The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Running To The Name Of The Lord

Ancient cities typically had strongholds in the midst, with formidable battlements serving as places of safety and security. Armies would attack the city with great force, and the people would flee to the fortress for safety, knowing the king and his army would protect them. There was a feeling of security in the tower or fortress as a place of refuge. The wise man uses this common image from the ancient land as a message of God’s protective power over His people. When danger arises, the faithful will seek refuge in the tower of God.

The name of the strong tower is the name of the Lord. Calling the tower the name of the Lord suggests the eternal attributes of the Almighty, His everlasting love, undying mercy, and the knowledge that no power could defeat the will of the Lord God. The power of God always defeats the onslaughts of the evil one, Satan. Through the knowledge of God’s word, the faithful saints will seek the refuge of the Creator who promises complete protection from the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Danger lurks in every corner as the devil seeks those whom he can devour. The child of God recognizes the dangers of the roaring lion and seeks the shelter of God’s mighty tower to protect them. They run to the tower when they hear the roar. The danger is real. Standing alone will bring certain disaster. The only power to defeat Satan comes from the word of the Lord. His name is the power of salvation to defeat the ways of the devil. It is not found in human wisdom. Those who stand in the field of human knowledge will soon be devoured by the wicked one. For those who run to the tower of the Lord, they will find safety and security.

The name of the Lord is the strongest of towers with power that makes the devil run. While the child of God runs to the tower, the devil runs from the power of God. The righteous know the voice of Satan and run away as quickly as they can. They know the only hope is in the tower of the name of the Lord. Safety is not found outside the tower. God has promised safety inside the tower. This requires submission to the will of the Father and to obey His commands. Calling on the name of the Lord is the submissive spirit yielding to all that God says. Running to the strong tower of the Lord is calling out for the power of God to defeat the dragon. The bastion of grace and power will never fall and will never fail the righteous.

Sin does not have to have dominion over the spirit of God’s people. Satan was defeated when the lost sinner yielded themselves to the grace of God in the waters of baptism, where sins were washed away. Rising in victory, the child of God has a strong tower to run to and be safe. God’s promises are true. He has promised to protect His people if they come to Him. Running to the tower of the Lord is a choice. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, but if the saint does not seek its shelter for safety, there can be no hope. God provides a strong tower to save the saint. Those who run to it are safe.