“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.”¹ 

The biblical city of Jericho is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Modern archaeological excavations have revealed the city’s fortifications consisting of massive towers and walls. But those fortifications were not enough to preserve it when the Israelites entered Canaan (Joshua 6). Protection in the ancient world was centered around towers and walls. So it is no surprise that the Israelites referred to God as a “strong tower” in whom could be found safety and protection. Proverbs 18:11 says that the rich man considers his wealth to be a strong city with a high wall—that is, safety is found in wealth. But that notion has proven to be false. Only God’s name—His attributes—are a permanent source of safety.

Do not hide yourself in the wealth of this world but in the Rock of Ages.

A sovereign Protector I have, unseen, yet forever at hand.
Augustus M. Toplady