Judgeships of Tola and Jair
Judges 10:1-5
Judges 10:1-5. The opening of this chapter gives only a brief notice of two more judges in Israel (Tola and Jair), both men of outward distinction. Tola was marked by his lineage, his name being found among the sons of Issachar who went down into Egypt, while Jair was characterized by prosperity, his many sons, and his cities. Yet, strikingly, nothing more is recorded of their service. God used them in maintaining His people, but without any special display of His power or glory.
Judgeship of Tola (vv.1-2)
CHAPTER 10
1 And after Abimelech, there rose up to save Israel Tola [‘a worm’] the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir on mount Ephraim. 2 And he judged Israel twenty-three years; and he died, and was buried in Shamir.
vv.1-2 The Judgeship of Tola. After the disorder of Abimelech’s rule, God raised up Tola to “save” Israel, and he judged the people for twenty-three years. Though his lineage is noted (perhaps named after his ancestor, a son of Issachar, Genesis 46:13), the Spirit of God records no great exploits or public victories, suggesting a quieter work. His name means ‘a worm’, reminding us of humility, which is quite the opposite of Abimelech. We see this lowliness perfectly in Christ (Psa. 22:6). His service shows that God may use such instruments to maintain His people, yet without any striking display that would draw attention to man. Tola resided in Mount Ephraim, not within his own tribal allotment. This would suggest the prominence of Ephraim amongst the tribes of Israel at this time.
Judgeship of Jair (vv.3-5)
3 And after him rose up Jair [‘spendid’], a Gileadite; and he judged Israel twenty-two years. 4 And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty ass colts; and they had thirty cities, which are called the villages of Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead. 5 And Jair died, and was buried in Kamon.
vv.3-5 Judgeship of Jair. Jair, a descendant of Manasseh through Gilead (east of Jordan), followed Tola and judged Israel for twenty-two years. He is marked chiefly by his outward prosperity: his thirty sons, their rule, and their cities. Jair is noted because of his wealth and prestige, yet it was not horses they rode, but mules (Deut. 17:6). Perhaps there was a carefulness not to take a place of reigning over the people of God. However, this prominence and abundance stands in contrast to the earlier judges whose weakness made room for God’s power to be seen. Here again, there is no recorded deliverance or special act of faith. It is often true that natural greatness and increase, though not wrong in themselves, are rarely accompanied by the power of God. His strength is made perfect in weakness. Nevertheless, Jair judged Israel, and this was a welcome change from Abimelech.