Study notes ▪ 2019Tags: Tola; Judges 8:33-10:2; Israel; Spiritual life; Baal; AbimelechExcerpted from Profiles of the Judges
Description of Spiritual Failure
|
“As
soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the
Baals and made Baal-berith their god. And the people of Israel did not remember
the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies
on every side, and they did not show steadfast love to the family of Jerubbaal …”
(8:33-35). |
| Nation(s) Oppressing Israel |
Not
recorded; see Special Notes |
| Nature of Foreign Oppression |
Not recorded; see Special Notes |
| Length of Foreign Oppression |
Not recorded; see Special Notes |
| Cry for Deliverance |
Not
recorded |
| Provenance of Judge |
Of
the tribe of Issachar, but residing in Ephraim (10:1) |
| Special Notes |
The
account of the period leading up to Tola’s service as judge contains no
reference to foreign oppression. However, even if Israel may have been free
from foreign attacks, it was the scene of significant bloodshed due to the
arrogant ambition of Gideon’s son Abimelech, whom the town of Shechem
recognized as king (9:1-49). Abimelech’s illegitimate reign lasted at least
three years (9:22) before he met an untimely demise (9:53-54). Ironically,
Gideon laid the foundation for Abimelech’s sins by conducting himself
presumptuously, not least in the naming of his son (Abimelech means “my father
is king”). |
| Length of Judge’s Service |
23
years (10:2) |
| Duration of Peace |
Not
recorded |
|
|
