Judges 10:1 (KJV)

What does Judges 10:1 mean?

Judges 10:1 reports that after Abimelech’s time, a man named Tola, from the tribe of Issachar, became a leader who defended Israel. Tola was the son of Puah and grandson of Dodo, and he lived in Shamir, a town in the hill country of Ephraim.

This verse marks a transition in leadership for Israel after a troubled period under Abimelech. The writer is giving a brief introduction to Tola, noting his family background and where he lived. The focus is on Tola’s role as a deliverer or judge, showing that God continued to raise up leaders for Israel in times of need.

The Hebrew behind Judges 10:1

• The word “defend” comes from the Hebrew יָשַׁע (yasha‘, H3467), which often means “to save” or “to deliver.” This highlights that Tola’s role was not just to judge but to bring rescue or protection to Israel.
• The word “arose” is קוּם (qum, H6965), meaning “to rise up” or “stand.” This suggests Tola’s leadership was an active response to a need, not just a passive succession.
• “Shamir” (שָׁמִיר, shamir, H8069) is the name of the town where Tola lived, located in the hill country (mount, הַר, har, H2022) of Ephraim. This detail roots Tola’s story in a specific place, connecting him to the central region of Israel.

Why Judges 10:1 matters

• This verse clarifies that leadership in Israel shifted after Abimelech, who was a controversial figure, to someone from a different tribe, showing a return to broader tribal leadership.
• The mention of Tola’s ancestry and location connects him to the larger story of Israel’s tribes and geography, grounding his leadership in real families and places.
• By using the word for “deliver” or “save,” the verse sets the stage for Tola’s role as a judge who brings relief to Israel, continuing the cycle of deliverance seen throughout the book of Judges.