Judges 10:1-2
After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, and he lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried at Shamir.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text simply states Tola "arose" to save Israel, but it's significant that unlike many other judges, his story doesn't detail any specific battles or enemies he fought. This suggests his "saving" likely came not from military victories, but from a quiet, stable leadership that brought peace and order after Abimelech's disruptive reign.
Following the chaotic and self-appointed rule of Abimelech, a man named Tola from the tribe of Issachar is raised up by God to lead Israel. Unlike the violent reign of Abimelech, Tola's leadership is characterized by peace and quiet, with no major enemies or oppressions mentioned during his time. He settles in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, signifying a period of stability and rest for the nation.
The book of Judges is full of dramatic battles and heroic rescues. But the leader who follows the chaotic reign of Abimelech? His story is different.
The verse introduces Tola as someone who arose 'to defend' or 'to save' Israel. While many judges in the book are known for their military victories against oppressors, Tola’s reign is characterized by a different kind of saving. The commentaries suggest he didn't necessarily win great battles, but rather brought peace and stability.
A Different Kind of Victory
Tola comes from the tribe of Issachar, a tribe not typically known for military might. And he settles in the central hill country of Ephraim. What does this tell us?
Tola's identity as a man of Issachar and his choice of residence in Shamir, Mount Ephraim, are more than just biographical details; they offer clues about his leadership style and the state of Israel.
From Issachar to Ephraim
Understand the original words
yasha · Hebrew Verb
In the context of Judges, this refers to a leader raised by God to deliver His people from oppression, restore justice, and maintain covenantal order. It signifies both military and judicial leadership under divine appointment.
shaphat · Hebrew Verb
A title used in the book of Judges for leaders whom God raised up to deliver Israel and administer justice. While often involving military intervention, it primarily describes the act of governing, settling disputes, and maintaining order according to God’s law.
The periods of peace under judges like Tola often followed significant turmoil, like Abimelech's corrupt rule. This highlights how God can raise up leaders to bring stability and guidance, even when the people have strayed.
c. 1100-1075 BC
Reign of Abimelech
Abimelech, son of Gideon, violently seized control of Shechem. His short, tyrannical rule led to bloodshed and religious apostasy among the Israelites.
After Abimelech's death— this verse
Tola Judges Israel
Following Abimelech's tumultuous reign, Tola of the Issachar tribe arises as a judge to guide and protect Israel for 23 years.
c. 1075-1050 BC
Jair Judges Israel
After Tola, Jair the Gileadite judges Israel for 22 years, a period characterized by relative peace but also continued unfaithfulness.
c. 1050 BC
Israel's Apostasy and Ammonite Oppression
The Israelites again turn to idolatry, provoking God's anger, which leads to their oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines.
This verse introduces the pattern of God raising up 'saviors' (deliverers) for Israel when they cry out to Him in their oppression, a role Tola fulfills.
Judges 2:16The term 'to save' or 'to defend' used for Tola here is the same word used to describe the Lord raising up judges who delivered Israel from their oppressors in the past.
Genesis 46:13This passage names Tola and Puah as sons of Issachar, showing Tola's lineage within the tribe, which is significant since judges often came from various tribes.
Ruth 4:18-22This genealogy highlights the lineage of David, which includes several generations tracing back to Perez, showing how lineage and God's sovereign choices intersect, similar to Tola's recorded ancestry.
1 Samuel 12:11This verse lists several key deliverers of Israel, including Gideon and Samuel, underscoring the recurring theme of God appointing leaders to save His people from various difficulties.
gillJudges 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 dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim."
And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel,.... To save, deliver, and protect Israel; which does not necessarily imply that Abimelech did; for he was no judge of God's raising up, or the people's choosing, but usurped a kingly power over them; and was so far from saving and defending them, that he involved them in trouble and di…
clarkeJudges 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 dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim."
Tola the son of Puah - As this Tola continued twenty-three years a judge of Israel after the troubles of Abimelech's reign, it is likely that the land had rest, and that the enemies of the Israelites had made no hostile incursions into the land during his presidency and that of Jair; which, together continued forty-five years.
The text simply states Tola "arose" to save Israel, but it's significant that unlike many other judges, his story doesn't detail any specific battles or enemies he fought. This suggests his "saving" likely came not from military victories, but from a quiet, stable leadership that brought peace and order after Abimelech's disruptive reign.
Following the chaotic and self-appointed rule of Abimelech, a man named Tola from the tribe of Issachar is raised up by God to lead Israel. Unlike the violent reign of Abimelech, Tola's leadership is characterized by peace and quiet, with no major enemies or oppressions mentioned during his time. He settles in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, signifying a period of stability and rest for the nation.
Following the chaotic and self-appointed rule of Abimelech, a man named Tola from the tribe of Issachar is raised up by God to lead Israel. Unlike the violent reign of Abimelech, Tola's leadership is characterized by peace and quiet, with no major enemies or oppressions mentioned during his time. He settles in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, signifying a period of stability and rest for the nation.
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"After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, and he lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried at Shamir." — The text simply states Tola "arose" to save Israel, but it's significant that unlike many other judges, his story doesn't detail any specific battles or enemies he fought. This suggests his "saving"…
