Bible Figure
Tola
Sixth judge of Israel
Tola son of Puah was a judge from the tribe of Issachar who arose after Abimelech and judged Israel for twenty-three years.
Biography
Judges 10:1-2 gives a brief notice about Tola. He was the son of Puah, son of Dodo, an Issacharite, and lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. Scripture says that he arose to save Israel after Abimelech and judged Israel twenty-three years. He died and was buried at Shamir. No military campaign or additional personal details are recorded.
Biblical Significance
Tola's short account emphasizes continuing divine provision of leadership after the destructive rule of Abimelech. His comparatively quiet judgeship stands between the turmoil of Judges 9 and later oppression.