Judges 10:1-5 Mercy, Peace, and the Coming King

Judges 10:1-5 Mercy, Peace, and the Coming King

Introduction

In 2001, Tom Brady was not a household name. Drafted last, sitting behind Drew Bledsoe—an established starter who had previously led his team to a Super Bowl—Brady was overlooked by nearly everyone. Then Bledsoe was injured. And the man no one expected began a twenty-year reign of dominance, winning championships and defining an era. No one saw it coming.

But even that kind of legacy is temporary. Every reign—no matter how impressive—ends. Yet Scripture speaks of a coming King whose reign is eternal. Judges 10:1–5 gives us a quiet moment of reprieve in Israel’s history, where two judges rise in succession to lead the people. Their names are largely forgotten by history, but their existence points to a deeper truth: even in silence, God is working. And a greater Judge is coming.

1. The Mercy of God in Appointing Judges (Judges 10:1–2)

Tola arose “to save Israel” (Judges 10:1). That statement alone reminds us that the people needed saving. Again. After the tyranny of Abimelech—a man who murdered his brothers to secure power—God gave the nation a reprieve. There’s no record of Tola’s speeches, miracles, or battles. But the mere fact that he brought order and peace for twenty-three years is a testimony to God’s mercy.

Israel did not cry out. God simply gave them peace. His patience is on display. Even though the people had rejected Him time and time again, He raised up a judge to preserve them (Judges 2:16; Judges 3:9). He did not need to act, but He did—because He is long-suffering and faithful (Ephesians 2:4–5).

Have you ever paused to reflect on the moments in your life when you didn’t deserve a second chance—but received one anyway? How often do we misinterpret peace as a result of our own actions, rather than recognizing it as the result of God’s intervention?

Scripture reminds us that God’s mercy is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Tola’s quiet rule reminds us that God often works not in thunder, but in grace-filled silence. And just as He raised up judges, He has now raised up Jesus—the final and perfect Judge (Luke 1:68–71).

2. The Riches of God in Seasons of Peace (Judges 10:3–5)

Jair, who followed Tola, judged for twenty-two years. His life is summarized through a list of symbols: thirty sons, thirty donkeys, and thirty cities (Judges 10:4). This description highlights a period of prosperity and social stability. In Old Testament culture, donkeys symbolized peace and authority (see Zechariah 9:9). Jair’s rule wasn’t flashy, but it was evidently prosperous.

Under the old covenant, such blessings were tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 11:13–15). So this moment of flourishing indicates that, at least for a time, the people returned to obedience. God’s covenant love remained—even after their repeated failures.

But the blessings Jair experienced are nothing compared to what we’ve been given. In Christ, we have received spiritual riches beyond measure—justified by faith, reconciled to God, and promised an eternal inheritance (Romans 5:1–2; Ephesians 1:18–20).

Have you misunderstood what prosperity is? Do you measure it by physical blessings or by your standing in Christ? Jair’s cities may have crumbled, but our inheritance is eternal.

Reflection

  • Have you mistaken a season of peace for personal achievement instead of recognizing it as God's mercy?
  • Do you view Jesus as the final Judge, raised by God not just to save but to rule eternally?
  • What does your response to God’s patience reveal about your heart? Are you moved to gratitude—or complacency?
  • Are you trusting in temporary kingdoms, or are your eyes fixed on the kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28)?

Conclusion

The judges Tola and Jair are largely forgotten, but their stories are not meaningless. They were instruments of God’s mercy and shadows of the better Savior to come. Their peace points to a better peace. Their temporary leadership foreshadows the eternal reign of Christ. He has come once to save—and He will return again to reign. When He comes, will you recognize Him as your King?

Scripture References

  • Judges 2:16 – The LORD raised up judges who saved the people from their enemies.
  • Judges 3:9, 15 – God responded to cries for help by raising up deliverers like Othniel and Ehud.
  • Amos 2:11 – God raised up prophets and Nazirites, showing His commitment to guide His people.
  • Luke 1:68–71 – Zechariah praises God for raising up Jesus as the horn of salvation.
  • Hebrews 12:1–2 – Encouragement to run the race by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of faith.
  • Ephesians 2:4–10 – By grace we have been saved through faith; we are His workmanship.
  • Genesis 28:15 – God’s promise to be with His people and fulfill His word.
  • Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission and the promise that Christ is with us always.
  • Deuteronomy 11:13–17 – Blessings promised to Israel for obedience under the covenant.
  • Romans 5:1–5 – Justification by faith brings peace with God and hope in suffering.
  • 1 Peter 3:18 – Christ suffered once to bring us to God—the righteous for the unrighteous.
  • Ephesians 1:15–20 – The hope and riches of our inheritance in Christ, revealed by the Spirit.

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