Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 10:1

"And after Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in the hill-country of Ephraim." — Judges 10:1 (ASV)

After Abimelech. —This is merely a note of time. Abimelech is not counted among the judges, though it is not improbable that, evil as the episode of his rebellions was, he may have kept foreign enemies in check.

To defend Israel. —Rather, to deliver, as in the margin and elsewhere (Judges 2:16; Judges 2:18; Judges 3:9, etc.).

There arose. —The phrase implies a less direct call and a less immediate service than that used of other judges (Judges 2:18; Judges 3:9).

Tola. —The name of a son of Issachar (Genesis 46:13). It means “worm” (perhaps the kermes worm), and may, like Puah, be connected with the trade in purple dyes. He seems to have been the only judge furnished by this indolent tribe, unless Deborah be an exception. Josephus omits his name.

Puah. —Also a son of Issachar (1 Chronicles 7:1).

The son of Dodo. —The Septuagint renders it “the son of his uncle,” but there can be little doubt that Dodo is a proper name, as in 1 Chronicles 11:12; 2 Samuel 23:9; 2 Samuel 23:24. It is from the same root as David, “beloved.” Since Tola was of Issachar, he could not be the nephew of Abimelech, a Manassite.

He dwelt in Shamir. —The name has nothing to do with Samaria, as the Septuagint seems to suppose. It may be Sanûr, eight miles north of Samaria.

In mount Ephraim. —As judge, he would have to establish his residence in a town more central than any in his own tribe. There was another Shamir in Judah (Joshua 15:48).