The Bible says in Proverbs 18:10:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
What is a name, and why is the LORD’s name a strong tower?
A person’s name is a unique word or set of words used to identify an individual.
A name is an identity.
A name signifies the very essence, character, reputation, and authority of a person.
A name is what defines a person.
A name is very significant and highly intentional.
A name is more than just words; it shapes who you are. The name you are given influences who you become.
There is power in names.
In the Bible, names held great significance beyond merely identifying a person. It was believed that to know someone’s name was to know that person’s character and nature.
It is very important that parents are aware of this truth. When you name your child, you are, in a sense, defining what that child will become.
A name is like a box or a container. Whatever you pour into it takes the shape of that container. Therefore, it is expected that a person will manifest the meaning of the name given to him or her.
Some parents give names to their children based on the circumstances surrounding their birth or what is prevalent in the family. You cannot name a child Sorrow and expect that child to bring you anything other than sorrow. It is a matter of what you have sown. As you continually call that name, its manifestations will follow.
Where I come from, we often give names based on the family we belong to. For example, if you come from a royal family, the word “Ade” (meaning crown) is usually part of your name. This signifies that you come from a royal lineage.
A name determines how far you can go, and I dare say that your name can also constrain you.
We have several examples in the Bible where God changed a person’s name because that name had become a limitation to how far they could go.
For example, God changed Abram, meaning Exalted Father, to Abraham, meaning Father of a Multitude. God changed his name when establishing His covenant with him, designating him as the father of many nations. What is the point of being an exalted father if your generation ends with you? What is the point if there is no succession?
We also see God changing Jacob’s name to Israel. Jacob means supplanter or heel-grabber, and throughout his life before meeting the Angel of the LORD, his behaviour reflected that name. The name also carries the idea of one who replaces, trips up, or outwits another person.
However, for God’s purpose to be fulfilled and for His covenant with His friend Abraham to come to pass, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, meaning one who prevails with God.
So, when you study the names of God, they give you an understanding of His character. This builds your confidence in Him. In every situation, there is an aspect of God’s nature that you can rely upon, and through faith in His name, you will be victorious.
Our God is:
1. El Shaddai – The LORD God Almighty.
2. El Elyon – The Most High God.
3. Adonai – LORD, Master.
4. Yahweh – The LORD Jehovah.
5. Jehovah Nissi – The LORD My Banner.
6. Jehovah Raah – The LORD My Shepherd.
7. Jehovah Rapha – The LORD Who Heals.
8. Jehovah Shammah – The LORD Is There.
9. Jehovah Tsidkenu– The LORD Our Righteousness.
10. Jehovah Mekoddishkem– The LORD Who Sanctifies You.
11. El Olam – The Everlasting God.
12. Elohim – God, the Creator.
13. Qanna – The Jealous God.
14. Jehovah Jireh – The LORD Who Provides.
15. Jehovah Shalom – The LORD Our Peace.
16. Jehovah Sabaoth – The LORD of Hosts.
Knowledge of these names, and the character and reputation they reveal about God, will give you boldness to trust in Him and rely on Him.
God’s name is excellent (Psalm 8:1).
His name endures forever (Psalm 72:17). Since the days of Seth in Genesis 4:26 until now, men have been calling upon His name, and they have never been disappointed. And I know of a surety that if Jesus tarries, generations yet unborn will still be calling upon that same name.
Congratulations, my beloved. You have unrestricted access to the names of the Most High God. Run into His name, for it is still a strong tower.