In these days of insecurity, let us consider this wonderful text telling us where true security is found. I will do this in a few daily “bite-size installments” that I pray will provide refreshment to your souls.
Our true security is found in “the name of the LORD,” in the LORD Himself. The wisdom writer tells us that that “name” is a “strong tower.” We have in the LORD a strong refuge. What a wonderful picture!
Here is a precious metaphor for needy souls. It is a mighty metaphor of shelter and security. The same metaphor is used by David in Psalm 61:3 but is translated a little differently: “For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.” A “tower” was a physical fortress, a stronghold, a high place of refuge. But here the fortress is not one composed of stone and mortar, nor steel and masonry. It is not a shelter of human making, nor earthly materials. It is not a visible tower, but a real one nonetheless. It is the “name of the LORD.”
The “name of the LORD” represents all that He is in Himself, His character and perfections. “The character of [the LORD] is the refuge of the Christian” (Sp). There is strength and safety in the “name of the LORD.”
What is in that “name,” dear ones? Everything–where the LORD is concerned! This name is His covenant name, the name by which He commits Himself to His people, to their care and welfare. Behind that name is all His perfect character and perfections. His name meets every exigency, every need.
In all our indigence and lack He is Yahweh-jireh—the LORD Will Provide (Gen. 22:14). He is a strong tower for our supply. He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).
In all our abandonment He is Yahweh-shammah—the LORD Is There (Ezek. 48:35). He is a strong tower for our access.
If we find ourselves in the field of unrest and strife and conflict then He is Yahweh-shalom—the LORD Is Peace (Judges 6:24). He is a strong tower for our rest, for peace of soul that passes all understanding.
If we are slandered and reviled by men or our own conscience then He is Yahweh-tzidkenu—the LORD Our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6). He is a strong tower for our favor and acceptance with Him.
If we are defiled and diseased then He is Yahweh-rapha—the LORD Our Healer. He is a strong tower wherein cleansing and strength are found.
If embattled and weak and weary then He is Yahweh-nissi—the LORD Our Banner (Ex. 17:5). He is a strong tower for our strength. In every instance He is a suitable and superior refuge.
The foundation of this tower is His eternal being. This tower is an everlasting tower that will remain forever after all other refuges and towers fall. The pillars of this tower are His wisdom, truth, mercy, justice, power, eternity and love.
What a stronghold He is: a stronghold of faithfulness, of truthfulness, of unchangeableness, of mightiness. What He is, He is perfectly. There are no flaws or cracks in His character. There are no places where His support is flimsy. What He is, He is plentifully. He is a tower of no short supply. What He is, He is permanently. He is unchanging in His character. He is eternal in His being.
In the middle of Nahum’s revelation of the mighty wrath of the LORD in taking vengeance on His enemies, in which the mountains are made to quake, the hills dissolve, and the earth upheaved, there is this wonderful “jewel” in verse 7:
The LORD is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble,
And He knows those who take refuge in Him
Blessings in that Name!
