Why is Jehovahs name a strong tower?

In harmony with Jesus prayer, Jehovah is indeed watching over us. He is our fortress in the time of distress. (Psalm 37:39) The book of Proverbs uses similar language when it says: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. (Proverbs 18:10) This scripture reveals a basic truth about Jehovahs tender concern for his creatures. God offers protection especially to righteous ones who actively seek him, as if we were running into a strong tower for shelter. When faced with distressing problems, how can we run to Jehovah for protection? Let us consider three vital steps that we can take in order to receive Jehovahs help. First, we must turn to our heavenly Father in prayer. Second, we should work in harmony with his holy spirit. And third, we must submit to Jehovahs arrangement by seeking association with fellow Christians who can allay our distress.
5

Gods NameA Strong Tower. People who truly come to know Jehovah enjoy great protection. This is not simply because they use his personal name or can list some of his qualities. It is because they put their trust in Jehovah himself. Regarding them, Proverbs 18:10 states: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. Make good use of opportunities to urge others to trust in Jehovah. (Ps. 37:3; Prov. 3:5, 6) Such trust shows faith in Jehovah and his promises. (Heb. 11:6) When people call on the name of Jehovah because they know that he is the Universal Sovereign, love his ways, and fully believe that true salvation can come only from him, thenGods Word assures usthey will be saved. (Rom. 10:13, 14) As you teach others, help them to build up that sort of faith in connection with every aspect of life. Many people face overwhelming personal problems. They may not see a way out. Urge them to learn Jehovahs ways, to trust in him, and to apply what they learn. (Ps. 25:5) Encourage them to pray earnestly for Gods help and to thank him for his blessings. (Phil. 4:6, 7) When they come to know Jehovah, not simply by reading certain statements in the Bible but also by experiencing the fulfillment of his promises in their own lives, they will begin to enjoy the security that comes with truly appreciating what the name of Jehovah represents.Ps. 34:8; Jer. 17:7, 8.

Gods promise of protection is conditionalit is realized only by those who draw close to him. Proverbs 18:10 states: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. In Bible times, towers were sometimes built in the wilderness as safe places of refuge. But it was up to the one in danger to flee to such a tower to find safety. It is similar with finding refuge in Gods name. This involves more than just repeating Gods name; the divine name itself is no magic charm. Rather, we need to know and trust the Bearer of that name and live in harmony with his righteous standards. How kind of Jehovah to reassure us that if we turn to him in faith, he will be a tower of protection for us! Jehovahs visible organization is also a protection. How? At Proverbs 18:10, we read: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. This does not imply that merely repeating Gods name provides protection. Rather, our taking refuge in Gods name signifies that we trust in Jehovah himself. (Psalm 20:1; 122:4) It means supporting his sovereignty, upholding his laws and principles, and having faith in his promises. (Psalm 8:1-9; Isaiah 50:10; Hebrews 11:6) It includes giving Jehovah exclusive devotion. Only those who worship Jehovah in this way can say with the psalmist: In [Jehovah] our heart rejoices; for in his holy name we have put our trust.Psalm 33:21; 124:8.
10 Now all in Gods visible organization say with Micah: We, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever. (Micah 4:5) The modern-day organization is gathered around the Israel of God, which is called in the Bible a people for his name. (Galatians 6:16; Acts 15:14; Isaiah 43:6, 7; 1 Peter 2:17) Hence, to be part of Jehovahs organization means to be part of a people who seek, and receive, protection in Gods name. 9

 In what way can it be said that the name of Jehovah is a strong tower? (Proverbs 18:10) Taking refuge in Gods name signifies trusting in Jehovah himself. (Psalm 20:1; 122:4) It means supporting his sovereignty, upholding his laws and principles, having faith in his promises, and giving him exclusive devotion. (Isaiah 50:10; Hebrews 11:6)9/1, page 10.

How can a person be freed from spiritistic influence? Prov. 18:10: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. (This does not mean that use of Gods personal name serves as a charm to ward off evil. The name of Jehovah represents the Person himself. We are protected when we come to know him and put our full trust in him, submitting to his authority and obeying his commands. If we do this, then when we call out to him for help, using his personal name, he provides the protection that he has promised in his Word.)

