Topical Bible: Towers: The Name of the Lord

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In biblical literature, towers often symbolize strength, refuge, and divine protection. The imagery of a tower is used metaphorically to describe the name of the Lord as a place of safety and security for the righteous. This concept is rooted in the understanding of God as a protector and a stronghold for His people.

Biblical References:

One of the most prominent references to the Lord as a tower is found in Proverbs 18:10: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." . This verse encapsulates the idea that invoking the name of the Lord provides spiritual refuge and protection. The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's will, find safety and security in His name, much like a fortified tower offers protection against physical threats.

Symbolism and Meaning:

In ancient times, towers were integral parts of city defenses, often built on city walls or as standalone structures to provide a vantage point and a place of refuge during attacks. The metaphor of God as a tower suggests His role as a defender and protector of His people. The "name of the LORD" signifies His character, authority, and power. To "run to" this tower implies an active seeking of God's presence and protection through faith and prayer.

Theological Implications:

The use of the tower metaphor highlights the personal relationship between God and the believer. It emphasizes trust in God's unchanging nature and His ability to provide safety amidst life's challenges. This imagery reassures believers of God's omnipotence and His willingness to be a refuge for those who seek Him.

Historical Context:

In the context of ancient Israel, cities were often fortified with walls and towers to protect against enemy invasions. The imagery of God as a tower would have resonated deeply with the Israelites, who understood the importance of such structures for survival and security. This metaphor would have provided comfort and assurance of God's protective presence in their lives.

Practical Application:

For believers today, the concept of the Lord as a strong tower encourages reliance on God's strength and protection. It serves as a reminder to seek refuge in Him through prayer and faith, especially in times of trouble or uncertainty. The verse from Proverbs invites believers to trust in God's name as a source of safety and peace, reinforcing the importance of a personal relationship with Him.

Related Concepts:

The theme of God as a refuge and fortress is prevalent throughout Scripture. Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, such as in Psalm 18:2: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." . These passages collectively underscore the consistent biblical portrayal of God as a protector and a place of safety for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Two Fortresses
... on that Saviour in whom God has set His name? ... Psalmist heaps together the names of
the Lord, as if ... city of his defence, and telling the towers thereof, 'The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/two fortresses.htm

Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... of the name of Christ; in Solomon: your name is like ... Pascha is the announcement of
the Lord's passover; in the ... The towers are the apostles or every perfect one ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book ix on jerusalem and.htm

The Trial by Fire
... the stones he built an altar in the name of the ... said, The Lord, he is the God; the
Lord, he is ... takes the command, and, though utterly alone, towers above the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the trial by fire.htm

The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into ...
... the eye rested in the summit on that castle, city, and palace, with its frowning
towers and magnificent ... Blessed be He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. . ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the first day.htm

Of the Removal of the Remains of John and of the Faith of ...
... his forces, and had brought up many helepoles, and employed innumerable engines,
and built up lofty towers outside the ... Then, in the name of the Lord who had ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxxvi of the removal of.htm

The God who Dwells with Men
... Such is the name of the Lord that dwelt with ... its last words, which prophesy that
'the Lord shall suddenly ... that; no height of divine authority towers so high as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the god who dwells with.htm

That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ...
... us on Thy holy mountain the Church, which towers aloft, which is ... is indicated by
the Iota of the name of Jesus ... I called, ye obeyed not, saith the Lord; but set ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix that it is the.htm

How one Even of those who are Without May be Brought to Believe ...
... where are the defences of the towers? ... One of the Lord's companions and friends is
ill (Lazarus is the sick man's name); and the Lord deprecates any ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xxv how one even of.htm

Walls and Gates
... breach in that wall, nor reach those who stand safe behind its strong towers. ... When
we 'take the cup of salvation' and call on the name of the Lord, we shall ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/walls and gates.htm

The Silence of Scripture
... Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord!"' This Christ towers up above
the history of the world and the process of revelation, like Mount Everest ...
/.../the silence of scripture.htm