Tola: Judge of Israel, Lineage and Legacy

Tola was one of the judges of Israel, raised up by the Lord to deliver and govern the nation after the period of Abimelech's chaotic rule.ST August 11, 1881, par. 1+1 He belonged to the tribe of Issachar.SBD Tola.3+1

Family and Origin

Tola was the son of Puah and the grandson of Dodo.SBD Tola.3+1 His lineage is also traced through his father, Puah, back to Issachar, one of Jacob's sons, making him a descendant of Issachar. Genesis 46:13+2SBD Tola.3+3 The sons of Tola included Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Jibsam, and Shemuel, who were heads of their father's house and described as valiant men. 1 Chronicles 7:2KJV — 1Chronicles 7:1+1

Reign and Leadership

Tola served as a judge for twenty-three years. Judges 10:2SBD Tola.3+2 He resided and was buried in Shamir, located in Mount Ephraim. Judges 10:1-2SBD Tola.3+2 His leadership marked a period of peace, contrasting sharply with the turbulent times Israel had previously experienced.2BC 1005.2+1 Tola's primary work was not to lead armies or achieve military victories, but rather to foster unity among the people and establish a more stable government.2BC 1005.2+1 He was instrumental in restoring order, law, and justice within the nation.2BC 1005.2+1

Character and Legacy

Tola was known for his deep humility and a strong desire to improve the condition of his people rather than seeking personal honor or position, unlike Abimelech.2BC 1005.2 He faithfully performed his duty to God and the people, valuing divine worship and choosing to live near the tabernacle to attend its services frequently.2BC 1005.2 Although sacred history focuses primarily on the progress of the kingdom of God, Tola is recognized as one of the judges raised by the Lord to defend Israel. Judges 10:1BHOTV3 94.1+2 He was succeeded by Jair, another judge who feared the Lord and sought to maintain worship among the people.ST August 11, 1881, par. 7

I can certainly provide you with the key points about Tola's life and leadership! 😊

Key Points About Tola

• Lineage: Tola was from the tribe of Issachar, son of Puah, grandson of DodoSBD Tola.3+2. "And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron." Genesis 46:13.

• Time as Judge: He judged Israel for 23 yearsSBD Tola.3+3.

• Residence: Tola lived in Shamir, in Mount EphraimSBD Tola.3+1.

• Successor: He was succeeded by JairST August 11, 1881, par. 7.

• Restoration of Order: Tola restored order, law, and justice in Israel2BC 1005.2+1.

• Peaceful Reign: His reign was marked by peace, a stark contrast to the preceding period of turmoil under Abimelech2BC 1005.2+1.

• Focus on Unity: Tola focused on creating a closer union among the people and establishing a firmer government2BC 1005.2+1.

• Humble Nature: He was humble and desired to improve the condition of his people rather than seeking personal gain or honor2BC 1005.2.

• Devotion to Worship: Tola valued divine worship and chose to live near the tabernacle2BC 1005.2.

• Not a Military Leader: Unlike some other judges, Tola didn't lead armies or win battles, but focused on internal stability2BC 1005.2+1.

• Family: Tola's sons were heads of their father's house and were known as valiant menKJV — 1Chronicles 7:1+1. "And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father’s house, to wit, of Tola: they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose number was in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred." 1 Chronicles 7:2.

These points highlight Tola's role as a judge who brought stability and unity to Israel through peaceful governance and a focus on justice, rather than through military achievements.2BC 1005.2+1.