Symbolic Uses. Since the towers in the wilderness were the safest places of refuge for miles around, we can see the appropriateness of Proverbs 18:10: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. Also significant are the expressions in Psalm 48: In [Zions] dwelling towers God himself has become known as a secure height. March around Zion, you people, and go about it, count its towers. Set your hearts upon its rampart. Inspect its dwelling towers, in order that you may recount it to the future generation. (Compare Heb 12:22.) This would be especially meaningful to Jews who would look up at the great stronghold of Jerusalem situated on an elevation higher than nearly any other major capital city in human history, with its mighty walls of defense. Through the prophet Zechariah, Jehovah speaks of himself as a wall of fire all around Jerusalem. This gives his people encouraging assurance that, while walls of stone can be broken down, Jehovah himself is really the defense of his servants.Ps 48:3, 11-13; Zec 2:4, 5.

One taking refuge in Jehovahs name (understanding and acknowledging that name for all that it represents) will find it to be like a strong tower, a place to which, in ancient times, people fled for safety from the enemy.Pr 18:10; 29:25.

Running to Jehovah Proverbs 18:10 states: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection. Are you running to Jehovah? Remember what Jesus said about people in Noahs day. They were eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away. (Matthew 24:38, 39) What was wrong was their preoccupation with everything else to the exclusion of listening to God when he spoke through his servant Noah, a preacher of righteousness. (2 Peter 2:5) Because they did not listen, when the Flood came it swept them all away into destruction.
18 Many of those who died in the Flood no doubt considered themselves nice people, not being involved in the violence that filled society in those days. But just being nice did not save them. By their apathy they condoned the evil of their day. The crucial thing was that they did not run to Jehovah; they did not listen when Gods servant spoke. So they did not take the proper steps for survival. On the other hand, those who did listen survived. 19 Today God is speaking peace to those who listen to him. With what result to them? Isaiah 54:13 states: All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant. 17

Yes, Jehovah himself will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11) Thus, in the midst of this violent world, Jehovahs Witnesses have true, unbreakable peace among themselves. They have a loving international brotherhood that world leaders, their nations, and their religions cannot duplicate. Why not? Because these do not really listen when God speaks. So they do not act on what he says. But Jehovahs Witnesses do listen to God. They take seriously the words at Ecclesiastes 12:13: Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.
20 That is what every personyes, all who want to live in Gods new worldmust do. They must run to Jehovah without delay. Indeed, they must be guided by God-given wisdom that is represented as saying: Listen to me; yes, happy are the ones that keep my very ways. Listen to discipline and become wise, and do not show any neglect. Happy is the man that is listening to me . . . For the one finding me will certainly find life.Proverbs 8:32-35.

As a person develops appreciation for the many admirable qualities of the true God, what happens? The name of God grows in meaning for him. He puts his trust in Jehovah, doing things in Gods way and, as a result, he experiences protection. It is as Proverbs 18:10 says: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.
15 That protection includes ones prospects for the future. Really, it is upon Jehovah that the future of all mankind depends. Why? Because this earth is his creation and all who live on it are dependent on his provisions to sustain life. In the Bible he has stated his purpose to provide secure, happy living conditions for his people. Nothing in heaven or on earth can prevent the Almighty God from carrying out his purpose. However, that purpose does not deprive us of free will. It does not fix the destiny of each one of us without our having any say in the matter. But it does present us with a serious decision: Does appreciation for all that Jehovah has done for us, and will yet do in the future, move us to bring our lives into harmony with his will? Ones failure to believe is not going to change the fact that Jehovah is the true God, nor will it alter His purpose. But it can determine whether one personally benefits from that loving purpose. The choice is actually between life and death.

** w62 5/15 p. 303 par. 26 The Faithful Creator *** lack his favor and blessing. For Jehovah is righteous; he does love righteous acts. The upright are the ones that will behold his face. (Ps. 11:7) They will really come to know Jehovah as a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth. They will continue to rejoice in his name and in his provided protection when shortly he brings the Armageddon of destruction upon this last generation of those who hate him. All survivors will well know that Jehovah your God is the true God, the faithful God, keeping covenant and loving-kindness in the case of those who love him and those who keep his commandments to a thousand generations. Thus the complete fullness of mankind, to the symbolic thousandth generation, will gain the reward of everlasting life in the paradise earth, for an eternity of praise to the faithful Creator.Deut. 7:9-11; Ps. 98:1-3. *** w62 5/15 p. 303 The Name of Jehovaha Strong Tower *** The Name of Jehovaha Strong Tower The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.Prov. 18:10. THE power of faitha strong, unwavering faith, grounded in the accurate knowledge of Jehovah, his Son Christ Jesus and his glorious Kingdom purposesis essential for protection and survival during this twilight hour of Satans world. What is this faith? It is not to be confused with the watered-down credulity of Christendoms religion. It is not to be found in the worship of images, relics and mystic trinities. Nor is it to be found among professing Christians who are steeped in immorality and pagan materialistic pursuits, and whose trust is in multimegaton bombs of the god of war, instead of in the strong tower of true Christiansthe name of Jehovah God.Ps. 20:7. Counterfeit Christendom has rejected the name of Jehovah. For this reason she stands condemned as did unfaithful Israel of old: And you must say to them, This is the nation whose
2

