Righteous Tola

Biblical Account

Tola appears in Judges 10:1-2, where he is described as "the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar." He is counted among the so-called minor judges of Israel — figures such as Shamgar, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon — of whom the text preserves little beyond name, lineage, tenure, and burial place, in contrast to the extended narratives given to the major judges.

The account states that Tola arose to deliver Israel following the death of Abimelech and judged Israel for twenty-three years. He lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim and was buried there. He was succeeded in the office of judge by Jair. No specific deeds or military exploits are recorded of him.

Commemoration Among the Forefathers

Tola is venerated in the Orthodox tradition among the Holy Forefathers, the righteous ancestors and forebears of Christ according to the flesh who lived before and under the Law. This commemoration, observed on the Sundays before the Nativity during the Nativity Fast, gathers the patriarchs, prophets, judges, and kings of Israel in preparation for the feast of the Incarnation. He is listed in the synaxarion on December 14.