Lexical Summary Towla': Worm, Scarlet, Crimson Original Word: תּוֹלָע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance crimson, scarlet, worm The same as towla'; worm; Tola, the name of two Israelites -- Tola. see HEBREW towla' Brown-Driver-Briggs II. תּוֺלָע proper name, masculine in Issachar; a judge of Israel Judges 10:1; assigned to earlier time by Genesis 46:13; Numbers 26:23 (both P), 1 Chronicles 7:1,2(twice in verse). Topical Lexicon Name and Identification Tola (תּוֹלָע) designates an individual clan ancestor within the tribe of Issachar and the seventh judge of Israel. The same name is applied both to Jacob’s grandson and to his later descendant who rose to national leadership. In each context, Tola represents continuity of covenant faithfulness within one tribe over many generations. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Genesis 46:13 – Listed among the sons of Issachar who migrated to Egypt with Jacob. 5–6. 1 Chronicles 7:2 – Expands on Tola’s descendants, underlining their valor and number. Historical Context The patriarchal reference (Genesis 46:13) places Tola at the inception of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt, anchoring Issachar’s identity inside the covenant family. Centuries later, during the settlement of Canaan, descendants of this same Tola formed a recognized clan within Issachar, as recorded in Numbers 26:23. The judge named Tola served during the early Iron Age (circa mid-twelfth century B.C.), a season when tribal coalitions struggled under Canaanite oppression and the aftermath of Abimelech’s violent reign. His residence in Shamir of Ephraim highlights inter-tribal cooperation: an Issacharite leading Israel while dwelling in a neighboring tribal territory. Tribal Role and Genealogical Significance The repeated mention of Tola in 1 Chronicles reinforces the Chronicler’s aim of restoring national identity after the exile. “The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel—mighty men of valor… numbered in the days of David twenty-two thousand six hundred.” (1 Chronicles 7:2) These statistics emphasize the military strength Issachar contributed to David’s kingdom. Tola’s line thus connects patriarchal promise, wilderness organization, tribal settlement, and monarchic service. Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Applications 1. Faithful Continuity: The name Tola surfaces across nearly a millennium of redemptive history, illustrating how God sustains families and tribes for His purposes. Congregations today can encourage generational discipleship, knowing that individual commitment may echo long after one’s lifetime. Messianic Echoes and New Testament Connections While the proper noun Tola is distinct from the noun translated “worm” in Psalm 22:6, the homonym invites contemplation of Christ’s humility. Just as the earlier Tola “rose to save Israel,” Jesus arose—through incarnation, cross, and resurrection—to secure eternal salvation. The chronicled increase of Tola’s descendants anticipates the expansive fruitfulness promised to Messiah: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.” (Hebrews 2:13) Reflection for the Church Today Tola’s legacy calls believers to nurture generational faithfulness, practice humble service, and pursue unity that transcends local boundaries. Whether one’s role resembles the unnamed clansmen of Numbers or the judge who quietly stabilized Israel, Scripture testifies that God weaves each obedient life into His unfolding plan. Forms and Transliterations לְתוֹלָ֔ע לתולע תּוֹלָ֕ע תּוֹלָ֥ע תּוֹלָ֧ע תוֹלָ֗ע תולע lə·ṯō·w·lā‘ letoLa ləṯōwlā‘ tō·w·lā‘ ṯō·w·lā‘ toLa tōwlā‘ ṯōwlā‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 46:13 HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י יִשָׂשכָ֑ר תּוֹלָ֥ע וּפֻוָּ֖ה וְי֥וֹב NAS: of Issachar: Tola and Puvvah KJV: of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, INT: the sons of Issachar Tola and Puvvah and Iob Numbers 26:23 Judges 10:1 1 Chronicles 7:1 1 Chronicles 7:2 1 Chronicles 7:2 6 Occurrences |
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