people have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah its God, and have not taken discipline. Faithfulness has perished, and it has been cut off from their mouth. . . . upon the bare hills raise a dirge, for Jehovah has rejected and will desert the generation with which he is furious. (Jer. 7:28, 29) We are now living in the days of that generation, which will reap the climactic stormwind of Armageddons fury.

Jehovahs Name a Strong Tower AS REGARDS the name Jehovah, all mankind may be said to fall into one of three classes. By far the great majority of mankind do not know that Jehovah is the name of the God of the Bible, the Creator of heaven and earth. Then again, of those that do have this knowledge there are only comparatively few who appreciate the importance of that name and that it is a place of safety: The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Do you ask, How can a name be a strong tower?Prov. 18:10, AS. Because of what Jehovah purposes to do in regard to his name. And what is that? Vindicate his name in the eyes of all creation by wiping out those opposing and defaming it. However, to those who now honor and proclaim that name it will be a strong tower, for Jehovah will protect them from the wrath of their enemies as well as shield them from the expression of his own anger against his enemies. This is made clear by the record of Jehovahs dealings with Pharaoh and the nation of Israel. When Moses told Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the wilderness for a festival to Jehovah, that proud monarch contemptuously sneered: Who is Jehovah, so that I should obey his voice? Of course, Jehovah could have at once wiped out Pharaoh and his nation, but he did not choose to do so. Why? Because, as he had Moses tell Pharaoh: For this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth. Ten plagues were not sufficient to convince Pharaoh who Jehovah was and so it was necessary for Jehovah to destroy Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. That Jehovahs purpose was thus served can be seen from the fact that years later the people of Jericho and of Gibeon and, even centuries later in the days of Judge Samuel, the Philistines knew of Jehovahs mighty acts against the Egyptians.Ex. 5:2; 9:16, NW. That name, which meant destruction to Pharaoh and his army, spelled salvation for the Israelites. As we read: He saved them for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. So it was to them, first of all, that Jehovah said: I have declared, and I have saved, and I have showed; and there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and I am God.Ps. 106:8; Isa. 43:12, AS.

The Name of Jehovah a Strong Tower The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.Prov. 18:10, AS. SECURITY, defense and peace are possible through an accurate knowledge of Jehovahs name. This is one of the great truths of the Scriptures, and is so important that our lives depend upon it. For thousands of years Jehovahs people have had confidence in his name, and it is necessary now for todays generation to realize it. David was one who took fullest advantage of the security provided by Gods name, Jehovah, and one of the songs he composed expresses this truth in no uncertain manner. He wrote: Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine; God, my rock, in him will I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge; . . . I will call upon Jehovah, who is worthy to be praised. (2 Sam. 22:1-4, AS) In the verses following, in exulting gratitude, he expresses himself in many energetic figures of speech, which may sound extreme, but really only feebly express all that Jehovah has done and will do for those who put their trust in him.
2 In olden times a strong tower was built for defense and security. Today we do not require a strong tower of brick, stone or concrete, for our enemies do not fight us with bow and arrow, nor with shells or other explosives. Our fighting is vastly different, but we do need security. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. For the weapons of

our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. Our defense is not in material things and our enemies are not primarily flesh and blood. Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil; because we have a fight, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. (2 Cor. 10:3, 4; Eph. 6:10-12, NW) While the faithful of old had stone towers of great security, yet their real trust was in the name of God, and just as they put their confidence in it, so we do today. How, then, can we run into it and be safe? We must first know what the name means. THE NAME Jehovah is the self-given name of the Creator, denoting personality. There is only one Jehovah. Never do we read of the Jehovah of Israel or the living Jehovah, for Jehovah lives.
3