Tola is one of the lesser-known judges of Israel, whose account is briefly mentioned in the Book of Judges. He is recognized as an extraordinary judge due to his role in delivering Israel during a time of need. Tola's account is found in Judges 10:1-2, where his leadership and lineage are succinctly described.

Biblical Account:

According to the Berean Standard Bible , the account of Tola is as follows:

"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." (Judges 10:1-2)

Lineage and Background:

Tola was the son of Puah and the grandson of Dodo. His family lineage is significant as it connects him to the tribe of Issachar, 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. Tola's residence in Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim, suggests a strategic position for leadership and influence.

Role and Leadership:

Tola's role as a judge came after the tumultuous period of Abimelech's rule, which was marked by violence and internal strife. Tola's emergence as a leader signifies a period of stabilization and deliverance for Israel. Although the biblical text does not provide extensive details about his specific actions or military exploits, his twenty-three-year judgeship implies a time of relative peace and order.

Significance:

Tola's judgeship is a testament to God's provision for Israel through leaders who arose in times of need. His account, though brief, highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's history during the time of the judges, characterized by periods of oppression followed by deliverance through divinely appointed leaders. Tola's leadership underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as well as the impact of righteous governance.

Legacy:

While Tola's narrative is concise, his legacy as a judge is preserved in the biblical record, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people. His life and service exemplify the role of judges as deliverers and leaders who were raised by God to guide Israel through challenging times. Tola's account, though not as detailed as other judges, remains an integral part of the tapestry of Israel's history during the era of the judges.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... According to Judges 12:11, Elon the Zebulonite succeeded Ibzan. ... [2064] The names,
however, were not the same. ... John 4:1.]. [2082] [It is extraordinary that he ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... generations to whom Moses or Joshua were merely names. ... These judges were not magistrates
invested with official ... them, such as Shamgar, Ibzan, Tola, Elon, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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