Judges 10:2
The text of Judges 10:2 highlights the leadership of Tola over Israel for a significant period: *“He judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir.”* (v.2). Tola, who was from the tribe of Issachar (see Judges 10:1, NASB-95), functioned in the era known as the period of the Judges—generally placed between about 1370 to 1050 BC. This timeframe marks the years after Joshua’s death and before the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul (circa 1050 BC). More specifically, many scholars date Tola’s leadership to approximately 1149–1129 BC, positioning him as one of the lesser-discussed but faithful leaders in Israel’s spiritual journey. He followed the tumultuous rule of Abimelech (Judges 9, NASB-95), providing a needed season of stability.
The verse “*He judged Israel twenty-three years…*” (v.2) conveys that Tola’s governance was enduring. While Scripture does not furnish extensive details of Tola’s deeds, the length of his service suggests a time of relative peace compared to previous chapters, which often describe conflict or apostasy among the Israelites. Tola’s consistent leadership can be seen as a reflection of God’s mercy, granting respite in a period characterized by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance (Judges 2:11–19, NASB-95). Throughout these cycles, God raised up judges as deliverers, which in a broader sense points forward to Jesus in the New Testament, who delivers humanity from sin (John 3:16–17, NASB-95).
The verse also states that *“Then he died and was buried in Shamir.”* (v.2). Shamir was located in the hill country of Ephraim, a region known for its central location in the land of Israel. This part of the country often served as a strategic area for tribal gatherings and governance. Tola’s burial there indicates that Shamir functioned not just as a residence but likely as an administrative center during his rule. With Tola’s passing, the biblical narrative transitions to the next judge, further illustrating how each leader played a part in Israel’s ongoing story of faith and redemption.
God raised Tola to guide His people through a challenging 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 2:6-10 meaning. This passage from Judges provides a snapshot of the transition from Joshua’s leadership to the period of the judges, highlighting both continuity and change in Israel’s spiritual and societal landscape.
- Numbers 10:29-32 meaning. Verses 29 – 32 contain the description of something that happened sometime before the Israelites departed Mount Sinai. It involved Moses trying to convince his brother-in-law Hobab to join the Israelites in their journey to Canaan. At first, Hobab declines the offer, but then he agrees to go with the Israelites after being persuaded by Moses.
- Judges 3:15-25 meaning. In response to Israel’s cry for help, God raises up Ehud, a Benjamite, as a deliverer. Using a clever and daring strategy, Ehud assassinates Eglon, the oppressive king of Moab, motivating Israel’s return to the Lord.