### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8439}}` (Tôwlâʻ) primarily functions as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating the name "Tola." Its base definition, however, explicitly links it to the meaning "worm," indicating its etymological root. This connection is crucial, as `{{H8439}}` is closely related to `{{H8438}}` (tôlā‘ or tôlā‘at), which refers to a "worm," specifically the crimson worm (*Coccus ilicis* or *Kermes vermilio*), and by extension, the "scarlet" or "crimson" dye extracted from it. Thus, while Tôwlâʻ is a personal name, its inherent semantic range draws from the biological and symbolic connotations of the "worm." The name likely reflects a connection to this creature, perhaps alluding to a characteristic, an occupation (e.g., dealing with dyes), or a symbolic association.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tôwlâʻ (`{{H8439}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, referring to two different individuals:
1. **Tola, Son of Issachar:** He is listed as one of the four sons of Issachar, a tribal patriarch. His lineage is recorded in the genealogical lists of Israel:
* In [[Genesis 46:13]], Tola is named among those who went down to Egypt with Jacob.
* [[Numbers 26:23]] identifies him as the progenitor of the "Tolaites" (`{{H8440}}`), a family within the tribe of Issachar, indicating his significance in the tribal structure.
* [[1 Chronicles 7:1-2]] reiterates his position as the firstborn son of Issachar, further detailing his descendants and their military strength. These passages establish Tola as an important ancestral figure, foundational to one of the twelve tribes.
2. **Tola, a Judge of Israel:** This Tola served as a minor judge over Israel for twenty-three years, following Abimelech.
* [[Judges 10:1-2]] introduces him as "Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, who lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim." His role as a deliverer and leader, albeit briefly described, highlights his importance in maintaining order and justice during a turbulent period in Israel's history. His tribal affiliation with Issachar suggests a connection to the lineage of the earlier Tola, though he is distinct.
In both instances, `{{H8439}}` functions purely as a proper name, with no direct textual indication of its etymological meaning "worm" influencing the narrative or character. However, the name's underlying meaning would have been understood by ancient Hebrew speakers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{H8438}}` (tôlā‘ or tôlā‘at), which explicitly means "worm," particularly the crimson worm (*Coccus ilicis*), and the "scarlet" or "crimson" dye derived from it. This dye, often paired with `{{H8144}}` (shani) as "scarlet worm" (tola'at shani), was a highly valued commodity used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments (e.g., [[Exodus 25:4]], [[Exodus 26:1]], [[Exodus 28:6]]).
Beyond this direct linguistic link, the concept of "worm" appears in other biblical contexts with various symbolic meanings:
* **Humility and Insignificance:** Humans are sometimes described as worms to emphasize their frailty and lowliness before God (e.g., [[Job 25:6]], [[Psalm 22:6]] where the suffering servant declares, "I am a worm and no man," and [[Isaiah 41:14]] where Israel is called "Jacob, you worm").
* **Decay and Death:** Worms are associated with the corruption of the grave (e.g., [[Isaiah 14:11]], [[Job 17:14]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** The "undying worm" is a metaphor for eternal torment (e.g., [[Isaiah 66:24]], quoted by Jesus in [[Mark 9:48]]).
While these broader symbolic uses of "worm" do not directly apply to the proper name Tola in its biblical occurrences, they form the wider semantic field from which the name's root meaning draws.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8439}}` (Tola) is primarily indirect, stemming from its etymological connection to the "worm" (`{{H8438}}`) and particularly the "crimson worm" (tola'at shani).
1. **The Crimson Worm and Atonement:** The use of crimson dye (tola'at shani) in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals carries profound theological weight. This color was essential for the curtains, veils, and priestly garments (e.g., [[Exodus 26:31]], [[Exodus 28:5-6]]), symbolizing purity, sacrifice, and atonement. The crimson worm's life cycle, where the female insect attaches itself to a tree, lays eggs, and then dies, leaving behind a crimson stain, has been seen by some scholars as a natural allegory for the atoning sacrifice of Christ, who shed His blood for the remission of sins. While the name "Tola" itself does not explicitly convey this, its root word points to this rich symbolism.
2. **Humility and God's Choice:** The broader biblical motif of the "worm" as a symbol of human frailty and insignificance (e.g., [[Job 25:6]], [[Isaiah 41:14]]) can offer a subtle theological reflection. If the name Tola indeed carried this connotation for ancient Israelites, it might subtly underscore God's pattern of choosing and elevating the humble and seemingly insignificant to fulfill His purposes, whether as tribal progenitors or deliverers of His people.
3. **Divine Providence in Genealogy and Leadership:** The very existence of Tola as a tribal head and a judge demonstrates God's sovereign hand in establishing the lineage of Israel and raising up leaders for His people. Regardless of the name's etymology, the individuals named Tola played their part in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Israel.
### Summary
`{{H8439}}` (Tôwlâʻ) is primarily a Hebrew proper noun, "Tola," referring to two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: a son of Issachar and a judge of Israel. Its base definition, however, explicitly links it to the meaning "worm," particularly the crimson worm (`{{H8438}}`), from which scarlet dye was extracted. While the biblical texts do not directly exploit the "worm" meaning in relation to the individuals named Tola, the etymological connection provides a rich backdrop. The "crimson worm" and its associated dye (tola'at shani) held significant theological symbolism in the Tabernacle and Temple, representing atonement and purification, often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. Furthermore, the broader biblical imagery of the "worm" as a symbol of human humility and frailty indirectly underscores God's ability to use the seemingly insignificant for His divine purposes, a principle evident in the lives of those named Tola who contributed to Israel's history.
TRV