Provérbios 18
Matthew Poole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Provérbios 18:10
Poole - What a refuge there is in a covenant God in Christ for a believer, however buffeted, to take shelter in? Let a child of God sit down if he will, and ponder over all his discouragements and difficulties; and I will be bold to say, that in the Lord's name, that is in Christ Jesus, he will find somewhat exactly corresponding, to suit and answer for all. Is he poor? Christ's name is riches; yea, durable riches and righteousness. Proverbs 8:18. Is he surrounded with enemies? Then Christ is the mighty God. Isaiah 9:6. Is he sick? He saith, I am the Lord that healeth thee (Jehovah Rapha). Ex 15:26. Do his people need in critical moments a thousand supplies, they know not what, and they know not how? How blessed is that name by which Abraham called the Lord in his moment of necessity; Jehovah Jireh, the Lord shall provide; and at this day in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Genesis 22:14. In short, in the name of Jehovah we have all; wisdom to guide, power to help, grace to save, mercy to pardon, righteousness to justify, and all temporal, spiritual, and eternal blessings. Surely, Lord, they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Ps 9:10-note. Matthew
Provérbios 18:10
Poole explains that… ` The name of the LORD, i.e. the Lord, as he hath revealed Himself in His works, and especially in His word by His promises, and the declarations of His infinite perfections, and of His good will to His people. J R Miller asks "What are we to understand by the name of God?". The answer… Among the ancient Jews there was one divine name which had peculiar sacredness. It was so holy that they never pronounced it in public. When they came to it in reading, they would pass over it in reverent silence, not daring to take it upon their lips. The Mohammedans, also, have a great reverence for the divine name. They will not tread upon a piece of paper, even the smallest torn fragment which they see lying upon the ground, but will reverently pick it up, saying, “It may contain the name of God.” In this there may be little more than superstition in the outward honor shown to the diving name. Oft times men with wicked heart will treat the written or spoken name of God with seeming reverence, bowing at its every mention, while in their own life they have no true regard for God. It is very evident that more than this is meant in this petition for the hollowing of God’s name. We must honor it in our heart and in our life. In the Bible a name stands for the whole of the character of the person. Many scripture names have meanings in which are enshrined the qualities which belonged to the man. Even among us a name comes to stand for all there is in the person’s life and character. A little child is born without a name, and when a name is given to it it means nothing as yet, for the child has no biography, no character, no personality, has done nothing to individualize itself. But as the days and years go on, and the child grows into manhood, everything he does and all that he is are gathered into his name, until by and by the name has a meaning wherever the man is known; is, as it were, a composite photograph made up of all the phases and aspects of his life. Any man’s name when spoken in the ears of his friends conveys to them a conception of his personality, his character, his disposition, his whole story; all that his is is enshrined in his name. There are certain names in every community that by reason of the noble life which the persons live, or the great or good things they have done, mean a great deal, standing for honor, for patriotism, for heroism, for philanthropy, for beneficence, for religion. So the name of God includes all that God is and all that he has done, that is, all the revelations which have been made to us of him. When we speak His name there arises before our mind a vision which gathers in itself all that we know about God — all our thoughts of him, our impressions of him, our experiences of His goodness, His mercy, His help. When we mention the name of Jesus Christ, the whole story of His life is suggested to us, — His condescension, His beautiful character, His gentleness, His works of power, His teaching — above all , His atoning death, and then His resurrection and ascension. Thus the name of God stands for God himself, all that God is. In this petition we pray, therefore, not merely for the formal honoring of a name, but for the honoring of God himself in the revelations of him which have been made in the world. Of course we cannot add a particle to the essential glory of God’s name. Nothing we could do would make His character any more glorious. We cannot add to the sun’s brightness by lighting candles and lamps on the earth; nor can we, by anything we may say or do, make God any more glorious than he is in His essential character. (from The Hollowed Name) Play: Blessed be your name