses?

A "strong tower" is a direct contrast with a "strong city", the former a metaphor for the name of the LORD, the latter a metaphor for personal wealth.

Below are some of the other uses of the Hebrew verb sagab to help understand the meaning of the Hebrew verb sagab.

Moses records that

From Aroer which is on the edge of the valley of Arnon and from the city which is in the valley, even to Gilead, there was no city that was too high (sagab) for us; the LORD our God delivered all over to us. (Deuteronomy 2:36)

In Job we read that God...

sets on high those who are lowly (humble), and those who mourn are lifted (sagab) to safety (Hebrew = yesha' = deliverance, protection that produces freedom from present danger) (Job 5:11)
 

Insights into Meaning of "Sagab"
From the Psalms

Psalm 20:1

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble (Hebrew = tsarah meaning anything narrow or confining = a situation or a time of extreme discomfort with focus on the emotional pain of the distress; Lxx = thlipsis = originally meant crushing beneath a weight)! May the Name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high (sagab)!

The “Name” speaks of both the authority and the presence of the person. “The name of the God of Jacob” refers to the God of the patriarch whose family was delivered from Egypt. The KJV translates "sagab" as "defend". The request that God “defend” literally means “to set on high” and so to place in a defensible position against enemies as the "God of Jacob" did for Israel in the Exodus. This is a great passage for we all at one time or another need the Lord’s protection in the “day of trouble.”

Spurgeon commenting on this verse writes that

The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee; or, as some read it, "set thee in a high place." By the Name is meant the revealed character and Word of God; we are not to worship "the unknown God," but we should seek to know the covenant God of Jacob, Who has been pleased to reveal His Name and attributes to His people. There may be much in a royal name, or a learned name, or a venerable name, but it will be a theme for heavenly scholarship to discover all that is contained in the Divine Name. The glorious power of God defended and preserved the Lord Jesus through the battle of His life and death, and exalted Him above all His enemies. His warfare is now accomplished in His own proper person, but in His mystical body, the church, He is still beset with dangers, and only the eternal arm of our God in covenant can defend the soldiers of the cross, and set them on high out of the reach of their foes. The day of trouble is not over, the pleading Saviour is not silent, and the Name of the God of Israel is still the defence of the faithful. The Name, God of Jacob, is suggestive; Jacob had his day of trouble, he wrestled, was heard, was defended, and in due time was set on high, and his God is our God still, the same God to all his "wrestling Jacobs". The whole verse is a very fitting benediction to be pronounced by a gracious heart over a child, a friend, or a minister, in prospect of trial; it includes both temporal and spiritual protection, and directs the mind to the great source of all good. How delightful to believe that our heavenly Father has pronounced it upon our favoured heads!  (Bolding added)

Psalm 20 refers to God's Name two other times:

Psalm 20:5

We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the Name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions

Psalm 20:7

Some boast in chariots, and some in horses but we will boast (KJV translates it "remember". The Hebrew verb zakar conveys basic idea of mentioning or recalling something, in this case God's Name, either silently, out loud or by means of a memorial sign. It means to remember, to think about, to think on [sounds somewhat like meditating on His Name]. Do you from time to time, take a moment and recall His Name, taking a mental inventory of what that name signifies? It is a healthy practice to acquire.) in the Name of the Lord, our God. (Comment: Once again, as in Pr 18:10-11, we see a striking contrast between God's provision [His Name] and man's provision [chariots, horses] for victory.)

Williams has summarized the significance of the 3 references to God's Name in Psalm 20 as:

The Defending Name
The Displayed Name
The Delivering Name

Warren Wiersbe commenting on Psalm 20 adds the following practical thought...

David wrote, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7). The big question is, What are you trusting today? Everybody trusts in or believes in something. Some people trust in their money or credit cards. Some trust in their strength or expertise or experience. Psalm 20:1 and Psalm 20:2 say, "May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion."

The Christian trusts in the Lord, and he exemplifies this trust by praying. When we are in trouble, what we do to solve our problems and turn our trouble into triumph is evidence of what or whom we're trusting. When the day of trouble arrives, some people reach for their checkbooks. They think money will solve their problems. Others reach for the telephone. They look to friends to solve their problems. While "some trust in chariots, and some in horses," Christians remember the name of the Lord (Psalm 20:7).

Our faith is in Jesus Christ, and we should not be afraid to let people know about it. "We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!" (Psalm 20:5). In other words, we do not hesitate to wave the banner of faith because He will not fail us. God's name is good. "The name of the God of Jacob defend you" (Psalm 20:1). Take time to trust the Lord. Roll your burden on Him. Get your strength from Him. Wave your banner in the name of the Lord, and He will turn your burden into a blessing. Where do you place your trust? Whereas wealth and others fail you, Jesus never fails. Take whatever burden you are carrying today and give it to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will work on your behalf.  (in his devotional on the Psalms which I highly recommend entitled Prayer, Praise and Promise).

Psalm 59:1

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high (sagab) away from those who rise up against me.

 

Spurgeon comments: Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God. They were all round the house with the warrant of authority, and a force equal to the carrying of it out. He was to be taken dead or alive, well or ill, and carried to the slaughter. No prowess could avail him to break the cordon of armed men, neither could any eloquence stay the hand of his bloody persecutor. He was taken like a bird in a net, and no friend was near to set him free. Unlike the famous starling, he did not cry, "I cannot get out," but his faith uttered quite another note. Unbelief would have suggested that prayer was a waste of breath, but not so thought the good man, for he makes it his sole resort. He cries for deliverance and leaves ways and means with his God.

Defend me from them that rise up against me. Saul was a king, and therefore sat in high places, and used all his authority to crush David; the persecuted one