Judges 10:3
Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years.
Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite
Jair's introduction as a judge follows the brief account of Tola, indicating a succession in leadership. Jair is identified as a Gileadite, suggesting his origin from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its rugged terrain and was part of the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The mention of Jair as a Gileadite highlights the tribal and regional diversity among the judges of Israel. Gilead was a significant location in biblical history, often associated with balm and healing, as seen in Jeremiah 8:22. Jair's leadership from this region may imply a role in unifying the tribes across the Jordan.

who judged Israel twenty-two years
Jair's tenure as a judge lasted twenty-two years, indicating a period of relative stability and peace under his leadership. The role of a judge in Israel was not only judicial but also military and spiritual, serving as a leader who delivered Israel from oppression and guided them in following God's laws. The length of Jair's judgeship suggests he was effective in maintaining order and addressing the needs of the Israelites during his time. This period of leadership without mention of significant conflict or oppression may reflect a time of obedience to God, contrasting with the cyclical pattern of sin and deliverance seen throughout the Book of Judges. Jair's long judgeship can be compared to other judges like Deborah and Gideon, who also brought peace to Israel for extended periods.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jair
A judge of Israel who arose after Tola. He is described as a Gileadite, indicating his origin from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. Jair judged Israel for twenty-two years, suggesting a period of relative stability and leadership.

2. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was part of the territory given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

3. Judging Israel
The role of a judge in Israel was to lead, deliver, and provide justice for the people. Judges were often raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and to guide them back to faithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Provision of Leadership
God raises leaders in times of need. Jair's leadership for twenty-two years signifies a period of stability and divine provision for Israel.

Faithfulness in Leadership
Jair's long tenure as a judge suggests faithfulness and consistency. In our lives, we are called to be faithful in the roles God has given us, whether in leadership or service.

The Importance of Regional Identity
Jair's identification as a Gileadite reminds us of the importance of our roots and how God uses our backgrounds for His purposes. We should embrace our identity and allow God to use it for His glory.

The Cycle of Judges
The book of Judges illustrates a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This cycle is a reminder of the need for continual reliance on God and repentance from sin.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Jair's leadership about the qualities God values in a leader?

2. How does the role of judges in Israel reflect God's mercy and justice?

3. In what ways can we be faithful in the roles God has given us, as Jair was during his twenty-two years of judging?

4. How does understanding the geographical and cultural background of biblical figures like Jair enhance our understanding of their accounts?

5. Reflect on the cycle of sin and deliverance in Judges. How can we apply the lessons from this cycle to our personal spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 2:16-19
This passage provides context for the role of judges in Israel, explaining how God raised them to deliver the Israelites from their enemies and lead them back to Him.

1 Samuel 12:11
This verse mentions Jair among other judges, highlighting his role in the history of Israel's leadership.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
This passage describes the allocation of the land of Gilead to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, providing geographical context for Jair's origin.
Quiet TimesW.F. Adeney Judges 10:1-5
The Calm After the StormA.F. Muir Judges 10:1-5
People
Abimelech, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Aram, Benjamin, Dodo, Egyptians, Israelites, Issachar, Jair, Maon, Maonites, Puah, Shamir, Sidonians, Tola, Zidon, Zidonians
Places
Gilead, Havvoth-jair, Jordan River, Kamon, Mizpah, Moab, Shamir, Sidon, Syria
Topics
Gilead, Gileadite, Jair, Ja'ir, Judge, Judged, Judgeth, Led, Riseth, Twenty, Twenty-two
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 10:1

     6634   deliverance
     6738   rescue
     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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