Judges 10:1
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. 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, God raised up Tola to defend and judge Israel. His rule was peaceful, in happy contrast to the stormy scenes that had come before. His work was not to lead armies into battle and win victories over enemies as the former rulers had done, but to bring closer union among the people, establish the government on a firmer basis, and restore order, law, and justice. Unlike the proud and envious Abimelech, he did not desire position or honor for himself but desired to improve the condition of his people.
He was a man of deep humility who felt he could do no great work, yet he determined to perform his duty to God and to the people with faithfulness. He highly valued the privilege of divine worship and chose to dwell near the tabernacle so he could attend its services more often. He governed Israel twenty-three years and was succeeded by Jair. Jair feared the Lord and endeavored to maintain His worship among the people, and in conducting the affairs of the government he was assisted by his sons, who acted as magistrates going from place to place to administer justice.