Judges 10:1-5: a reflection

1After Abimelech, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 2He judged Israel twenty-three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir. 3After him Jair, the Gileadite, arose. He judged Israel twenty-two years. 4He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkey colts. They had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead. 5Jair died, and was buried in Kamon.

Between the more famous judges of Israel, the book pauses to mention two who get only a few verses each: Tola, who arose to save Israel and judged it for twenty-three years, and Jair, who judged for twenty-two. No dramatic battles are recorded of them, no memorable exploits; we are told little more than their names, their tribes, the years they served, and where they were buried. Yet each of them led and saved Israel faithfully for over two decades.

Notice how little is said of these two, and how much they did. There are no thrilling stories attached to them, as there are to Gideon or Samson; they simply served, quietly and steadily, for many years, and Israel was kept and led under their care. Their faithfulness was not dramatic but durable, not celebrated but real. They belong to the long line of God's servants who do their work faithfully without ever becoming famous for it.

That is an encouragement for the many of us whose service to God will never be dramatic or celebrated. We can imagine that only the spectacular counts, the great exploits, the memorable deeds; and we can undervalue the quiet, steady faithfulness that makes up most of a useful life. But Tola and Jair remind us that God uses the steady and unsung as truly as the celebrated; long, quiet faithfulness is precious in his sight. Do not despise your own quiet, unremarkable service. Serve God faithfully, steadily, over the long haul, whether or not anyone notices; the God who recorded these two obscure judges values the faithful service that never makes a story, and your quiet faithfulness counts with him.

Lord, between the famous judges, you record two who get only a few verses, Tola and Jair, with no dramatic exploits, yet each led and saved Israel faithfully for over twenty years. Encourage me by them, for my own service to you may never be dramatic or celebrated. I can imagine that only the spectacular counts, the great exploits, the memorable deeds, and undervalue the quiet, steady faithfulness that makes up most of a useful life. But Tola and Jair remind me that you use the steady and unsung as truly as the celebrated; long, quiet faithfulness is precious in your sight. Keep me from despising my own quiet, unremarkable service. Help me serve you faithfully, steadily, over the long haul, whether or not anyone notices. You who recorded these two obscure judges value the faithful service that never makes a story; let my quiet faithfulness count with you, and help me offer it gladly.