TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Judges 10:1–5.
Quiet and peaceable reigns, though the best to live in, are the worst to write of, as yielding least variety of matter for the historian to entertain his reader with; such were the reigns of these two judges, Tola and Jair, who make but a small figure and take up but a very little room in this history. But no doubt they were both raised up of God to serve their country in the quality of judges, not pretending, as Abimelech had done, to the grandeur of kings, nor, like him, taking the honour they had to themselves, but being called of God to it. 1. Concerning Tola it is said that he arose after Abimelech to defend Israel, Jdg 10:1. After Abimelech had debauched Israel by his wickedness, disquieted and disturbed them by his restless ambition, and, by the mischiefs he brought on them, exposed them to enemies from abroad, God animated this good man to appear for the reforming of abuses, the putting down of idolatry, the appeasing of tumults, and the healing of the wounds given to the state by Abimelech's usurpation. Thus he saved them from themselves, and guarded them against their enemies. He was of the tribe of Issachar, a tribe disposed to serve, for he bowed his shoulder to bear (Gen 49:14, Gen 49:15), yet one of that tribe is here raised up to rule; for those that humble themselves shall be exalted. He bore the name of him that was ancestor to the first family of that tribe; of the sons of Issachar Tola was the first, Gen 46:13; Num 26:23. It signifies a worm, yet, being the name of his ancestor, he was not ashamed of it. Though he was of Issachar, yet, when he was raised up to the government, he came and dwelt in Mount Ephraim, which was more in the heart of the country, that the people might the more conveniently resort to him for judgment. He judged Israel twenty-three years (Jdg 10:2), kept things in good order, but did not any thing very memorable. 2. Jair was a Gileadite, so was his next successor Jephthah, both of that half tribe of the tribe of Manasseh which lay on the other side Jordan; though they seemed separated from their brethren, yet God took care, while the honour of the government was shifted from tribe to tribe and before it settled in Judah, that those who lay remote should sometimes share in it, putting more abundant honour on that part which lacked. Jair bore the name of a very famous man of the same tribe who in Moses's time was very active in reducing this country, Num 32:41; Jos 13:30. That which is chiefly remarkable concerning this Jair is the increase and honour of his family: He had thirty sons, Jdg 10:4. And, (1.) They had good preferments, for they rode on thirty ass colts; that is, they were judges itinerant, who, as deputies to their father, rode from place to place in their several circuits to administer justice. We find afterwards that Samuel made his sons judges, though he could not make them good ones, Sa1 8:1-3. (2.) They had good possessions, every one a city, out of those that were called, from their ancestor of the same name with their father, Havoth-jair - the villages of Jair; yet they are called cities, either because those young gentlemen to whom they were assigned enlarged and fortified them, and so improved them into cities, or because they were as well pleased with their lot in those country towns as if they had been cities compact together and fenced with gates and bars. Villages are cities to a contented mind.
Continue studying Judges 10:2 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Judges 10:2 succinctly concludes the account of Tola, son of Puah, detailing the duration of his leadership over Israel and the circumstances of his death and burial. This verse marks the end of a twenty-three-year period during which Tola provided a much-needed era of quiet stability and governance, serving as a transitional figure who brought respite after the tumultuous and violent reign of Abimelech.
Context
Literary Context
Judges 10:2 serves as the concluding statement for Tola's brief tenure as a judge, immediately following his introduction in Judges 10:1. His account is notably succinct, characteristic of the "minor judges" in the Book of Judges, whose narratives lack the dramatic military exploits or extensive biographical details found in the stories of figures like Deborah or Samson. This brevity highlights that Tola's contribution was primarily one of maintaining internal order and administering justice, rather than leading grand deliverances. His death and burial in Shamir set the stage for the subsequent judge, Jair, whose similarly brief account follows, preparing the reader for the renewed apostasy and oppression that will soon plunge Israel into further distress, thereby reinforcing the cyclical narrative structure of the book.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized tribal society in Israel, often marked by internal disunity and a recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and divine deliverance through divinely appointed leaders. Tola's rule of twenty-three years falls within this turbulent era, specifically after the chaos and internal strife instigated by Abimelech's self-proclaimed kingship, as recounted in Judges 9. His location and burial place in Shamir, within the hill country of Ephraim, suggest his influence was likely centered in this region, reflecting the tribal rather than national scope of leadership during this time. Unlike later periods with a centralized monarchy, judges often held sway over specific regions or tribes, and their authority was more charismatic and judicial than dynastic or military, focused on upholding the covenant and maintaining internal peace.
