Who Was Tola in the Bible?
A Member of the Tribe of Issachar
Tola, a lesser-known figure in the Bible, is mentioned in a few significant passages: Genesis 46:13, Numbers 26:23, and 1 Chronicles 7:1-2. He was a member of the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, and Tola was a direct descendant of Issachar through his son. The name Tola (תוֹלָע in Hebrew) means “worm” or “scarlet,” likely referring to a type of worm used to produce red dye. Tola was the brother of Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, and he was the father of several sons: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel. Each of these names and genealogies is significant as they trace the lineage of the tribes and contribute to the broader narrative of Israel’s history.
Tola: A Judge Before Israel’s Monarchy
Tola is also mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 10:1-2. Here, he is described as a judge who arose to save Israel after the leadership of Abimelech. The period of the Judges was a tumultuous time in Israel’s history, characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The judges were not kings but were divinely appointed leaders who delivered Israel from the hands of their enemies and led them back to God.
Tola’s name, meaning “worm,” might seem insignificant or even negative, but in the context of his role, it highlights the humble nature of God’s chosen instruments. Despite the brevity of his mention, Tola’s impact was profound. He served as a judge for twenty-three years, leading Israel during a time of relative peace and stability.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Value of Humility in Leadership
One of the key lessons we can learn from Tola is the importance of humility in leadership. Tola’s name, meaning “worm,” serves as a reminder that God often chooses the humble and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This echoes the teaching of Jesus, who said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11, ESV). In a world that often celebrates power, prestige, and fame, Tola’s story reminds us that God values humility and servanthood.
Faithfulness in the Small Things
Tola’s twenty-three-year tenure as a judge is noted without fanfare or detailed accounts of his deeds. This teaches us the value of faithfulness in the small things. The Bible says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV). Even when our work seems unnoticed or uncelebrated, God sees our faithfulness and rewards it. Tola’s quiet leadership brought stability to Israel, showing that consistency and faithfulness in our daily lives can have a lasting impact.
The Importance of Generational Legacy
Tola’s mention in the genealogies of Genesis, Numbers, and Chronicles underscores the importance of generational legacy. His lineage is recorded as part of the broader narrative of Israel’s history, reminding us that our lives are part of a bigger story. As Christians, we are called to pass on our faith to the next generation, teaching them to love and serve the Lord. Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (ESV). Tola’s legacy, though brief in mention, is part of the rich tapestry of God’s work in history.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Providence in Leadership
Tola’s rise as a judge was not by chance but by divine appointment. In a time of need, God provided a leader to guide His people. This reflects the providential care of God over His people, ensuring that they are never without guidance. In the New Testament, we see this same care in how God provided Jesus Christ as the ultimate leader and savior. Just as God raised Tola to lead Israel, He has raised leaders in every generation to shepherd His people.
God’s Use of the Humble
Tola’s humble background and the meaning of his name remind us that God often chooses the lowly and despised to accomplish His purposes. This is consistent with God’s character throughout the Bible. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (ESV). Tola’s story is a testament to God’s love for using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Connection to Jesus Christ
A Foreshadowing of Christ’s Leadership
Tola’s role as a judge and deliverer of Israel is a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ. Just as Tola was raised to save Israel in a time of need, Jesus was sent to save humanity from sin and death. The judges were temporary leaders who provided physical deliverance, but Christ provides eternal salvation. In this way, Tola’s life points us to Christ, who is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
The Humble Servant
Tola’s humble name and background are a precursor to the humility of Christ. Jesus, though He was God, took on the form of a servant and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Tola’s story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways; He often works through the humble and lowly to accomplish His divine purposes.
Conclusion
Tola may be a minor figure in the grand narrative of the Bible, but his life and leadership offer profound lessons for us today. His humility, faithfulness, and role in God’s providential care for Israel teach us about the nature of true leadership and the importance of living a life that honors God. Tola’s story ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, the ultimate judge and deliverer, who came to save us and lead us into eternal life. As we reflect on Tola’s life, may we be inspired to live humbly, faithfully, and with a deep trust in God’s providence.