Blessed be your name by Matt Redman A STRONG TOWER A strong tower (2Sa 22:3,51 Ps 18:2 27:1 61:3,4 91:2 144:2 Isa 26:4) - Clearly God's name is not a literal strong tower, so one could add "like a strong tower" to clarity (see metaphor). The point is that just as a strong tower is to a besieged village, Jehovah is the same to the persecuted believer. Though Troubles Assail Us by John Newton No strength of our own and no goodness we claim; Yet, since we have known of the Savior’s great Name, In this our strong tower for safety we hide: The Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.” Ancient readers could easily understand the value of a strong tower. Modern readers would not grasp the picture quite as readily (which is why we must always seek [if possible] to interpret Scripture in its cultural and historical context.) The metaphor “strong tower” indicates that God is our secure refuge. Here is a parallel passage that teaches a similar idea… For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. (Ps 27:5, cp Ps 31:21) Comment: Notice how David "runs" in the context of this Psalm -- Ps 27:3 = He expresses in confidence in God even in the face of encirclement by enemies. The Hebrew word for "confident" in Ps 27:3 is batach = Expresses sense of well-being & security from having something or someone in whom to place confidence, pertaining to placing reliance or belief in someone (One) or some thing. Figuratively batach means to trust, be confident or sure David: Ps26:1, 34:21, 37:3, 62:8. The NET Bible Note explains that in Proverbs 18:10… Hebrew (literally reads) "a tower of strength," with "strength" regarded as attributive by most English versions. The metaphor "strong tower" indicates that God is a secure refuge. The figure is qualified in the second colon. The metaphor of "running" to the LORD refers to a whole-hearted and unwavering trust in God's protection (e.g., Isa 40:31). Kenneth Hemphill comments that in Pr 18:10… God's name is like a fort that provides protection for the believer. Through this study, we will come to understand the significance of names like Jehovah Rophe or Jehovah Nissi. In each case, we will learn how understanding that name becomes a SPIRITUAL FORTRESS. For example, we will discover that Jehovah Rophe can bring healing, thus turning bitter experiences into sweet. We will find that Jehovah Nissi is a banner of protection that can give us spiritual victory. We will discover that Jehovah Jireh is a God of infinite provision who can meet every need of our lives. As we grow to understand he very nature and character of God we will find ourselves running to His name to find safety and strength. His name is like a strong tower! God's name stands for the manifestation of His presence in His revelation and His relation to His people. This can be one of the most exciting and encouraging studies that you have ever undertaken. It is essential to know God's name because we bear that I f name and we are commanded to live in such a way that will bring it honor. As we come to know the significance of each name, we will enhance the breadth of our ability to praise God and to live in His protection. (The Names of God - Highly Recommended!) Strong (05797) ('oz) is a masculine noun which speaks of strength, might or power. 'Oz is used primarily of God, especially in the Psalms (accounting for most uses of 'oz = 44x). 'Oz referring to God's strength = Ex 15:2, 13, 1Chr 16:27, 28, Job 12:16, Ps 21:1, 13, Ps 61:3, Ark of God's might = Ark of Covenant = 2Chr 6:41 Man's intrinsic strength = Lev 26:19 God's gives strength to men = 1Sa 2:10, Ps 28:7, 8, 29:11, 30:7, Ps 46:1, Ps 59:9, (See below for "my" or "our/their" strength - God's strength was their personal possession) Men are charged to seek God's strength =1Chr 16:11 Strength associated with praise and/or worship of God = 2Sa 6:14, 1Chr 13:8, Ps 8:2 (? see note below), Ps 21:13, Ps 29:1, Ps 59:16, 17 Strength associated with a tower - Literally = Jdg 9:51 and figuratively = Pr 18:10 Strong (loud) instruments = 2Chr 30:21 Strong rain (? heavy) = Job 37:6 Strong creature (behemoth) = Job 41:22 In view of the fact that Hebrew does not lend itself to the abstract, the concept of strength is often expressed in picture language as in the present passage. 'Oz - 92v in the NAS translated fortress*(1), loud(1), might(3), mighty(4), power(12), stern(1), strength(53), strong(16), stronghold(2). Exodus 15:2 "The LORD is my strength (Lxx = boethos = help) and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him. Exodus 15:13 "In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation. Leviticus 26:19 'I will also break down your pride of power; I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze. Judges 5:21 "The torrent of Kishon swept them away, The ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength. Judges 9:51 But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. 