Original Word: תּוֹלָע
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Towla`
Pronunciation: to-law'
Phonetic Spelling: (to-law')
KJV: Tola
Word Origin: [the same as H8438 (תּוֹלָע תּוֹלֵעָה תּוֹלַעַת תּוֹלַעַת - crimson)]
1. worm
2. Tola, the name of two Israelites
The same as towla'; worm; Tola, the name of two Israelites -- Tola.
see HEBREW towla'
Tola (תּוֹלָע) designates an individual clan ancestor within the tribe of Issachar and the seventh judge of Israel. The same name is applied both to Jacob’s grandson and to his later descendant who rose to national leadership. In each context, Tola represents continuity of covenant faithfulness within one tribe over many generations.
Occurrences in Scripture
1. Genesis 46:13 – Listed among the sons of Issachar who migrated to Egypt with Jacob.
2. Numbers 26:23 – Appears in the second wilderness census, where the "Tolaite clan" is counted.
3. Judges 10:1 – Introduced as the judge who arose after Abimelech: "After Abimelech died, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, rose to save Israel; he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim."
4. 1 Chronicles 7:1 – Reaffirmed in the genealogies of Israel following the exile.
5–6. 1 Chronicles 7:2 – Expands on Tola’s descendants, underlining their valor and number.
Historical Context
The patriarchal reference (Genesis 46:13) places Tola at the inception of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt, anchoring Issachar’s identity inside the covenant family. Centuries later, during the settlement of Canaan, descendants of this same Tola formed a recognized clan within Issachar, as recorded in Numbers 26:23. The judge named Tola served during the early Iron Age (circa mid-twelfth century B.C.), a season when tribal coalitions struggled under Canaanite oppression and the aftermath of Abimelech’s violent reign. His residence in Shamir of Ephraim highlights inter-tribal cooperation: an Issacharite leading Israel while dwelling in a neighboring tribal territory.
Tribal Role and Genealogical Significance
The repeated mention of Tola in 1 Chronicles reinforces the Chronicler’s aim of restoring national identity after the exile. "The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel—mighty men of valor... numbered in the days of David twenty-two thousand six hundred." (1 Chronicles 7:2) These statistics emphasize the military strength Issachar contributed to David’s kingdom. Tola’s line thus connects patriarchal promise, wilderness organization, tribal settlement, and monarchic service.
Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Applications
1. Faithful Continuity: The name Tola surfaces across nearly a millennium of redemptive history, illustrating how God sustains families and tribes for His purposes. Congregations today can encourage generational discipleship, knowing that individual commitment may echo long after one’s lifetime.
2. Quiet Deliverance: Judges 10:1–2 records no spectacular battles, yet credits Tola with "saving Israel" and judging for twenty-three years. The absence of drama accentuates the value of steady, righteous governance. Churches and leaders are reminded that stability, integrity, and longevity often secure greater deliverance than momentary exploits.
3. Servant Leadership Beyond Territory: Though an Issacharite, Judge Tola lived in Ephraim. Crossing tribal boundaries for the common good foreshadows the New Testament mandate to serve beyond one’s immediate circle (Philippians 2:4). Believers are called to step outside parochial interests for the unity and edification of the wider body.
Messianic Echoes and New Testament Connections
While the proper noun Tola is distinct from the noun translated "worm" in Psalm 22:6, the homonym invites contemplation of Christ’s humility. Just as the earlier Tola "rose to save Israel," Jesus arose—through incarnation, cross, and resurrection—to secure eternal salvation. The chronicled increase of Tola’s descendants anticipates the expansive fruitfulness promised to Messiah: "Here am I, and the children God has given Me." (Hebrews 2:13)
Reflection for the Church Today
Tola’s legacy calls believers to nurture generational faithfulness, practice humble service, and pursue unity that transcends local boundaries. Whether one’s role resembles the unnamed clansmen of Numbers or the judge who quietly stabilized Israel, Scripture testifies that God weaves each obedient life into His unfolding plan.
Numbers 26:23
HEB: יִשָּׂשכָר֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם תּוֹלָ֕ע מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַתּוֹלָעִ֑י
NAS: according to their families: [of] Tola, the family
KJV: after their families: [of] Tola, the family
INT: of Issachar to their families Tola the family of the Tolaites
Judges 10:1
HEB: אֶת־ יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל תּוֹלָ֧ע בֶּן־ פּוּאָ֛ה
NAS: Abimelech died, Tola the son
KJV: to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah,
INT: to save Israel Tola the son of Puah
1 Chronicles 7:1
HEB: וְלִבְנֵ֣י יִשָׂשכָ֗ר תּוֹלָ֧ע וּפוּאָ֛ה [יָשִׁיב
NAS: [were] four: Tola, Puah,
KJV: of Issachar [were], Tola, and Puah,
INT: now the sons of Issachar Tola Puah Jashub
1 Chronicles 7:2
HEB: וּבְנֵ֣י תוֹלָ֗ע עֻזִּ֡י וּרְפָיָ֡ה
NAS: The sons of Tola [were] Uzzi,
KJV: And the sons of Tola; Uzzi,
INT: and the sons of Tola Uzzi and Rephaiah
1 Chronicles 7:2
HEB: לְבֵית־ אֲבוֹתָם֙ לְתוֹלָ֔ע גִּבּ֥וֹרֵי חַ֖יִל
NAS: households. [The sons] of Tola [were] mighty men
KJV: house, [to wit], of Tola: [they were] valiant men
INT: house of their father's Tola men of might
6 Occurrences
Strong's Hebrew 8439
6 Occurrences
lə·ṯō·w·lā‘ — 1 Occ.
tō·w·lā‘ — 5 Occ.