The term "Tolaite" refers to the descendants or members of the family of Tola, who was one of the sons of Issachar, a son of Jacob (Israel). The Tolaites are mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel, specifically within the context of the tribe of Issachar.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:13 · Tola is first mentioned in the list of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt. "The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron."

2. Numbers 26:23 · During the census in the wilderness, the descendants of Tola are noted as part of the tribe of Issachar. "The descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Puite clan from Puvah."

3. 1 Chronicles 7:1-2 · The genealogies in Chronicles provide further details about Tola and his descendants. "The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all. The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel, the heads of their families. During the reign of David, the descendants of Tola numbered 22,600 mighty warriors in their genealogies."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Tolaites, as part of the tribe of Issachar, were one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32, which speaks of the men of Issachar who "understood the times and knew what Israel should do." This characteristic may have extended to the Tolaites as well.

The genealogical records in the Bible serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants. The Tolaites, as part of this lineage, contribute to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel.

Role in Israelite Society:

The Tolaites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, would have had specific roles and responsibilities within the community. These roles could include military service, as indicated by the mention of "mighty warriors" in 1 Chronicles 7:2, as well as participation in religious and communal activities.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the Tolaites in the genealogies underscores the importance of family and tribal identity in the biblical narrative. It highlights the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people through successive generations. The preservation of these records in Scripture serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel.

In summary, the Tolaites are a clan within the tribe of Issachar, noted in biblical genealogies and associated with the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's covenantal promises.8440. Tolai -- descendant of Tola
... of Tola NASB Word Usage Tolaites (1). Tola. Patronymically from Towla'; a Tolaite
(collectively) or descendants of Tola -- Tolaites. see HEBREW Towla'. ...
/hebrew/8440.htm - 6kTolaite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tolaite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:23 The sons
of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of ...
/t/tolaite.htm - 6k

Is'sachar (40 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Numbers 26:23 Sons of Issachar by their families; 'of' Tola 'is' the
family of the Tolaite; of Pua the family of the Punite; (See RSV). ...
/i/is'sachar.htm - 16k

Tolad (1 Occurrence)

/t/tolad.htm - 7k

Tolaites (1 Occurrence)

/t/tolaites.htm - 7k

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