What does Judges 10:2 teach about God's provision of leaders for Israel? Setting the Scene • Israel was again in a cycle of sin and oppression (Judges 10:6–7). • Into this turbulent context, God quietly raised up Tola, son of Puah, from the tribe of Issachar (Judges 10:1). Key Verse (Judges 10:2) “He judged Israel twenty-three years, and he died and was buried in Shamir.” What This Teaches about God’s Provision of Leaders • Divine Initiative – Israel did not elect or appoint Tola; “He judged Israel” because God sovereignly raised him up (cf. Judges 2:16). • Sustained Stability – Twenty-three years is nearly a generation; God granted a lengthy season of order and justice through one faithful servant. • Ordinary Origins, Extraordinary Use – Tola’s lineage and town are mentioned without fanfare; the Lord often employs seemingly ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Timely Succession – Tola’s death closes his chapter, signaling that God provides leaders for particular times and then, in perfect timing, raises the next (Psalm 75:6-7). • Covenant Faithfulness – Even when Israel’s obedience faltered, God remained committed to His covenant by supplying leadership, underscoring His steadfast love (Deuteronomy 7:9). Lessons for Today • Expect God’s timely provision; He still appoints authorities according to His purpose (Romans 13:1). • Value seasons of quiet faithfulness; lengthy, uneventful leadership can be God’s great mercy. • Recognize that obscure service counts; Tola’s story is brief, yet his impact was profound. • Trust God’s ongoing plan; every leader’s tenure ends, but the Lord’s rule continues unbroken (Psalm 146:3-10). Supporting Scriptures • Judges 2:16 – “Then the LORD raised up judges who saved them.” • 1 Samuel 12:11 – “The LORD sent Jerub-baal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel and delivered you.” • Isaiah 32:1-2 – A prophecy of righteous leaders as God’s provision. • Acts 13:20 – God “gave them judges for about four hundred fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.” |
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