And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
After Abimelech died, a man named Tola rose up to defend and lead Israel. He was the son of Puah and grandson of Dodo, from the tribe of Issachar. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim.
This verse introduces Tola, who became a judge (leader) of Israel after the violent reign of Abimelech ended, bringing stability back to the nation.
📚 Historical Context
This verse marks the transition from Abimelech's destructive three-year reign to a period of restoration under godly judges. Abimelech had murdered his seventy brothers and ruled as a tyrant before being killed. Tola came from the tribe of Issachar but lived in Ephraim's territory, showing how tribal boundaries were somewhat fluid during this period.
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