Showing posts with label Oxen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oxen. Show all posts

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Yoke in the Bible – Definition | Word Study




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).