Judges 10:3

Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years.

Study Bible

After him
This phrase indicates a succession in leadership, following the previous judge, Jair. In the context of the Book of Judges, this succession is significant as it highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's history during this period. The Hebrew word used here, "אַחֲרָיו" (acharav), suggests continuity and the ongoing narrative of God's provision of leaders for His people, despite their recurring disobedience.

rose
The term "rose" implies a divinely orchestrated emergence of leadership. In Hebrew, the word "קוּם" (qum) often conveys the idea of being established or appointed. This suggests that the rise of a new judge was not merely a human decision but part of God's sovereign plan to guide and deliver Israel.

Tola
Tola is the name of the judge who follows Jair. The name "תּוֹלָע" (Tola) means "worm" or "scarlet," which may seem humble or insignificant. However, in the biblical context, names often carry deeper meanings or prophetic significance. Tola's leadership, though briefly mentioned, is part of God's redemptive work through seemingly ordinary individuals.

son of Puah
This phrase identifies Tola's lineage, connecting him to his father, Puah. The mention of ancestry is common in biblical narratives, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness across generations. Puah's name, "פּוּאָה" (Puah), means "splendid" or "mouth," possibly indicating a family known for its influence or communication.

son of Dodo
Further tracing Tola's lineage, Dodo is mentioned as his grandfather. The name "דּוֹדוֹ" (Dodo) means "beloved" or "uncle," suggesting a familial connection that is cherished. This lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people through successive generations.

a man of Issachar
This phrase situates Tola within the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). Tola's tribal affiliation may imply that his leadership was characterized by discernment and insight, qualities necessary for guiding Israel.

who judged Israel
The role of a judge in Israel was not merely judicial but also military and spiritual. The Hebrew word "שָׁפַט" (shaphat) means to govern or to deliver. Tola's judgeship indicates that he was raised by God to lead, protect, and bring justice to the nation, reflecting God's ongoing care and intervention.

twenty-three years
The duration of Tola's judgeship is specified, highlighting a period of stability and peace under his leadership. The number twenty-three, while not symbolically significant in itself, represents a substantial time in which Tola fulfilled his God-given role, contributing to the cyclical pattern of rest and rebellion in the Book of Judges.

Then he died
This phrase marks the end of Tola's life and leadership. Death is a natural conclusion to human endeavors, yet in the biblical narrative, it often serves as a transition point, preparing for the next phase of God's plan. Tola's death reminds readers of the temporality of human leaders and the eternal nature of God's sovereignty.

and was buried in Shamir
The mention of Tola's burial place, Shamir, provides a geographical anchor to his story. Shamir, located in the hill country of Ephraim, signifies a place of rest and honor. Burial locations in the Bible often hold cultural and familial significance, symbolizing the completion of one's earthly journey and the hope of future resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jair
A judge of Israel who arose after Tola. He is described as a Gileadite, indicating his origin from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. Jair judged Israel for twenty-two years, suggesting a period of relative stability and leadership.

2. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was part of the territory given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

3. Judging Israel
The role of a judge in Israel was to lead, deliver, and provide justice for the people. Judges were often raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and to guide them back to faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Provision of Leadership
God raises leaders in times of need. Jair's leadership for twenty-two years signifies a period of stability and divine provision for Israel.

Faithfulness in Leadership
Jair's long tenure as a judge suggests faithfulness and consistency. In our lives, we are called to be faithful in the roles God has given us, whether in leadership or service.

The Importance of Regional Identity
Jair's identification as a Gileadite reminds us of the importance of our roots and how God uses our backgrounds for His purposes. We should embrace our identity and allow God to use it for His glory.

The Cycle of Judges
The book of Judges illustrates a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This cycle is a reminder of the need for continual reliance on God and repentance from sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jair's leadership about the qualities God values in a leader?

2. How does the role of judges in Israel reflect God's mercy and justice?

3. In what ways can we be faithful in the roles God has given us, as Jair was during his twenty-two years of judging?

4. How does understanding the geographical and cultural background of biblical figures like Jair enhance our understanding of their accounts?

5. Reflect on the cycle of sin and deliverance in Judges. How can we apply the lessons from this cycle to our personal spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 2:16-19
This passage provides context for the role of judges in Israel, explaining how God raised them to deliver the Israelites from their enemies and lead them back to Him.

1 Samuel 12:11
This verse mentions Jair among other judges, highlighting his role in the history of Israel's leadership.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
This passage describes the allocation of the land of Gilead to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, providing geographical context for Jair's origin.