Still Spinning - Tola Thru Abdon Series

November 08, 2025

Last week we witnessed as Israel sank further and further into the spin.

Through Yahweh’s power, Gideon had successfully banished the Midianite army. He declined the offer of kingship, but he made and set-up an Ephod. The people worshipped this idol and it became a snare to his family.

As the spin deepened, Israel began to turn on itself - briefly experimenting with kingship, only to see it fail in open revolt and war 3 years later.

Yet, Israel was at peace for 40 years – as long as Gideon lived.

That brings us to Tola “worm” (10:1-2)

Tola was of the tribe of Issachar, but he lived in the hill country of Ephraim. He rose up to save Israel and led them for 23 years. He died and was buried at Shamir

Next up Jair “may God enlighten” (10:3-5)

Jair lived on the east side of the Jordan – in Gilead. He led Israel for 22 years. He had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys and controlled 30 towns in Gilead. He died and was buried at Kamon.

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Judges 10:6 - Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of Yahweh. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines….

So, not only was Israel worshipping “the Baal and the Ashtoreths” they expanded their worship to include:

• Hadad (god of storms, rain and fertility) – chief baal “lord” of Aram, whose worship included fertility rites, male and female temple prostitutes and bestiality.

• Eshmun (god of healing) – chief god of Sidon

• Chemosh (god of war and destruction) – chief god of Moab whose, worship included human sacrifice

• Moloch/Milcom (god of war, fertility and the afterlife) – chief god of Ammon, whose worship included child sacrifice

• Dagon (god of grain, agriculture and fertility) – Chief god of the Philistines

Israel seemed to be incapable of learning from their past troubles and now 2 nations will come against them at the same time – the Philistines and Ammonites.

That year the Ammonites shattered and crushed the people on the east side of the Jordan and oppressed them for 18 years. They also crossed the Jordan and fought against Judah, Benjamin and Ephraim.

The people cried, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals."

Yahweh replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites (Midianites) oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"

The Israelites responded, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now."

Then the people got rid of their idols and Served Yahweh and he could bear their misery no longer.

When the Ammonite army camped at Gilead, the Israelites assembled at Mizpah.

The Israelite leaders said, "Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all those living in Gilead."

That brings us to Jephthah “he opens or to open” (10:6-12:7)

Tribe: “the land of Gilead” (east of the Jordan River – either Gad or Manasseh)

Enemies: Ammonites, Ephraimites (18 years of oppression)

Jephthah’s father was Gilead, his mother, a prostitute.

Jephthah’s father was also married and had sons by his wife. After the father died, the sons kicked Jephthah out of the family, claiming he had no right to any inheritance because he was the son of a woman other than their mother.

He fled to the land of Tob (southern Syria) where he became a mighty warrior and gathered around himself a group of “adventurers.”

Sometime later, the Ammonites made war on Israel and the elders of Gilead hurried off to Tob to find Jephthah.

Elders: Come and be our commander so we can fight against the Ammonites.

Jephthah: You shunned me and drove me out from my father’s house. Yet, now that you’re in trouble you want my help?

Elders: Let’s not dwell on the past ---- we’re here now. Help us fight the Ammonites and we will make you leader of all who live in Gilead.

Jephthah: Let me get this straight…. If I fight the Ammonites, and Yahweh gives me the victory, you’ll make me your leader?

Elders: Correct.

Jephthah first tried diplomacy – he was the ONLY judge to do so. He sent a message to the king of the Ammonites:

“What issue do you have with me that would cause you to make war against my land?”