Burden
“Load, burden, oracle”
Summary
A load or weight to be carried, used literally and figuratively for responsibilities, oppression, and prophetic oracles.
☩Physical Burdens
Scripture refers to loads carried by people and animals. The Law required helping to lift a fallen animal's burden. Nehemiah rebuked those who loaded burdens on the Sabbath. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for binding heavy burdens on people while not lifting a finger to help.
☩Prophetic Oracle
The Hebrew word 'massa' can mean both 'burden' and 'oracle.' Many prophetic messages are introduced as 'the burden' concerning a nation. This suggests the weighty, oppressive nature of divine judgment being announced.
☩Spiritual Application
Jesus invites the weary to come to Him and exchange their heavy burdens for His light yoke. Paul instructs believers to bear one another's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ, while also noting that each must bear his own load.
Related Verses90 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Burden," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Burden," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).