# Tola ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Tola - **Meaning:** "Worm" or "scarlet" - **Significance:** The name may symbolize humility or transformation, though the specific biblical significance is not explicitly detailed. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Tola served as a judge of Israel after Abimelech and before Jair. - **Historical Context:** His judgeship occurred during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of Israel’s sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Judge of Israel - **Significance:** Tola served as a leader and deliverer of Israel, maintaining peace for 23 years. His judgeship is noted for providing stability after the tumultuous rule of Abimelech. ## Tags - `#biblical-figures` - `#roles-judge` - `#timelines-judges` ## Cross-References - Tola is introduced in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]. ## Key References: Tola ### Primary Passages - **Judgeship of Tola:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]—Tola, son of Puah, son of Dodo, from the tribe of Issachar, arises to save Israel. He judges Israel for twenty-three years and is buried in Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim. This passage highlights his role as a judge who provided leadership and stability to Israel during his tenure. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Tribe of Issachar:** While Tola himself is directly mentioned in the context of his judgeship, his lineage is tied to the tribe of Issachar, which is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe is initially listed among the descendants of Jacob in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46|Genesis Chapter 46]]. ### New Testament References There are no direct references to Tola in the New Testament. His role is primarily confined to his judgeship in the Old Testament narrative. ### Prophetic/Typological References There are no specific prophetic or typological references associated with Tola in the biblical text. His significance is largely historical within the context of the Book of Judges, providing continuity and leadership for Israel during a period of instability. ### Tags - `#key-references` - `#genealogy` - `#judges` - `#israel` - `#tola` ## Relationships: Tola ### Family Relationships - **Father:** Puah ([[Judges/Judges 10|Judges 10]]). - **Grandfather:** Dodo ([[Judges/Judges 10|Judges 10]]). - **Tribe:** Issachar ([[Judges/Judges 10|Judges 10]]). ### Allies/Friends - The text does not specifically mention allies or friends of Tola. His role as a judge implies collaboration and leadership over Israel, but no specific individuals are named. ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Context of Role:** Although specific adversaries during Tola's judgeship are not detailed, his rise to leadership followed the turmoil caused by Abimelech, suggesting he played a role in stabilizing the nation ([[Judges/Judges 10|Judges 10]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** As a judge of Israel, Tola’s leadership would have been understood as divinely appointed, serving to deliver and govern Israel during a time of need ([[Judges/Judges 10|Judges 10]]). ### Tags - `#relationships` - `#family` - `#judge-of-israel` - `#spiritual-leadership` - `#stability-after-abimelech` ## Significance: Tola ### Theological Importance - **Deliverer of Israel:** Tola served as one of the judges of Israel, raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. His leadership is a testament to God's continued provision and care for His people, even when they are unfaithful ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]). - **Divine Appointment:** Tola’s role as a judge underscores the theme of God’s sovereign choice and intervention in raising leaders from various tribes and backgrounds to fulfill His purposes. ### Historical Context - **Period of Judges:** Tola's judgeship occurred during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. His leadership contributed to a time of stability and peace in Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]). - **Tribe of Issachar:** As a member of the tribe of Issachar, Tola's leadership highlights the diverse tribal dynamics within Israel and the broader narrative of Judges, where God calls leaders from different tribes to unify His people. ### Symbolism and Typology - **Representation of God’s Faithfulness:** Tola's emergence as a judge symbolizes God’s faithfulness in raising deliverers despite Israel's recurring unfaithfulness. This typology points to the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who provides lasting salvation ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]). ### Tags - `#significance` - `#theological-themes` - `#biblical-history` - `#typology` - `#judges` - `#deliverance` - `#faithfulness` ## Character Study: Tola ### Strengths and Virtues - **Leadership:** Tola served as a judge of Israel for 23 years, maintaining stability and peace during his tenure ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10:1-2]]). His role as a judge suggests he was a capable leader and administrator who was able to maintain order and justice. - **Faithful Servant:** By taking up the role of a judge, Tola exhibited faithfulness to God's call, stepping into leadership during a tumultuous period for Israel. ### Weaknesses and Failures - The scriptures do not explicitly record any specific weaknesses or failures of Tola. His relatively brief mention in the Bible does not detail personal shortcomings but focuses on his role as a judge. ### Lessons Learned - **Faithfulness in Leadership:** Tola's life reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in leadership roles. Even when not much is recorded about his deeds, his long tenure suggests a period of stability and peace, highlighting the impact of quiet faithfulness ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10:1-2]]). - **God’s Provision of Leaders:** Tola’s emergence as a judge illustrates God’s provision of leaders for His people during times of need, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled in every generation. ### Tags - `#strengths-leadership` - `#strengths-faithfulness` - `#lessons-leadership` - `#lessons-faithfulness` ## Themes and Symbolism: Tola ### Key Themes - **Deliverance and Leadership:** Tola served as a judge who delivered Israel and led it for a period of peace. His role underscores the recurring theme of God raising leaders to deliver His people from oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]). - **Restoration and Stability:** His leadership brought stability and a sense of security to Israel, demonstrating God’s desire for His people to live in peace when they turn back to Him ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Shamir in the Hill Country of Ephraim:** Tola resided in Shamir, a location that symbolizes a place of refuge and strength within the heart of Israel. This setting underscores the theme of God’s provision and protection for His people when they reside under His appointed leadership ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ-like Deliverer:** As a judge and deliverer, Tola serves as a type of Christ who brings peace and deliverance to His people. Although Tola’s story is brief, his role reflects the greater deliverance brought by Christ, who is the ultimate Judge and Savior ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges Chapter 10]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#themes` - `#symbolism` - `#typology` - `#foreshadowing` - `#deliverance` - `#leadership` - `#restoration` - `#peace` ## Connections: Tola ### Parallel Figures - **Shamgar:** Like Tola, Shamgar served as a judge of Israel during a time of unrest and delivered Israel from its enemies ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Gideon:** Preceding Tola, Gideon also acted as a savior to Israel from its oppressors, exemplifying the cyclical nature of Israel's deliverance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ:** Tola's role as a judge who brings peace and stability to Israel for a time is a foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate role as the eternal Judge and Prince of Peace ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9|Isaiah Chapter 9]], [[John/John Chapter 5|John Chapter 5]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Tola’s judgeship is part of the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the era of the Judges. This period highlights Israel's need for a righteous leader ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). - **Tribe of Issachar:** As a member of the tribe of Issachar, Tola's leadership reflects the tribal dynamics and decentralized governance of Israel during this time ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49|Genesis Chapter 49]]). ### Tags - `#parallel-figures` - `#foreshadowing-Christ` - `#historical-context` - `#period-of-judges` - `#tribe-of-issachar` ## Legacy: Tola ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Judge of Israel:** Tola was one of the judges of Israel who rose to save Israel after the time of Abimelech. He judged Israel for twenty-three years, providing leadership and stability during a period of turmoil ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10 Verse 1-2|Judges 10:1-2]]). - **Role in God’s Covenant:** Although his role is briefly mentioned, Tola's judgeship contributed to the continuity of God’s covenantal relationship with Israel by maintaining peace and order. ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **No Direct Mentions:** Tola is not directly mentioned in later scriptures, indicating that his impact was limited to his own time. However, his role as a judge is part of the larger narrative of God raising leaders to guide Israel. ### Spiritual Lessons - **Faithful Service:** Tola’s life exemplifies the quiet yet significant impact of faithful service to God’s people, even when not prominently celebrated. - **Stability in Leadership:** His judgeship underscores the importance of stability and integrity in leadership, providing a period of peace for Israel. ### Modern Applications - Tola's legacy encourages believers to value and recognize the importance of faithful, even if less visible, service within the community of faith. - His judgeship serves as a reminder of God’s provision of leaders in times of need, and the significance of maintaining peace and order. ### Tags - `#legacy` - `#impact-on-israel` - `#spiritual-lessons` - `#faithful-service` - `#leadership-stability` ## Geography: Tola ### Significant Locations - **Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim:** Tola dwelt in this location. It is significant as it served as his base of operations during his time as a judge over Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10|Judges 10:1-2]]). ### Travel and Movement - There are no recorded travels or migrations for Tola in the biblical text. His judgeship was centered in Shamir. ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Ephraim's Role:** The hill country of Ephraim was an important region in Israel. It was a central area for several leaders and played a key role in the tribal coalition of Israel. Shamir's location in Ephraim highlights its strategic and spiritual significance during the time of the Judges. ### Tags - `#geography` - `#locations-shamir` - `#locations-ephraim` - `#judges` ## Additional Resources: Tola ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Judgeship of Tola:** Introduction and account of Tola’s leadership in Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10 Verses 1-2|Judges 10:1-2]]). - **Context of Tola’s Rule:** Tola’s period of judgeship follows the chaos and idolatry after Abimelech’s rule ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 9|Judges 9]]). ### Genealogical References - **Lineage of Tola:** Tola is identified as the son of Puah and the grandson of Dodo, of the tribe of Issachar ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10 Verse 1|Judges 10:1]]). - **Tribal Connection:** Tola’s association with the tribe of Issachar ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46 Verse 13|Genesis 46:13]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Residence in Shamir:** Tola lived and was buried in Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 10 Verse 2|Judges 10:2]]). Suggested mapping of Shamir in the region of Ephraim for geographical context. ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Leadership in Israel:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 10 Verses 1-2|Judges 10:1-2]] for insights into Tola’s role as a judge and the stability he brought after Abimelech’s rule. - **Tribal History of Issachar:** [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49 Verse 14-15|Genesis 49:14-15]] for background on the tribe of Issachar. ### Tags - `#additional-resources` - `#cross-references` - `#genealogy` - `#maps` - `#judges` - `#tribe-of-issachar` - `#leadership`