The sixth judge, Tola

Regarding Tola and Jair, there are only brief descriptions, so we cannot determine the details of their activities. However, upon careful reading of today’s passage, we can understand that the emphasis lies in the “time of peace and prosperity.” This stands in stark contrast to the “times of Shamgar and Jael” known as the time of war and distress (Judg. 5:6-10). Let us read today’s passage from such perspective. Tola was the sixth judge. He was a judge who calmed the turmoil that occurred during Abimelech’s time. (1) He was from the tribe of Issachar and lived in the hill country of Ephraim in Shamir. (2) He judged Israel for 23 years. (3) His body was buried in Shamir.

The seventh judge, Jair

Jair was the seventh judge. (1) He was from the half-tribe of Manasseh. He is the first judge to come from the east side of the Jordan River, from the region of Gilead. This shows that the Lord did not forget the tribes on the east side of the Jordan. (2) He judged Israel for 22 years. (3) He had 30 sons, who rode on 30 donkeys, and possessed 30 cities. Donkeys were the vehicles of nobility, and the judges used them to travel around various places. Jair seems to have been a judge with wealth and power. Tola and Jair did not seek to become kings like Abimelech. They faithfully fulfilled the missions entrusted to them by the Lord and brought a period of prosperity and wealth upon Israel. The period of prosperity and wealth may not be a remarkable time, but it is by no means a bad thing, rather, it should be welcomed. There is a difference between the perspective of man and the perspective of God. Most of our lives consist of unremarkable and ordinary days. Are you thankful for living ordinary days? Blessed is the one who sees the hidden grace of the Lord in the “ordinary” things.