August 29: “A STRONG TOWER”

Solomon being a king understood the power in a name, especially in the name of one who either is an institution himself or represents a whole domain. He knew God to be king over all kings and one with ultimate power and authority, and His name brought to mind everything about Him. In this one verse of Proverbs, Solomon considered the name of the Lord equal to God Himself whom He called a strong tower. The name of the Lord is a biblical expression of the whole character of God. By “strong tower”, Solomon meant that the name of God evokes safety which God promises to those who run to Him.

Towers were used in biblical times as fortresses in times of war – see Judges 9:51. Towers served the people as a place of last retreat when the town was taken by an enemy. People ran there and shut themselves up during popular tumult. It is interesting that the people went up to the very top of the tower because it was high and considered inaccessible to the enemy. Such tower was truly a strong place. This is the picture in the mind of Solomon as he speaks of the name of the Lord. It leaves us with the good news that when we are in some trouble and we call upon the name of the Lord, we immediately get Him to come to our rescue and hide us in Himself. Since He is much higher than all the forces of the universe, we become inaccessible to every force of aggression coming after us as we are completely cut off from them. Learn to call the name of the Lord and let Him hide you in that strong tower, and fight for you – I Sam 17:4-5.

Prayer: Lord, you are my strong tower, in you I am not afraid of any evil assault. Help me to rest in you all the days of my life. Amen.