Key Themes
Tola's brief mention in Judges 10:2 contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Judges. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Appointment and Varied Leadership. God raises up leaders not only for dramatic military victories, as seen with figures like Deborah or Gideon, but also for the quieter, yet equally vital, work of maintaining civil order and administering justice, providing periods of rest and stability for His people, a pattern broadly introduced in Judges 2:16. Secondly, the phrase "died, and was buried" powerfully conveys the Mortality and Transience of Human Authority. Regardless of their effectiveness or the duration of their rule, all human leaders are temporary, serving as a stark reminder that ultimate sovereignty belongs to God alone. This constant turnover of leadership reinforces the cyclical nature of the Book of Judges, where the death of a judge often precipitates a return to apostasy and subsequent oppression, as explicitly stated in Judges 2:19.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew verb שָׁפַט (šāpaṭ), translated as "judged," carries a much broader semantic range than merely presiding over legal disputes. In the context of the Book of Judges, it encompasses the roles of governing, leading, delivering, defending, and administering justice. For Tola, it signifies that he exercised authority, maintained civil order, upheld the Mosaic Law, and provided stability for Israel for over two decades, acting as a divinely appointed leader who brought a period of peace after the chaos of Abimelech's reign.
The Hebrew word יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl), meaning "Israel," refers to the collective descendants of Jacob, God's covenant people. In this context, it emphasizes that Tola's governance was over the entire community of God's chosen nation, highlighting his role as a divinely appointed leader for the people of the covenant. His judging was not merely a local affair but had implications for the spiritual and social well-being of the nation as a whole, even if his influence was regionally centered.
The Hebrew verb מוּת (mûwth), "died," is a primitive root signifying the cessation of life. In Judges 10:2, its stark inclusion serves as a profound theological and narrative marker. It underscores the universal reality of human mortality, even for divinely appointed leaders. In the cyclical narrative of the Book of Judges, the death of a judge often precipitates a decline into apostasy and subsequent oppression, making this seemingly simple word a crucial turning point that highlights the temporary nature of human deliverance and leadership.
Verse Breakdown
"And he judged Israel twenty and three years"
This clause succinctly states the primary function and duration of Tola's leadership. The verb "judged" (šāpaṭ) implies not just judicial arbitration but comprehensive governance, leadership, and the maintenance of order. The specific number "twenty and three years" signifies a substantial period of consistent rule, providing a much-needed respite and stability for the nation after the preceding turmoil. It underscores that Tola's impact was in steady administration rather than dramatic intervention or military conquest.
"and died"
This simple yet profound phrase serves as a universal declaration of human mortality. In the context of the Book of Judges, it marks the definitive end of a period of leadership and often signals a transition point in the cyclical narrative, frequently preceding a decline into apostasy and subsequent oppression. It highlights the temporary nature of all human authority and the inevitable passing of even divinely appointed leaders, emphasizing that true and lasting deliverance must come from a source beyond human limitations.
"and was buried in Shamir"
This final detail provides a specific geographical marker for Tola's resting place. Shamir was located in the hill country of Ephraim, indicating Tola's tribal affiliation and the regional scope of his influence. The mention of his burial signifies the finality of his earthly service and the completion of his life's work, providing closure to his brief narrative. It also grounds his story in the physical landscape of Israel, connecting his leadership to a specific locale and reinforcing the decentralized nature of the Israelite tribal confederacy during this period.
