The Tolaites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Tolaites" is derived from Tola, who was the firstborn son of Issachar. The Tolaites are thus considered descendants of Tola and are part of the broader family lineage of the tribe of Issachar.

Biblical References

The primary reference to the Tolaites is found in 1 Chronicles 7:1-2, which provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Issachar. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"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."

This passage highlights the significance of the Tolaites as a prominent family within the tribe of Issachar, noted for their strength and valor as warriors during the time of King David.

Historical and Cultural Context

The tribe of Issachar, to which the Tolaites belong, was one of the northern tribes of Israel. The tribe is often associated with wisdom and understanding, as suggested by the blessing of Jacob in Genesis 49:14-15, where Issachar is described as a strong donkey lying down between two burdens, indicating both strength and a willingness to bear burdens.

The Tolaites, as part of this tribe, would have shared in the responsibilities and cultural heritage of Issachar. They were likely involved in agricultural pursuits, as the region allotted to Issachar was fertile and conducive to farming. The mention of their numbers and might during David's reign suggests that they played a significant role in the military and defense of the nation of Israel.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the Tolaites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, represent the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly to Jacob, whose sons became the progenitors of the twelve tribes. The genealogies, including that of the Tolaites, underscore the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness in preserving His people throughout generations.

The Tolaites' inclusion in the biblical record serves as a testament to the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. It reflects the broader theme of God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the history of Israel.

Conclusion

While the Tolaites are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, their mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles highlights their role within the tribe of Issachar and the larger narrative of Israel's history. As descendants of Tola, they contribute to the rich tapestry of Israel's tribal structure and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Descendants of Tola (Numbers 26:23; 1 Chronicles 7:1, 2). TOLAITES

to-'la-its.

See TOLA.

8440. Tolai -- descendant of Tola
... Tolai. 8441 . descendant of Tola. Transliteration: Tolai Phonetic Spelling:
(to-law-ee') Short Definition: Tolaites. ... of Tola NASB Word Usage Tolaites (1). Tola ...
/hebrew/8440.htm - 6k

8441. toebah -- abomination
... detestable things (3), loathsome (2), object of loathing (1). Tolaites.
Or tonebah {to-ay-baw'}; feminine active participle of ta ...
/hebrew/8441.htm - 6k

Tolaites (1 Occurrence)
... 2). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TOLAITES. to-'la-its. See TOLA.
Multi-Version Concordance Tolaites (1 Occurrence). Numbers ...
/t/tolaites.htm - 7k

Tolaite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of
the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/t/tolaite.htm - 6k

To'laites (1 Occurrence)
To'laites. Tolaites, To'laites. Tolbanes . Multi-Version Concordance To'laites
(1 Occurrence). ... Tolaites, To'laites. Tolbanes . Reference Bible.
/t/to'laites.htm - 6k

Tola (5 Occurrences)
... mentioned among those who journeyed to Egypt with Jacob (Genesis 46:8 f), and in
the census taken by Moses and Eleazar, as father of the Tolaites (Numbers 26:23 ...
/t/tola.htm - 10k

Puvah (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of
the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV). ...
/p/puvah.htm - 8k

Punites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of
the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS ...
/p/punites.htm - 7k

Punite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of
the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/p/punite.htm - 6k

Puah (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:23 The sons of Issachar, after their families: of Tola, the family
of the Tolaites; of Puah, the family of the Punites; (DBY NIV). ...
/p/puah.htm - 9k

Puite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of
the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; (See NIV). ...
/p/puite.htm - 6k

Pua (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:23 Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family
of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites: (KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV). ...
/p/pua.htm - 6k

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