Puah: Father of Tola
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Puah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. He is recognized as the father of Tola, one of the judges of Israel. The name "Puah" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is uncertain, it is often associated with the idea of "splendid" or "brilliant."

Biblical Reference:

Puah is mentioned in Judges 10:1, which states: "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."

Historical Context:

The period of the judges was a tumultuous time in Israel's history, characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Abimelech, who was a self-appointed king and not a judge, Israel needed leadership to guide them back to faithfulness to God. It was during this time that Tola, the son of Puah, emerged as a judge.

Role and Significance:

While Puah himself is not described in detail, his significance is primarily as the progenitor of Tola. Tola's role as a judge was to deliver Israel from its troubles and lead them in a time of relative peace. The mention of Puah in the genealogy of Tola highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through generations.

Tribal Affiliation:

Puah and his family were from the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This tribal affiliation is significant as it situates Puah and Tola within the broader context of Israel's tribal system, which played a crucial role in the social and political structure of ancient Israel.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Puah and his son Tola underscores the theme of divine providence and leadership. God raises leaders from various tribes and backgrounds to fulfill His purposes for Israel. The judges, including Tola, were instruments of God's deliverance, called to restore order and faithfulness among the people.

Legacy:

Although Puah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his legacy is carried on through his son Tola, who served as a judge for twenty-three years. Tola's leadership contributed to a period of stability and peace, reflecting the faithfulness of God in providing for His people through chosen leaders.

In summary, Puah's mention in the Bible, though brief, connects him to the larger account of Israel's judges and highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
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Judges 10:1
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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Library

Chapter xlvi
... the children of Israel transported Jacob, their father, and their ... And the sons of
Issachar: Tola and Puvah and ... v.13) and "Job" have parallels "Puah" and "Jashub ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... 2082] For Zacaharias, John's father, is said in the Gospels to have prophesied before
his son. ... But Judges 10:1 says Tola, the son of Puah, the son of Dodo. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Resources
Should the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Issachar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Puah

Puah: A Hebrew Midwife

Puah: Father of Tola

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