Tola תּוֹלָע
Judge of Israel who succeeded Abimelech
Who is Tola in the Bible?
Tola was a judge of Israel who ruled for 23 years following the death of Abimelech, as recorded in Judges 10:1-2. He was the son of Puah and belonged to the tribe of Issachar, serving as a stabilizing force after the chaos of Abimelech's reign. Though little is documented about his specific deeds or accomplishments, Tola's lengthy judgeship marked an important period of relative stability in Israel's history. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, where he was eventually buried. Tola's significance lies primarily in the continuity he provided during the transitional period of the judges, bridging the turbulent era of Abimelech with the subsequent judge Jair.
Biography
Tola was a judge of Israel who succeeded Abimelech and ruled for 23 years (Jdg.10.1-2). He was the son of Puah and the grandson of Dodo from the tribe of Issachar. Tola lived and was buried in Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim. His name means "crimson worm" or "scarlet stuff." Despite being one of the judges, the biblical account provides no details about Tola's deeds or accomplishments during his leadership. The brief mention of his reign serves as a transition between the tumultuous rule of Abimelech and the subsequent judge, Jair.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookJudges 1 verse
- Judges 10:1
"After the time of Abimelech, a man of Issachar, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose up to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תּוֹלָע |