Invoking God’s Name – Proverbs 18:10

In the article, Invoking Vishnu–The Protector, it is stated that there is power in invoking Vishnu, one of the main gods of Hinduism.  “The mere mention of Lord Vishnu can get rid of all our ailments. There is great power and healing conveyed to those who remember the Lord’s name with faith and devotion.”  Is this what the Scripture teaches about invoking Yahweh’s name?

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous man runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10, ESV)

Can you think of anyone whose name you could utter and find refuge and safety just by naming it?  Perhaps claiming to know that person gets you entrance to some place or even gets you out of a spot because they respect the person you named or fear him.  There may have been situations in Israel where naming the name of Yahweh provided a tower of defense for someone.  It let others know that you worshiped Israel’s God.  But there may have been other times in Israel’s history when naming Yahweh worked against you, times when Israel was caught up in idolatry and didn’t want to be reminded of their covenant with Yahweh.

Of course, it is not simply naming or claiming to know Yahweh that is being addressed here.  To say “the name of” someone in Israelite culture meant to say that person as represented by his or her name.  The name spoke of the person’s character and stood for them.  Yahweh is a strong tower.  The righteous person is the one who truly knows Him.  Knowing Him and trusting in Him is our safety.  It doesn’t mean He will never let us suffer.  His safety as a tower goes beyond that.

Knowing Yahweh is knowing life itself, knowing the One who made us and who understands us and who directs us in paths that lead to life.  And whether others recognize His name or not should we utter it, He recognizes it, and He is with us in all things.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)