Literary Devices
The brevity and almost formulaic nature of Judges 10:2 employ several literary devices. The most prominent is Conciseness or Brevity, which contrasts sharply with the more detailed accounts of other judges. This brevity itself is a form of Emphasis, subtly highlighting that Tola's significance lay not in dramatic events or military campaigns, but in the quiet, consistent maintenance of order and justice. The verse also uses Formulaic Language ("died, and was buried"), which is a recurring phrase throughout the Book of Judges and other historical books of the Old Testament. This formula serves to mark the definitive end of a leader's tenure and the passage of time, creating a sense of rhythm and inevitability that underscores the transient nature of human life and leadership. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of Contrast when read in its immediate literary context, presenting a period of relative peace and stability under Tola after the violent and chaotic reign of Abimelech, thus serving as a narrative breath before the next cycle of Israel's apostasy.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Judges 10:2, though brief, offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty and the nature of leadership. It reminds us that God's work is accomplished not only through grand, miraculous interventions but also through the quiet, faithful administration of justice and the maintenance of peace by His appointed servants. Tola's long, stable rule, even without dramatic military victories, was a testament to God's grace in providing rest for His people. The verse's stark declaration of Tola's death serves as a universal reminder of the transience of all human authority and the ultimate, unchanging sovereignty of God. It underscores the theological truth that human leaders are temporary instruments in God's eternal plan, and our ultimate trust must always be placed in the Lord, not in princes or human institutions, for only His reign is everlasting and perfect.
Reflection and Application
The quiet account of Tola in Judges 10:2 offers a powerful counter-narrative to our modern emphasis on visible impact and dramatic achievements. Tola's twenty-three years of "judging" Israel, marked by stability rather than sensationalism, remind us that faithful, consistent service, even in less prominent roles, is profoundly valuable in God's eyes. It challenges us to recognize and appreciate the quiet work of those who diligently maintain order, administer justice, and foster peace in our communities, churches, and families. This verse encourages us to serve faithfully in our own spheres of influence, understanding that our time is limited, but our consistent dedication, empowered by God's grace, can bring significant blessing and stability. It also prompts us to reflect on the temporary nature of all human leadership and to place our ultimate hope and trust in God, who alone is eternal and unchanging, for He is the one who truly sustains and governs His people through all generations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Tola's account so brief compared to other judges like Gideon or Samson?
Tola is considered one of the "minor judges" in the Book of Judges, a category that includes figures like Shamgar, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Their accounts are brief because their primary contribution was not through dramatic military deliverances or extensive narratives of personal struggle, but rather through providing periods of internal stability, administering justice, and maintaining order. The book's literary purpose for these judges is to mark the passage of time and highlight intermittent periods of rest for Israel, often serving as transitions between more tumultuous eras. Tola's twenty-three years of quiet governance, as stated in Judges 10:2, served to stabilize the nation after the chaos of Abimelech's reign, even if his specific actions are not detailed.
What is the significance of "Shamir" as Tola's burial place?
Shamir was located in the hill country of Ephraim, a central and significant tribal territory in ancient Israel. The mention of Tola's burial there in Judges 10:2 indicates his regional connection and likely the primary sphere of his influence. During the period of the Judges, Israel was not a unified monarchy, but a loose confederation of tribes. Judges often exercised authority over specific regions or tribes rather than the entire nation. Tola's burial in Shamir grounds his leadership in a particular geographical and tribal context, reinforcing the decentralized nature of Israelite society at the time and highlighting that his service, though quiet, was impactful within his specific sphere of influence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The transient nature of Tola's leadership, culminating in the stark declaration "and died, and was buried," powerfully foreshadows the need for an eternal and perfect King who would not be subject to the limitations of human mortality. While Tola provided a period of much-needed stability for Israel, his death inevitably opened the door for the cyclical pattern of apostasy and oppression to resume, as was common after the passing of a judge (see Judges 2:19). This constant turnover of human leaders, each with their own limitations and finite tenure, points to the ultimate and enduring reign of Jesus Christ. Unlike Tola, who "judged Israel twenty and three years" and then died, Christ is the eternal King and Judge, whose kingdom "will never be destroyed" (as prophesied in Daniel 2:44). He is the one of whom it is said, "He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever" (Hebrews 7:24). Tola's quiet governance, though a blessing, was but a shadow of the perfect justice and everlasting peace brought by the true Son of David, the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6-7), who not only judges perfectly but also gives His life as the ultimate sacrifice, conquering death itself, and establishing a kingdom that knows no end.