Who was Tolaite?

The Tolaite refers to the descendants of Tola, a son of Issachar and progenitor of a family line within the tribe of Issachar. In Numbers 26:23, the Tolaites are mentioned during the second wilderness census conducted by Moses as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. The name Tola (תּוֹלָע, Tôlā‘) in Hebrew means “worm” or “scarlet,” which could be symbolic of humility or sacrifice, as the tola worm was historically used to produce scarlet dye.

The Tolaites formed one of the clans (mishpachot) that made up the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This clan’s identity remained part of the organizational structure of Israel as it transitioned from wandering in the wilderness to settling in Canaan.

Biblical References

• Numbers 26:23 – “The descendants of Issachar by their clans were: through Tola, the Tolaite clan…”

• Genesis 46:13 – Tola is first listed as one of the sons of Issachar who went to Egypt with Jacob.

• 1 Chronicles 7:1-2 – Provides a genealogical summary of Tola and his descendants, who were described as mighty warriors.

• Judges 10:1-2 – A man named Tola, son of Puah, a descendant of Dodo, from Issachar, became a judge over Israel, possibly from the Tolaite clan.

Historical and Cultural Context

The second census in Numbers 26 was taken to count the new generation of Israelites who would enter the land of Canaan. Every tribe and sub-clan was recorded to assign land inheritance. The Tolaites, descending from Tola, played a role in representing the continuity of God‘s covenant with the patriarchs. This meticulous record-keeping also affirmed each family’s part in the promised land, their tribal responsibilities, and their share in God‘s unfolding plan.

The Tolaite clan represents one thread in the tapestry of Israel‘s identity—a people called to covenant relationship with God, structured by families, tribes, and ancestral heritage.

Theological Implications

Though the Tolaites are not central characters in dramatic biblical narratives, their inclusion in genealogies and censuses reflects God’s concern for each individual and family in His covenant people. They are part of the tribe of Issachar, which, according to 1 Chronicles 12:32, had men “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” This reputation implies a legacy of discernment and leadership.

God’s inclusion of every clan by name shows that He values faithfulness and remembers those who are part of His people. The Tolaites’ quiet presence underscores the truth that God‘s purposes are not only fulfilled through dramatic acts of heroism but also through generations of ordinary obedience and belonging.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The Tolaites, as part of the covenant community, foreshadow the New Testament church, where each believer, though not always prominent, is known, valued, and included in the body of Christ. In the same way the Tolaites had their names recorded for inheritance in the Promised Land, believers today have their names written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 21:27) and are heirs of the kingdom through Christ (Romans 8:17).

Moreover, the Hebrew meaning of Tola, “scarlet,” subtly points toward the redemptive thread of the gospel. The scarlet worm (tola) was crushed to produce dye, an image often linked to sacrifice. This imagery ultimately points to Christ, who was crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5) and whose blood—the scarlet thread—secures our eternal inheritance.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Faithfulness to Generations

The mention of Tolaites in census records demonstrates God’s commitment to His covenant across generations (Deuteronomy 7:9).

2. Every Person Has a Place in God’s Kingdom

As each clan and individual is named, Scripture affirms the dignity and purpose of each member in God‘s redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

3. Inheritance and Identity

In Numbers, land inheritance is tied to clan identity. In Christ, our inheritance is spiritual and eternal (Ephesians 1:11-14), pointing to a lasting citizenship in the New Jerusalem.

4. Christ in the Old Testament

Even obscure clans like the Tolaites contribute to the unfolding narrative that leads to Christ. Jesus, though from the tribe of Judah, comes to fulfill all of Israel‘s story—including the quiet faithfulness of lesser-known tribes.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of the Tolaites encourage us to value the roles of those who serve faithfully in the background?

2. In what ways does your identity in Christ mirror the Tolaites’ identity within Israel?

3. What does it mean to be known and counted among God‘s people, even when the world may not notice?

4. How can the biblical emphasis on family, inheritance, and spiritual legacy shape your life decisions today?

5. What “scarlet thread” of God’s redemption have you seen running through your life and family history?

Even in their obscurity, the Tolaites remind us that no part of God’s people is insignificant. Just as their name is preserved in Scripture, so too are the faithful remembered in the Lord.