Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. I. EXPLAIN WHAT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY "THE NAME OF THE LORD." No particular virtue or charm attaches to the sound or pronunciation of the name. In a mistaken veneration for the name the Jews refused to pronounce it at all. But a rash profanation of the name of God is unspeakably more criminal. By the name of the Lord we are to understand the Lord God Himself — His nature, as it is discovered to us in all His glorious perfection, particularly in His power and goodness to save and deliver them that put their trust in Him. Three principal ways by which God hath discovered Himself to mankind. 1. The visible creation. 2. The written Word. 3. The daily administration of His providence. II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE RIGHTEOUS RUNNING INTO THE NAME OF THE LORD AS A STRONG TOWER? The epithet "strong tower" conveys to the mind the idea of protection and defence. God's almighty providence is the surest and strongest defence against all enemies of whatever kind, let their art, their activity, their malignity be what they will. 1. Running into the name implies the lively exercise of faith both in the power and the willingness of God to protect. It is only by faith that we can go to an invisible God. Faith, in applying the power and promise of God, receives very much strength from the examples of His mercy, either towards ourselves or others. The name is recorded in every page of the history of providence. 2. The righteous "runneth into the name" by the exercise of fervent prayer. Praying is the immediate and direct means of imploring the Divine assistance and protection. Faith is the habitual principle, and prayer is the actual application of it. Though God knows all our wants perfectly, He requires that we implore His assistance by prayer. And prayer is the natural remedy to which all are ready to fly in extremity. 3. The righteous "runneth into the name" by diligence in his duty; which implies three things:(1) Diligence in all duties in general. (2) A watchful attention to his conduct in every time of trial or danger. Whether his danger arises from bodily distress, from worldly losses, from slander and reproach, the first and great care of the Christian should be to keep his conscience undefiled. (3) The diligent use of every lawful means for his protection and deliverance. (4) A renunciation of dependence on all created help. We run into the strong tower from everything else. III. THE PERFECT SECURITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 1. Wherein does this safety consist? "Is safe" might be rendered "is exalted," "placed on high." God preserves them from dangers which they could not escape. They have the promise of strength and support in the time of trial. They are sure of deliverance in the end, and complete victory over all sufferings of every kind. 2. The certainty of it is based on the Divine perfections, on the faithful promises, and on the experience of the saints. Learn — (1) The sinfulness of distrust. (2) The remedy for distrust. (J. Witherspoon, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.WEB: The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. |
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