Reading Proverbs – 18:10 His Name is a Strong Tower
The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower
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During the nearly 300 years of Border Wars between England and Scotland (1296-1568), a group from one country would frequently raid the other, with the intent of looting sheep and cattle. These raids would be of the fast-in-fast-out kind, not stopping for any prolonged battle. To protect against the raids, some farmers built special houses in the form of a tower. The bottom was essentially a reinforced stable, and on the top was the house, complete with a house’s sloping roof and chimney. The image above shows the Smailholm Tower near Kelso, about an hour’s drive from where I used to live. It was possible to keep watch for raiders, bring in the herd (which would have been tiny by today’s standards) into the lower part of the tower, then lock everything up tight and safe. Raiders wouldn’t waste their time in a siege, knowing that help would arrive before they could prevail.
The name of the Lord is a tower such as this: close by, protecting, too strong to break down, with help within reach. He who runs into this Tower is kept safe.
The prophet Joel was referring to the power of this name when he wrote
(a passage that Paul echoed in Rom 10:13)
Mike
Dave Travis
Rose
Thanks for this great synopsis. (BTW, “No Name” near bottom of your list was Mel Lawrenz, Elmbrook...
August 18th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Hey Steve,
Great photo! I had never before heard of these structures. Of course, you being a native guy to these parts would be well familiar. What a great way to illustrate the secure and protective nature of the Lord for all who call on His name and run to Him.
Mike
.-= Mike Roots (Mike Killiany)´s last blog ..Proverbs 17:1 =-.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Thanks, Mike. Yes, there are quite a few still in existence, in various states of repair – all looking like a house where they forgot to stop building the basement for 30 feet or so.