What lessons can we learn from Tola's role as a judge in Israel? A Brief Snapshot of Tola • Judges 10:1–2: “After Abimelech, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, arose to deliver Israel. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. He judged Israel twenty-three years; then he died, and was buried in Shamir.” • Only two verses, yet packed with insight: a deliverer, twenty-three steady years, no scandals, no self-promotion. Stepping Up After Chaos • Abimelech’s bloody reign (Judges 9) left Israel fractured. God immediately raised Tola—proof that He never abandons His people. • Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Lesson: When society reels from sin-sown turmoil, expect the Lord to provide steady, righteous leadership, even if it arrives quietly. Quiet Faithfulness Over Flashy Fame • No recorded battles, speeches, or signs; just the verb “deliver.” Effectiveness isn’t measured by publicity. • 1 Corinthians 1:27: God often “chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:11: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.” • Lesson: A life of ordinary obedience can stabilize families, churches, and nations more than headline-grabbing exploits. A Name That Points to Humility and Redemption • Tola means “worm” or “scarlet dye.” The same Hebrew word appears in Isaiah 1:18 (“though your sins are as scarlet”) and Psalm 22:6 (“I am a worm”). • The dye came from a crushed worm—an image of sacrifice. Christ fulfilled the picture at Calvary, shedding scarlet blood to cleanse sinners. • Lesson: Leaders reflect the Savior when they are willing to be “crushed” in humble service for the good of God’s people. Rooted, Not Restless • He “lived in Shamir.” No circuit-riding, no palace. Stability breeds peace. • Proverbs 28:2: “When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.” • Lesson: Bloom where God plants you. Consistent presence often outranks constant movement. Lessons for Today • God values faithfulness more than fame. • He supplies leadership precisely when needed. • Humility and sacrificial service mirror Christ. • Stability in one place can bless an entire region. • Even brief biblical mentions carry eternal weight—because every word of Scripture is true and purposeful. |
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