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Definition of Yoke:
- In literal sense, the word ‘Yoke’ means a bar of wood, so constructed as to unite two animals (usually oxen), enabling them to work in the fields, drawing loads, pulling instruments used for farming.
- Figuratively, It is a symbol of
- Slavery (1 Tim 6:1)
- Servanthood (Lev 26:13:”I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.” Also Jer 27:8-12)
- Submission, Forced Subjection
- Burden, Load
- Oppression (Is 9:4)
- Bondage to Sin (Lam 1:14: “My sins have been bound into a yoke, by his hands, they were woven together…”)
- The Plowman (farmer) binds the yoke upon the neck of the oxen, so that it would not fall off or be shaken off. Yoke bound around the neck of man would cause his strength to diminish, one may waver and fall under the yoke (load).
Back in Poland, in the shtetl, Rabbi Felder sees a young farmer struggling to reload a cart that had lost its load of hay.
"You look hot young man," said the rabbi. "Why don't you rest a moment and then I'll give you a hand?"
"No, thanks," said the young boy. "My father wouldn't like it."
"Don't be silly," the rabbi said. "Everyone is entitled to a break. Come, have a drink of water. Rest in the shade."
Again the young man protested. "Oh, no, rabbi. My father would be real mad!"
Losing his patience, the rabbi said, "Your father must be a real slave driver. Tell me where I can find him; I'll give him a piece of my mind!"
The young farmer replied, "He's right there under that pile of hay!"
