What is the context?
After Abimelech’s violent rule, Tola rises to save Israel. He is from Issachar and lives in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. He judges Israel for twenty-three years, then dies and is buried in Shamir.
The notice gives his family, location, purpose, and length of service. It records no particular battle, speech, or dramatic sign. His place in the account shows that the work of a judge can be summarized as years of service, rather than only a single military victory.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands Tola’s saving work chiefly as wise government that checks disorder and oppression. Henry reads the brief accounts of Tola and Jair as useful, peaceable service that provides fewer dramatic events to recount. These are explanations of the short notice; the text does not give a detailed record of Tola’s administration.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.