After the time of Abimelech, a man of Issachar, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose up to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. After the time of Abimelech,Abimelech’s violent and illegitimate rule had left Israel wounded by bloodshed and division. God did not abandon His people after their rebellion, but raised another leader to preserve and restore them. Jdg 9:53-57 But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head,… a man of Issachar, Tola came from a northern tribe, yet his service was for all Israel. The judges were raised to meet the nation’s need, not merely to advance the interests of their own clans. Gen 46:13 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron. Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, Tola’s recorded lineage—son of Puah and grandson of Dodo—establishes him as a real Israelite leader within the covenant community. Though Scripture preserves few details of his acts, God’s work through faithful servants is not measured only by public achievements. The names Puah and Dodo are not widely referenced elsewhere, but their inclusion signifies the importance of family lineage in Israelite society and establishes Tola’s legitimacy and heritage. Tola’s name means “worm” or “scarlet,” possibly symbolizing humility or redemption. 1Ch 7:1 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub… rose up to save Israel. Tola was raised as a judge to bring deliverance and stability after Abimelech’s destructive reign. His leadership reflects God’s continuing mercy toward Israel even when the nation had brought trouble upon itself. Jdg 3:15 And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up… He lived in Shamir, Shamir served as the center from which Tola exercised his leadership. Its precise location is unknown, but it was situated in a region central to Israel’s life. Jos 15:48 These were in the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, in the hill country of Ephraim. Tola’s residence in Ephraim, though he belonged to Issachar, points to his responsibility across tribal boundaries. God used him to help restore order among a people who needed unity under His rule. Jos 24:30 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance… Persons / Places / Events 1. TolaA judge of Israel who rose to deliver the nation after the time of Abimelech. His name means "worm" or "scarlet," which can symbolize humility or redemption. 2. Puah Tola's father, mentioned to establish Tola's lineage. The name Puah is also associated with one of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus, indicating a heritage of service. 3. Dodo Tola's grandfather, further establishing his family line. The name Dodo means "beloved" or "uncle." 4. Shamir The place where Tola lived and presumably judged Israel. Located in the hill country of Ephraim, it signifies a place of strength and strategic importance. 5. Ephraim A significant tribe in Israel, known for its central location and influence. The hill country of Ephraim was a place of refuge and leadership. Teaching Points God's Provision of LeadersTola's rise as a judge demonstrates God's continual provision of leaders for His people, even after times of turmoil. We can trust God to raise leaders in our communities and churches. The Importance of Humility Tola's name, meaning "worm" or "scarlet," can remind us of the importance of humility in leadership. True leadership in God's kingdom often involves serving others selflessly. Strategic Positioning Tola's residence in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim, highlights the importance of being strategically positioned for God's purposes. We should seek to be where God can use us most effectively. Legacy and Heritage The mention of Tola's lineage underscores the importance of family heritage and legacy. We should strive to leave a godly legacy for future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Tola's role as a judge about God's faithfulness in providing leadership for His people?2. How does Tola's humble background and name inspire us to approach leadership and service in our own lives? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are strategically positioned, like Tola in Shamir, to be used by God in our communities? 4. How does the mention of Tola's lineage encourage us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations? 5. Reflecting on the broader account of Judges, how does Tola's account fit into the cycle of sin, repentance, and deliverance, and what does this teach us about God's grace? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 2:16This verse speaks of God raising judges to deliver Israel, providing a broader context for Tola's role as a deliverer. 1 Samuel 12:11 Samuel recounts the judges, including Tola, emphasizing God's faithfulness in providing leaders for Israel. Hebrews 11:32 Although Tola is not mentioned by name, this chapter highlights the faith of judges and leaders, connecting to the theme of deliverance and faithfulness.
People Abimelech, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Aram, Benjamin, Dodo, Egyptians, Israelites, Issachar, Jair, Maon, Maonites, Puah, Shamir, Sidonians, Tola, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Gilead, Havvoth-jair, Jordan River, Kamon, Mizpah, Moab, Shamir, Sidon, SyriaTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Defend, Deliver, Died, Dodo, Dwelling, Dwelt, Ephraim, E'phraim, Hill, Hill-country, Issachar, Is'sachar, Mount, Puah, Pu'ah, Riseth, Rose, Save, Saviour, Shamir, TolaDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 10:1 6634 deliverance 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 Links Judges 10:1 NIVJudges 10:1 NLT Judges 10:1 ESV Judges 10:1 NASB Judges 10:1 KJV Judges 10:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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