1 Samuel 2:10 "Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; Against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; And He will give strength to His king, And will exalt the horn of His anointed." 2 Samuel 6:14 And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. 1 Chronicles 13:8 David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, even with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals and with trumpets. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:27 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place. 1 Chronicles 16:28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Chronicles 6:41 "Now therefore arise, O LORD God, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might; let Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation and let Your godly ones rejoice in what is good. 2 Chronicles 30:21 The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments (literally "instruments of strength") to the LORD. NET translates 'oz: The Levites and priests were praising the LORD every day with all their might. Ezra 8:22 For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, "The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him." Comment: Notice that the "hand of God" is paralleled with "His power." One can have the "good" or "bad" hand of the Lord upon them (cp Ezra 7:9, Ezra 8:22). Job 12:16 "With Him are strength and sound wisdom, The misled and the misleader belong to Him. Job 26:2 "What a help you are to the weak! How you have saved the arm without strength! Job 37:6 "For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth,' And to the downpour and the rain, 'Be strong.' Job 41:22 "In his neck lodges strength, And dismay leaps before him. Psalm 8:2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease. Comment: "From the mouth… You have established strength" is difficult to understand. The Greek actually translates strength ('oz) with the word "ainos" which means praise. Thus the NET renders it "You have ordained praise." Psalm 21:1 For the choir director. A Psalm of David. O LORD, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice! Psalm 21:13 Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power. Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. Psalm 28:8 The LORD is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed. Psalm 29:1 A Psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Psalm 30:7 O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong; You hid Your face, I was dismayed. Psalm 46:1 For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 59:9 Because of his strength I will watch for You, For God is my stronghold. NLT rendering: You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness. Psalm 61:3 For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. Psalm 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Psalm 62:11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God; Psalm 63:2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Psalm 66:3 Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. Psalm 68:28 Your God has commanded your strength; Show Yourself strong, O God, who have acted on our behalf. Psalm 68:33 To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times; Behold, He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel And His strength is in the skies. 35 O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalm 71:7 I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge. Psalm 74:13 You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. Psalm 77:14 You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. Psalm 78:26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens And by His power He directed the south wind. Psalm 78:61 And gave up His strength to captivity And His glory into the hand of the adversary. Comment; "His strength" is figurative language standing for the "Ark of the Covenant" (a metonym) which had been housed at the temporary tabernacle at Shiloh. Psalm 81:1 For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob. Psalm 84:5 How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion! Psalm 86:16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your handmaid. Psalm 89:10 You Yourself crushed Rahab like one who is slain; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. Psalm 89:17 For You are the glory of their strength, And by Your favor our horn is exalted. Psalm 90:11 Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? Psalm 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved. Psalm 96:6 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Psalm 99:4 The strength of the King loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Psalm 105:4 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Psalm 110:2 The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, "Rule in the midst of Your enemies." Psalm 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. Psalm 132:8 Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength. Psalm 138:3 On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalm 140:7 "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Psalm 150:1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his fortress (strong city where "strong" = 'oz), The ruin of the poor is their poverty. Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. Proverbs 31:17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. NET Bible comment: "the strength of his face is changed." The expression 'oz panayv, "strength of his face") is an idiom for "boldness; impudence" or "hard face" = harsh countenance. Isaiah 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." Isaiah 26:1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. Isaiah 45:24 "They will say of Me, 'Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. Isaiah 49:5 And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the LORD, And My God is My strength), Isaiah 51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; Awake as in the days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not You who cut Rahab in pieces, Who pierced the dragon? Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake, Clothe yourself in your strength, O Zion; Clothe yourself in your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; For the uncircumcised and the unclean Will no longer come into you. Isaiah 62:8 The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His strong arm, "I will never again give your grain as food for your enemies; Nor will foreigners drink your new wine for which you have labored." Comment: Clearly this will not be completely fulfilled until the Millennium. Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, And my refuge in the day of distress, To You the nations will come From the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood, Futility and things of no profit." Jeremiah 48:17 "Mourn for him, all you who live around him, Even all of you who know his name; Say, 'How has the mighty scepter been broken, A staff of splendor!' Comment: Man's so-called strength will fail (sooner or later), as described here for Moab. Jeremiah 51:53 "Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens, And though she should fortify her lofty stronghold (Literally = "the high place of its strength"), From Me destroyers will come to her," declares the LORD. Ezekiel 19:11 'And it (Judah) had strong branches fit for scepters of rulers, And its height was raised above the clouds So that it was seen in its height with the mass of its branches. Ezekiel 19:12 'But it (Judah) was plucked up in fury (Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem in 586BC); It was cast down to the ground; And the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branch was torn off So that it withered; The fire consumed it. Ezekiel 19:14 'And fire has gone out from its (Judah and King Zedekiah) branch; It has consumed its shoots and fruit, So that there is not in it a strong branch, A scepter to rule.'" This is a lamentation, and has become a lamentation. Ezekiel 24:21 'Speak to the house of Israel (The Holy Temple), "Thus says the Lord GOD, 'Behold, I am about to profane My sanctuary (Temple), the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes and the delight of your soul; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword. Comment: Babylon destroyed the Temple in 586BC. Ezekiel 26:11 (Context = Destruction of Tyre) With the hoofs of his (Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon's) horses he will trample all your streets. He will slay your people with the sword; and your strong pillars will come down to the ground. Ezekiel 30:6 (Context = Destruction of Egypt)' Thus says the LORD, "Indeed, those who support Egypt will fall And the pride of her power will come down; From Migdol to Syene They will fall within her by the sword," Declares the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 30:18 (Context = Destruction of Egypt) "In Tehaphnehes the day will be dark When I break there the yoke bars of Egypt. Then the pride of her power will cease in her; A cloud will cover her, And her daughters will go into captivity. Ezekiel 33:28 "I will make the land a desolation and a waste, and the pride of her power will cease; and the mountains of Israel will be desolate so that no one will pass through. Amos 3:11 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, "An enemy (Assyria would sack the Northern Kingdom), even one surrounding the land, Will pull down your (Northern Kingdom's) strength from you And your citadels will be looted." Micah 5:4 And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth. Habakkuk 3:4 His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power. Carl Schultz summarizes 'oz… Material and physical strength can be indicated by this word. In Jdg 5:1, it is descriptive of a tower; in Isa 26:1, of a city. Used with face (Eccl 8:1) it clearly means “stern.” It can be descriptive of actions: dancing (2Sa 6:14), rejoicing (1Chr 13:8), and singing (2Chr 