Proverbs 18:10,  The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Note that this proverb tells us that the name of the LORD is a strong tower.

It does not say that the LORD is a strong tower.

It simply tells us that God's name is a place of refuge, a place of protection, a strong tower. Simply, God's name!

How can this be? Does your name, does my name, have such power that its knowledge would give peace and a place of refuge to another?

What about a child who knows his father's name, and equates this knowledge to comfort and security.

In other words the name father is synonymous to the child with the power, authority and security of the father.

The name father to the child is a place of refuge.

And likewise with God.

This is a difficult concept to understand in our age.

Names today are mostly chosen to project a certain image.

Or names are chosen that sound good or are popular.

Names are not usually chosen for deep or serious reasons.

But the biblical concept of naming is rooted in the understanding that a name expresses the essence of a person.

To know the name of a person was to know that person's total character and nature.

We cannot see God and know God by sight. We know God by his name.

The name of God has been revealed by him in order that it may reveal his character and his nature to His people.

His name reveals to his people a strong tower in which to find refuge.

He knows his people need a place to find protection.

His name reveals to his children all of his character which when believed provides a stronghold for the believer to run to.

But His name is known only because He chooses to make it known.

God was mysterious, high and lifted up, unapproachable.

But by revealing His name He spanned the gap with his creation.

We know the truth of God's character because we know His name.

The divine name reveals God's power, authority, and holiness.

Before Moses' encounter with God in the Midianite desert, God was known as the God of the Fathers.

The Semitic word El is used under this revelation of God

The word El refers to an awesome power that instills within humankind a mysterious dread or reverence. A fear!

If we are to teach our children to fear the Lord we must teach them his name. Teach it deeply and in detail!

El is used interchangeably as a synonym for Yahweh, the God of Israel, and translated God.

One of the most interesting uses of El is in combination with other Hebrew terms to reveal the character of God.

Some of these combinations are:

El-Shaddai "God of the Mountains" or "The Almighty God."

El-Elyon "The Most High God" or "The Exalted One"

El-Olam "God of Eternity" or "God the Everlasting One"

El-Berith "God of the Covenant"

El-Roi "God who Sees me" or "God of Vision"

Elohim is a plural of his majesty. It is a revelation of the infinite nature of God.

Many times the name El is combined with other nouns or adjectives.

Israe-el (One who is ruled by God) Beth-el (House of God),

Peni-el (Face of God).

The covenant name for God was "Yahweh."

Yahweh Titles appear in English translations as Jehovah.

Yahweh-Jireh (Jehovahjireh) "The Lord will Provide"

Yahweh-Nissi "The Lord is my Banner"

Yahweh-Mekaddesh "The Lord Sanctifies"

Yahweh-Shalom "The Lord is Peace"

Yahweh-Sabaoth "The Lord of Hosts" "The Lord Almighty."

Yahweh-Rohi "The Lord is my Shepherd"

Yahweh-Tsidkenu "The Lord is Our Righteousness"

Yahweh-Shammah "The Lord is There"

Other Names for God: Adon (or Adonai)  This is a title of authority and honor. It can be translated "Lord."

Ancient of Days: A confession that He lives forever and His kingdom is everlasting.

Rock: God is strong and permanent. Yahweh is sometimes identified as "The Rock of Israel."

Refuge: (Psalm 9:9;  Jeremiah. 17:17) God is a haven from the enemy.

Fortress: (Psalm 18:2; Nah. 1:7) God is a defense against the foe.

Shield: (Genesis 15:1; Ps. 84:11) God is protection.

Sun: (Psalm 84:11) God is the source of light and life.

Refiner: (Malachi 3:3) God is purifier.

King: This title is the key to understanding the kingdom of God, which is the most frequent title used in Scripture to describe God's rule.

Judge: Yahweh is the Judge who arbitrates disputes, sets things right, and intervenes for Israel in its military campaigns.

Shepherd: This was a nurturing term to describe the care given to His covenantal people. Yahweh is the Shepherd King.

God the Father: "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13). God is a "father to Israel" (Jeremiah 31:9) and speaks of Israel as His "son" (Exodus. 4:22; Hosea 11:1).

Our Father: Jesus taught His disciples to address God in this manner when they prayed (Matthew 6:9);

He is the Father of mercies: (2 Corinthians 1:3);

He is the Father of lights: (James 1:17);

He is the Father of glory: (Ephesians 1:17).

Immanuel - with us is God, Emmanuel, God with us. In the beginning was the Word.

So God reveals himself to us through his name.

This knowledge provides the believer with a place of refuge, a strong tower. A high structure in which to find refuge.

(But His name, when repeated, is not a charm to ward off evil spirits.) Just saying "in Jesus name" brings no benefit, the benefit is being in the strong tower, being in God's name.

And in its fullness his name fully communicates the strength of the tower. It is not a weak tower. It is a strong tower.

The believer examines the name, the full implications of the name, and cries out, "Who is a God like unto thee?" Micah 7:18

He runs to the strong tower! This is where safety is.

He finds relief in the strong tower. His soul is set free and he now enjoys his safety.

It is only found in the strong tower, not in the world.

But perhaps the believer strays from the name of the Lord, perhaps he strays from the strong tower.

Perhaps he is walking outside the gates of the tower.

Look out believer! "The fiery darts of the wicked are flying at you! Perhaps he is not in Jesus name!

Go back to the tower. Believe on his name, the strong tower!

See the name upon the tower, I am the Lord, I change not!

Psalm 9:10,  And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.