Topical Encyclopedia Tola is a lesser-known judge of Israel, whose account is briefly recounted in the Book of Judges. He is one of the judges who led Israel during the period between the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy. Tola's account is found in Judges 10:1-2.Biblical Account: According to the biblical narrative, Tola was the son of Puah and the grandson of Dodo. He belonged to the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states: "After the time of Abimelech, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. Tola judged Israel twenty-three years, and when he died, he was buried in Shamir" (Judges 10:1-2). Historical and Cultural Context: Tola's judgeship followed the tumultuous period of Abimelech, who was a self-appointed leader and not a judge in the traditional sense. Abimelech's rule was marked by violence and strife, and Tola's rise to leadership likely represented a return to divinely appointed judgeship. The brief mention of Tola suggests a period of relative peace and stability, as there is no record of military exploits or significant conflicts during his tenure. Tola's residence in Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim, indicates that he may have had influence beyond his own tribe of Issachar. The hill country of Ephraim was a central location in Israel, which may have contributed to his ability to lead and judge the people effectively. Role and Significance: Though the biblical text provides limited information about Tola's actions and achievements, his role as a judge was crucial in maintaining the continuity of leadership in Israel. Judges were seen as deliverers raised by God to lead and protect the Israelites from their enemies and to guide them in times of moral and spiritual decline. Tola's judgeship lasted for twenty-three years, a significant period that suggests he was a stable and effective leader. His leadership likely contributed to a time of peace and order, allowing the Israelites to recover from the chaos of Abimelech's rule. Theological Insights: From a theological perspective, Tola's account underscores the recurring theme of God's provision for His people. Despite the brevity of his account, Tola's judgeship is a testament to God's faithfulness in raising leaders to guide and protect Israel. His leadership serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's covenant. Tola's life and service, though not detailed extensively in Scripture, reflect the broader narrative of the judges as instruments of God's deliverance and justice. His account invites reflection on the often-unseen but vital roles individuals play in God's redemptive history. Nave's Topical Index Judges 10:1,2And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelled in Shamir in mount Ephraim. Nave's Topical Index Library Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. Book 5 Footnotes The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the parable of the persistent widow and unjust judge? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that we will judge angels? | GotQuestions.org Judge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judge: Appointed by the Persians Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Judge: Corrupt: The Judges of Jezreel Judge: Judges (Outstanding Leaders) of Israel: During the Time when the Land Was Ruled by Judges Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Judge: Samson: Samuel As the Leader (Judge) Judge: Samson: The Sons of Samuel Related Terms |
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