Topical Bible: Israel: Under the Judges: Led by Tola for Twenty-Three Years

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Historical Context

The period of the Judges in Israel's history is marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites struggled to maintain their covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh, often falling into idolatry and moral decay. This led to periods of subjugation by surrounding nations, during which the Israelites would cry out to God for deliverance. In response, God raised up judges—charismatic leaders who delivered Israel from oppression and led them in times of peace.

Tola's Leadership

Tola, the son of Puah and grandson of Dodo, from the tribe of Issachar, is one of the lesser-known judges of Israel. His account is briefly mentioned in the Book of Judges, which provides a succinct account of his leadership. According to Judges 10:1-2 , "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."

Role and Achievements

Tola's role as a judge came after the tumultuous and violent reign of Abimelech, who was not a judge in the traditional sense but rather a self-appointed king who brought much strife to Israel. Tola's leadership is characterized by a period of stability and peace, although the biblical text does not provide specific details about his acts or the challenges he faced. His primary contribution appears to be the restoration of order and continuity in the governance of Israel after the chaos of Abimelech's rule.

Significance of Tola's Judgeship

While the Bible does not elaborate on military exploits or significant events during Tola's judgeship, his twenty-three-year tenure suggests a time of relative peace and stability. This period allowed the Israelites to recover from internal strife and external threats. Tola's judgeship underscores the importance of faithful and steady leadership in maintaining the covenant community's integrity and devotion to God.

Theological Implications

Tola's leadership highlights God's faithfulness in providing deliverance and guidance to His people, even when they are unfaithful. The cyclical pattern of sin and redemption during the time of the judges serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on divine intervention. Tola's judgeship, though not marked by dramatic events, is a testament to God's provision of leaders who can restore peace and order.

Cultural and Geographical Context

Tola resided in Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim. This region was central to the tribal confederation of Israel and played a significant role in the nation's history. The choice of Shamir as Tola's base of operations may reflect the strategic importance of the location in maintaining communication and control over the surrounding areas.

Legacy

Tola's legacy, though not extensively detailed in Scripture, is one of quiet faithfulness and effective governance. His judgeship serves as a bridge between the more turbulent times of Abimelech and the subsequent leadership of Jair. Tola's life and service remind believers of the value of steadfastness and the impact of godly leadership in times of peace.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 10:1,2
And 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.
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... In his time, in the fifteenth year, Israel was carried away ... power and the holy place
shall be trodden under foot ... But Judges 10:1 says Tola, the son of Puah, the ...
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