The name Tola, which can signify “scarlet” or “worm,” appears in the biblical record as the name of two distinct individuals whose lives reflect the diversity of service within the history of Israel—one a foundational patriarch of a tribe, and the other a judge raised up by the Lord to deliver the people during a time of instability.
The first Tola is recorded in Genesis 46:13, Numbers 26:23, and 1 Chronicles 7:1. He was the eldest son of Issachar and a grandson of Jacob. As one of the heads of the families that migrated into Egypt, Tola stands as a primary ancestor of the tribe of Issachar. His name represents the initial growth and expansion of the children of Israel in the land of Goshen. He was a foundational figure in the development of the tribal structure of the nation, ensuring that the legacy of the patriarchs was carried forward into the generations that would eventually see the Exodus and the inheritance of the promised land.
The second Tola is recorded in Judges 10:1-2. He was the son of Puah, of the tribe of Issachar, and he served as a judge of Israel for twenty-three years following the tumultuous rule of Abimelech. During a period of national fragmentation and moral decay, Tola was raised up by the Lord to provide stability. The scripture notes that he “dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim” and was a man who worked to restore order and governance to the people. He represents the “quiet” leaders whom the Lord provides in times of unrest—those who do not seek the glory of the sword but who faithfully execute their duties to bring peace and justice to the land.
For the modern reader, these two men provide a study in the different dimensions of faithfulness. The patriarch Tola reminds us of the importance of being a faithful link in the generational chain of the covenant, preserving our family identity in the face of changing cultural pressures. The judge Tola reminds us of the necessity of godly leadership in a broken world; his service demonstrates that the Lord remains sovereign over the affairs of nations, consistently raising up individuals to act as stewards of His peace and order during times of confusion.
Together, they stand as a witness to the fact that the Lord is the architect of history, using both the quiet strength of the family and the public service of the leader to fulfill His purposes. Their names, preserved in the sacred text, are a permanent seal that they belonged to the chosen company of Israel. They encourage us to consider our own place in the ongoing work of the Kingdom: are we building a legacy of faithfulness within our own house, and are we standing ready to serve as instruments of the Lord’s order in whatever sphere of influence He has placed us?