Tola
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Tola in the Bible?
Tola was one of the four sons of Issachar and a Judge of Israel, who judged for 23 years. He was also mentioned among those who journeyed to Egypt with Jacob.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Tola's dual role clarifies the transition from the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to the tribal confederation structure described in Judges, illustrating how family lineage underpinned leadership roles in ancient Israelite society.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Tola reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tola in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tola clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Tola." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tola/