God Is Our Strong Tower
Finding Refuge
In a world that often feels uncertain, chaotic, and fragile, where do we run when fear grips our heart or trouble knocks on our door?
When our strength fails, and the storms of life rage, there is one place of eternal security that never changes, and that is the powerful name of the Lord.
Proverbs 18:10 offers a timeless promise of hope and protection:
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (KJV)
This verse is more than poetic imagery, it's a spiritual survival strategy, a declaration that the character of God is our sanctuary, our high tower in times of trouble.
When everything else seems to fall apart, God’s name, His nature, His presence, His power remains a place of peace, strength, and unwavering safety.
In this in-depth Bible study, we will explore the rich theological meaning of Proverbs 18:10, breaking it down word by word, and uncovering how this ancient truth offers real-world comfort and spiritual direction today.
Whether you’re facing spiritual battles, emotional burdens, or daily stress, this study will guide you to find your rest in the refuge of God's name.
Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Verse Breakdown and Commentary
1. "The name of the LORD"
- In the Hebrew text, "the name of the LORD" (
שֵׁם יְהוָה) refers to God's revealed character and nature. In biblical times, a name was not just a label, it expressed identity, authority, power, and reputation. - Here, "the name" symbolizes all that God is - His faithfulness, justice, mercy, holiness, and sovereignty.
- The LORD in all caps represents the divine name "YHWH" (Yahweh), God's covenant name with Israel - the self-existent, eternal One.
📖 Cross References
Exodus 3:14 – "And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you."
Psalm 20:7 – "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
2. "is a strong tower"
- A tower in ancient cities was a place of refuge and defense against enemies (e.g., watchtowers or fortified citadels).
- A strong tower implies something impenetrable, elevated, and secure - it offers protection, safety, and strategic advantage.
- Spiritually, this tells us God's character and presence provide unshakable refuge for those who trust in Him.
🛡️ Symbolism:
- Height → Spiritual perspective
- Strength → God's omnipotence
- Safety → Assurance and peace in God
📖 Psalm 61:3 – "For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy."
3. "the righteous runneth into it"
- Runneth – Indicates urgency, trust, and active faith. The righteous do not walk, hesitate, or analyze — they run to the Lord, showing full reliance on Him.
- 👉 The righteous are those who have a relationship with God through faith, live according to His ways, and are justified before Him (not by their own merit but through grace).
🏃♂️ Application:
- To “run” to the Lord means prayer, worship, Scripture meditation, confession, and dependence.
- This phrase means a habit of the godly to instinctively seek God as their first and only true refuge.
📖 Hebrews 4:16 – "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
4. "and is safe"
- Safe here (Hebrew: sagab) means exalted, lifted up, inaccessible to danger.
- This is not merely physical safety, but spiritual security, peace of mind, and emotional refuge.
- It implies protection from:
- Fear
- Guilt
- Enemy attacks (spiritual or physical)
- Judgment
📖 Isaiah 26:3 – "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Doctrinal Themes in Proverbs 18:10
- God’s Immutability – His nature is a constant source of refuge.
- Divine Protection – God shields the righteous.
- Faith and Action – The righteous run — faith acts.
- Security in God’s Character – Not in wealth, status, or human effort.
- Prayer and Trust as Defense – Running into the "name" represents communion with God.
💡 Practical Life Application
- When anxiety strikes, call on the name of the Lord in prayer. He is your stronghold.
- When tempted, run to His Word. His truth is a tower.
- In grief, remember God's unchanging name. He is "Jehovah Shalom" (The LORD is Peace).
- When facing spiritual warfare, claim the name of Jesus as your banner (Jehovah-Nissi).
Conclusion
Proverbs 18:10 is a profound declaration of where true safety lies. In a world filled with uncertainty, the righteous can always run to the unshakable tower of God’s name.
It’s not merely belief in an idea, it is the assurance of intimate relationship and divine refuge.
🙏 Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
In the stillness of this moment, I come running into the safety of Your name. You are my refuge, my rock, my strong tower. When the world feels too loud, too fast, too broken... You remain unmoved.
You are not shaken by my fears or overwhelmed by my weakness. You invite me to come just as I am and hide in You.
Dear Lord, I confess that too often I run to other things for safety, such as my own strength, human approval, temporary comforts. Please forgive me for forgetting that only You are the place where true peace and protection dwell.
Please teach my heart to run first and always to Your name, to rest in Your unchanging nature, and to trust in who You are: faithful, mighty, merciful, and near.
Be my shelter in times of trouble. Be my calm when anxiety whispers lies. Lift me high above the chaos, and draw me deep into the truth of Your presence. Wrap me in the security of Your promises, for You alone are my defender, my hiding place, my salvation.
Today, I declare: Your name is my strong tower. I run to You, and I am safe.
In the name of Jesus, my everlasting refuge,
Amen.