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

A tower was a tall building or structure erected for the purposes of protection and preservation. It was also known as a watchtower. The watchmen watched and provided information of what they had sighted to their masters. Some landowners built towers to protect their crops (Isaiah 5:2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1). In the wilderness, towers were used to watch out for approaching bandits and enemies (2 Kings 17:9; 2 Chronicles 26:10). In the cities, towers were part of the city wall. They were built for defensive purposes (2 Chronicles 14:7; Nehemiah 3:1). They were erected at the corners of the wall, beside the city gates, and at intervals along the walls (2 Chronicles 26:9). Watchmen were stationed at the towers to provide security and surveillance for the city (2 Kings 9:17). Military machines were mounted at the tower, with which they would shoot arrows and stones at the incoming enemies (2 Chronicles 26:15).

In the Bible, God is pictured as a high and strong tower, sheltering His people from their enemies (Psalm 61:3; 144:2; Proverbs 18:10). This protective nature of a tower naturally leads to this figurative reference of God. When the world is shaking, our God is still Sovereign. God will sift out everything that is shakeable so that only the unshakable will remain. His kingdom is unshakeable and nothing can shake it or destroy it (Hebrews 12:27-29). God will protect and preserve His people!

What is in the name of the LORD that will protect and preserve His people? God has favored His people by revealing Himself in several names. Each of these names offers us precious insights into His love and righteousness. By knowing His name, we will understand His loving thoughts towards us.

One of the most important names for God is YHWH, which was commonly pronounced as Yahweh. It derives from the verb "to be." It simply means "I AM Who I AM" and "I will be Who I will be." God is the Creator of everything. "I AM" proclaims the fact that He is the original, infinite and personal God. He made everything. In Him, everything has breath and being. In Him, everything has a beginning and a purpose. This name, "I AM Who I AM," reveals the truth that nothing else defines Who God is but God Himself. What He says and does is Who He is.

The Holy Bible is inspired and infallible. It is the guide to understanding Who God is by what He says about Himself and what He does. Yahweh is the all-powerful and Sovereign God Who alone defines Himself. He establishes truth for His creatures and provides redemption for their salvation.

The divine name Yahweh is usually translated LORD in the English versions of the Bible. In the Ten Commandments, it is a sin to take the name of the LORD in vain. To obey the third commandment, the Jews would not dare to offend God by misusing His sacred name YHWH. Instead they would use "Adonai" which means "my LORD." This practice is still in the synagogues today. When the vowels of Adonai are attached to the consonants YHWH, we have the word "Jehovah."

Another important root name for God is "El." By itself, it refers to a god . It was widely used in ancient eastern cultures. It may either refer to the true God or to false gods. The highest Canaanite god was El whose son was Baal. Elohim is the plural form of El. This plural form refers to the Triune God (Genesis 1:1-3), Who works through His Word and His Spirit in the creation of the world. In Deuteronomy 5:9, we can clearly see the use of these names of God, "I, the LORD (Jehovah) your God (Elohim), am a jealous God (El)."

The following are some common names of God:

Other names of God include:

King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Wisdom
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
Shepherd
Servant
Deliverer
Saviour
Word of God
Abba Father
Heavenly Father

Everything we need is found in His name. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. We who trust in the LORD shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides for ever (Psalm 124:8-125:1). The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). In perilous times like ours, we need to run after God. But many still choose to run away from God. When the odds are against God's kingdom and righteousness, many choose the easier way out. They run away from their strong tower. But we should do otherwise. We need to be strong in the Lord. When the Word of God abides in us, we have overcome the wicked one. We do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (I John 2:14-17).

The name of the LORD is like perfume poured out (Song of Songs 1:3-4). It is pleasing and fragrant! It draws us towards Him! No wonder we love Him! Lord, please take us with You! Draw us and we will run after You - into Your Kingdom; into Your walls of righteousness and into Your strong tower! Please bring us into the King’s chambers. We rejoice and delight in You. We will praise Your love more than wine. How righteous it is to adore You! How secure it is to trust in Your name! How wonderful it is to obey You! How lovely it is to dwell with You now and forevermore!

Source:
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Written on:
21 April 2004