30:21). To “gird the loins with strength” is to work industriously (Pr 31:17). Used with rain it indicates torrents of drenching rain (Job 37:6). This word is also used with “scepter” to depict political power (Jer 48:17, of Moab; Ezek 19:11, 12, 14, of Zedekiah; Ps 110:2, messianic; cf. Ps 2:9; 99:4). Primarily this word is related to God. Strength is an essential attribute of God (Ps 62:11; 63:2), his voice (Ps 68:33) and his arm (Isa 62:8; cf. Isa 51:9; Ps 89:10) are mighty. While the ark is a symbol of his power (2Chr 6:41; Ps 78:61; 132:8; cf. Nu 10:35, 36), it is also observable in the skies (Ps 150:1). God bestows strength on man: the king (1Sa 2:10), his people (Ps 29:11; 68:35), and on Zion (Isa 52:1). But not only is strength a quality given by God, he himself is that strength. Frequently the personal possessive pronouns are attached to strength in the Psalms to show this (Ps 28:7; 81:1; 118:14). In seeking His presence, strength is found (Ps 105:4 = 1Chr 16:11). God exercises this strength on behalf of His people against their foes. This is particularly well illustrated in the Exodus (Ex 15:13). This word is used figuratively to describe the security enjoyed by the righteous. The Lord is a strong tower against the enemy (Ps 61:3) and a mighty rock (Ps 62:7). His name (i.e. person) is the strong tower in which the righteous are safe (Pr 18:10). The impartation of his strength, made the psalmist secure as a strong mountain (Ps 30:7). Zion is a strong city because it is surrounded not only by material walls but also by his salvation (Isa 26:1). The strength of the Lord is to be a common theme of our praise. We are to ascribe strength to him. We are to recognize his glorious might and to praise him for it (Ps 29:1; 96:7; 1Chr 16:28). Thus in hymns of praise God’s strength shows itself as his overwhelming majesty, and in the laments it appears as his helping protection. (See online Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament.) Adam
Provérbios 18:10
Poole - Is a strong tower; is sufficient for our protection in case of the greatest dangers. Whedon - He is a sure defense and hiding-place. Thomas Watson on the strong tower…God is … so strong a tower that no cannon can pierce it, so high a tower that no ladder can scale it, so deep a tower that no subverter can undermine it. Therefore they must needs be safe and secure—who lodge within a tower so impregnable, so indomitable. Charles Simeon (brief biography) describes the strong tower as follows… Consider every perfection of the Deity: there is not one which is not “a chamber where we may hide ourselves till every calamity be overpast.” (Isa 26:20) The wisdom, the goodness, the love, the power, the faithfulness of Jehovah—who that is encompassed by them does not feel himself in an impregnable fortress? Truly they are not merely a wall, but “a wall of fire” round about the righteous (Zech 2:1); of fire, which whilst it protects the fugitive, will devour the assailant. What a tower too is the Lord Jesus Christ in the whole of His work and offices! Well is he said to be “a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” (Isa 26:4) Yes, “the man” Christ Jesus, in his Mediatorial character, is such “a hiding-place,” (Is 32:2) where no adversary shall “ever penetrate.” (Proverbs 18:10 The Name of the Lord a Strong Tower) Simeon in his sermon on Ps 125:1,2 writes that "Mount Zion was a place of so much strength, that, from the days of Joshua to the time of David, the Israelites could never take it. They occupied Jerusalem: but Mount Zion was too strong for them; insomuch that the Jebusites who inhabited it laughed them to scorn, vaunting, that if there were none left but blind and lame to defend the fortress, the Jews should never be able to prevail against it. But far more impregnable is the fortress in which they dwell who trust in the Lord: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth to it, and is safe.” They may be assaulted both by men and devils; but they are assured, that “God will keep them by his own power, through faith, unto everlasting salvation.” (1Pe 1:5) They are in the Saviour’s hands; and he has pledged himself that “none shall ever pluck them out of his hands.” (John 10:28, 29) In themselves they remain weak as ever, as both David and Peter have clearly shewn; but in Christ they are strong: and in the Covenant which is made with them in Christ, and “which is ordered in all things and sure,” it is engaged, on the part of God, that they shall never be moved, and that “the gates of hell shall never prevail against them.” (Matt. 16:18)] (Simeon, C. Horae Homileticae Vol. 6: Psalms, LXXIII-CL. Page 392. London). There is a sense in which Jesus has prayed for us to experience the truth of Pr 18:10. In His great prayer in John 17 Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep (aorist imperative - tereo = watch over them as precious and protect) them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. (Jn 17:11, 12)