Interesting Facts

• Tola is listed as one of the four sons of Issachar, born in the land of Canaan before Jacob’s family migrated to Egypt.
• No specific actions, speeches, or unique details are attributed directly to Tola in the provided sources. His presence is primarily noted within lists of Jacob’s descendants.

Genealogy

• Tola’s father was Issachar, one of the twelve sons of Jacob and Leah.
• Tola’s mother was Aridah (Hezaqa), whom Issachar married.
• Tola had three brothers: Puvah, Job, and Shomron.
• The sources do not provide any information regarding Tola’s marriage or his own offspring.

Historical Context

Tola lived during a pivotal period in the history of Jacob’s family. He was born in Canaan before the significant event of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. The subsequent famine in Canaan led Jacob to send his sons, including Issachar and presumably Tola, to Egypt to purchase grain. This event ultimately led to the reunion with their brother Joseph, who had risen to a position of great power in Egypt. Tola would have been part of the migration of Jacob and his entire household to the land of Goshen in Egypt, where they settled and prospered under Joseph’s guidance. He would have witnessed Jacob’s final blessings and prophecies over his sons and participated in the elaborate mourning and burial of Jacob in Canaan. Tola would have lived in Egypt during the time Joseph governed the land, ensuring security and sustenance for his family.

Narrative

Tola’s personal narrative within the provided texts is not explicitly detailed. He appears as a member of the tribe of Issachar and is mentioned in the genealogical lists of Jacob’s descendants who came to Egypt. As a son of Issachar, Tola would have been indirectly involved in the major events of his family’s story, such as the initial betrayal and sale of Joseph, the hardships of the famine, and the eventual reconciliation in Egypt. He would have been among the brothers who interacted with Joseph, albeit unknowingly at first, during their trips to buy corn. Tola would have been part of the large family group that Joseph provided for in Goshen. While he has no specific lines or actions attributed to him, his existence contributes to the overall narrative of the growth and establishment of Jacob’s family in Egypt during Joseph’s prosperous reign. He would have been present for significant family moments like Jacob’s blessings and death, participating in the traditions and mourning practices of his family.