The name of the LORDIn ancient Hebrew culture, a name was more than just a label; it represented the character and essence of a person. The "name of the LORD" refers to God's revealed character and attributes, such as His power, faithfulness, and holiness. Throughout the Old Testament, God's name is associated with His covenant relationship with Israel (
Exodus 3:14-15). The name of the LORD signifies His presence and authority, as seen in the use of His name in blessings and oaths (
Numbers 6:24-27).
is a strong tower;
A strong tower in ancient times was a place of refuge and defense, often part of a city's fortifications. It provided safety from enemies and a vantage point for watching over the surrounding area. This metaphor illustrates God's protection and strength, offering security to those who trust in Him. The imagery of God as a fortress is common in the Psalms (Psalm 18:2,Psalm 61:3), emphasizing His role as a protector and deliverer.
the righteous run to it
The righteous are those who live in accordance with God's will and seek His guidance. Running to the strong tower implies urgency and reliance on God's protection. This action reflects a conscious decision to seek refuge in God's character and promises. The concept of running to God for safety is echoed in other scriptures, such asPsalm 46:1, which describes God as "a very present help in trouble."
and are safe.
Safety in this context refers to spiritual security and peace, rather than just physical protection. The righteous find safety in God's presence, experiencing His peace and assurance even amidst life's challenges. This safety is not just temporary but eternal, as God promises to be a refuge for His people (Isaiah 26:3-4). The ultimate fulfillment of this safety is found in Jesus Christ, who provides eternal security and salvation for believers (John 10:28-29).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (YHWH)The covenant name of God, representing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.
2.
The RighteousThose who are in right standing with God, often characterized by their faith and obedience to His commandments.
3.
Strong TowerA metaphorical place of refuge and safety, symbolizing God's protection and strength.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's NameThe name of the LORD represents His character and promises. Knowing God's name means understanding His nature and trusting in His faithfulness.
Seeking Refuge in GodJust as a strong tower provides safety, God offers protection to those who seek Him. In times of trouble, believers are encouraged to run to God for security and peace.
Righteousness and SafetyThe verse highlights that it is the righteous who find safety in God. This underscores the importance of living a life aligned with God's will to experience His protection.
Metaphor of the Strong TowerThe imagery of a strong tower suggests stability, strength, and an elevated perspective. Believers can find these qualities in their relationship with God.
Practical Trust in GodTrusting in God as a strong tower involves practical steps of faith, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and relying on His promises in daily life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:10?
2.How can we make "the name of the LORD" our daily refuge?
3.What does "strong tower" symbolize in Proverbs 18:10 for believers today?
4.How does Proverbs 18:10 connect with Psalm 46:1 about God's protection?
5.In what ways can we "run to" God during life's challenges?
6.How can Proverbs 18:10 encourage us to trust God in uncertain times?
7.What does Proverbs 18:10 reveal about God's nature as a refuge?
8.How does Proverbs 18:10 challenge our understanding of safety and security?
9.Why is the "name of the LORD" emphasized in Proverbs 18:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18?
11.Is the Lord's name a strong tower?
12.Proverbs 18:10: Why do wars and disasters persist if God’s name supposedly guarantees safety as a “strong tower”?
13.Is the Lord's name a strong tower?
14.In John 16:23, how do we explain unanswered prayers despite Jesus’ assurance that believers will receive what they ask in his name?What Does Proverbs 18:10 Mean
The name of the LORD“The name of the LORD…” (Proverbs 18:10a)
• In Scripture, a name embodies the person’s character and reputation. When we speak of the LORD’s name, we are talking about His very nature—holy, righteous, faithful, and unchanging (Exodus 34:5-7;Isaiah 42:8).
• To trust His name is to trust all He is: Creator (Genesis 1:1), Redeemer (Psalm 19:14), Shepherd (Psalm 23:1), and Savior (Isaiah 12:2).
• Because He never contradicts His own name, every promise He makes is certain (Numbers 23:19;2 Corinthians 1:20).
is a strong tower“…is a strong tower…” (Proverbs 18:10b)
• A tower in ancient cities rose high above the walls, giving watchmen clear vision and archers strategic advantage. It was the last line of defense—a place practically unassailable (Psalm 61:3;2 Samuel 22:2-3).
• Calling the LORD a “strong tower” underscores both His strength and His height:
– Strength: nothing can penetrate His protection (Psalm 18:2).
– Height: He sees every threat long before we do (Isaiah 46:10).
• Unlike human fortresses that crumble with time, His tower is eternal (Psalm 90:1-2).
the righteous run to it“…the righteous run to it…” (Proverbs 18:10c)
• “Run” is urgent, wholehearted movement. We do not stroll toward help; we flee to it (Hebrews 6:18).
• “The righteous” describes those who are in right standing with God—people justified by faith and committed to obeying Him (Genesis 15:6;Romans 3:22).
• Practical ways the righteous “run”:
– Calling on His name in prayer the moment fear arises (Psalm 50:15).
– Opening His Word for guidance before acting (Psalm 119:105).
– Gathering with believers who point us back to Him (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Running to the tower is an act of trust, not cowardice; it is humble recognition that God alone secures us (Proverbs 28:1;Psalm 46:1).
and are safe“…and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10d)
• “Safe” speaks of being set high, out of reach of harm—physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Psalm 4:8).
• This safety does not promise a pain-free life, but it guarantees that nothing can sever us from His love or thwart His purpose (Romans 8:31-39;John 10:27-30).
• Security in the tower brings peace:
– Peace in trials, knowing He limits what reaches us (1 Corinthians 10:13).
– Peace in death, knowing He ushers us into eternal safety (2 Timothy 4:18).
• Those outside the tower rely on shifting sand; those inside rest on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-25).
summaryEvery word ofProverbs 18:10 is a vivid invitation. God reveals His character through His name, offers Himself as the indestructible tower, urges the righteous to sprint toward Him in faith, and promises unassailable safety. Life’s storms will come, but within those mighty walls we stand secure—now and forever.
(10)
The name of the Lord is a strong tower.--The "name of the Lord" signifies the titles by which He has made Himself known, descriptive of His attributes, as "merciful, gracious, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth," &c. (
Exodus 34:5;
Exodus 34:7); the righteous takes refuge in these, and finds himself in safety, lifted above the trouble which seemed ready to overwhelm him. The rich man's
"strong city" and "high wall" are such only in "his own conceit," and fail him in the time of need. (Comp.
Proverbs 23:5.)
Verse 10. -
The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. 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.
The righteous runneth into it (the tower),
and is safe; literally,
is set on high;
exaltabitur, Vulgate; he reaches a position where he in set above the trouble or the danger that besets him. Thus St. Peter, speaking of Christ, exclaims (
Acts 4:12), "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." "Prayer," says Tertullian ('De Orat.,' 29), "is the wall of faith, our arms and weapons against man who is always watching us. Therefore let us never go unarmed, night or day. Under the arms of prayer let us guard the standard of our Leader; let us wait for the angel's trumpet, praying." Septuagint, "From the greatness of his might is the Name of the Lord; and running unto it the righteous are exalted."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The nameשֵׁ֣ם(šêm)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A nameof the LORDיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHis a strongעֹ֭ז(‘ōz)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797:Strength, mighttower;מִגְדַּל־(miḡ·dal-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026:A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowersthe righteousצַדִּ֣יק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousrun to itיָר֖וּץ(yā·rūṣ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7323:To runand are safe.וְנִשְׂגָּֽב׃(wə·niś·gāḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7682:To be, lofty, inaccessible, safe, strong
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong (Prov. Pro Pr) 
