Judges 10:1
*“Now after Abimelech died, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim”* (v.1). The mention of Abimelech’s death marks the close of an oppressive and turbulent leadership in Israel, recounting a time of turmoil that followed Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 8:28, NASB-95). Immediately after these events, Tola emerges as a figure who stands in stark contrast to Abimelech, described here as a deliverer who arises to save God’s people. While the text does not offer a detailed account of Tola’s background, it identifies him as belonging to the tribe of Issachar, tying him to a lineage that plays a continual role in Israel’s history (Genesis 49:14-15, NASB-95).
By stating that *“he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim”* (v.1), the verse locates Tola’s home in a significant region of Israel. The hill country of Ephraim corresponds to a central area in ancient Canaan, featuring rugged highlands and important trade routes. Shamir is believed to have been a strategic settlement nestled in these elevations, ideally situated to provide leadership and stability. Dwelling in Ephraim, Tola would have been near key crossroads that connected different tribal territories, suggesting that he was in a position to offer both physical and spiritual guidance to the people of Israel during the era of the Judges (approximately 1375–1050 BC).
Tola’s calling *“to save Israel”* (v.1) underscores the repeating pattern in the Book of Judges, where God raises up a judge to deliver His people when they stray from Him and face oppression (Judges 2:16-19, NASB-95). In many ways, Tola foreshadows the greater deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who comes to save the world from sin (John 3:17, NASB-95). Although Tola’s influence is brief in the biblical record, his role in stabilizing Israel continues the hopeful theme that God does not abandon His people but responds compassionately to their needs (Psalm 103:8, NASB-95).
God’s care for His people continues to be demonstrated through timely leadership and restoration in every era.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:8-10 meaning. The sons of Judah capture Jerusalem, defeating its inhabitants and setting the city on fire. They then continue their campaign against the Canaanites in various regions, ultimately conquering Hebron and defeating its notable inhabitants, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.
- Judges 4:4-10 meaning. This passage introduces Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, who calls upon Barak to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s forces. Deborah delivers a divine command to Barak, instructing him to gather ten thousand men and promising victory over Sisera. Barak agrees to go but insists that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but because of Barak’s fear, Deborah predicts that the honor of victory will ultimately go to a woman. Together, Barak and Deborah lead the forces of Zebulun and Naphtali to battle.
- Judges 4:11 meaning. Judges 4:11 introduces Heber the Kenite. The details concerning Heber’s location and lineage in this verse foreshadow his involvement in the unfolding events of Sisera’s defeat, though it seems incidental at first.