Hebrew Idiom: Yoke

The Yoke of the Torah

Servitude is absolute: we serve man or we serve God, but we always serve. Keeping God's commandments (mitzvot), being a steward of the gospel and being a steward of grace are the ways we serve God.

Matthew 11:29 KJV - "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The Yoke of the Leading Ox

Historically, agricultural work, such as plowing, was carried out with the use of multiple animals. When a field was plowed, it was customary to use a pair of oxen. Having two oxen divided the work and if one oxen was stronger, the stronger would carry more of the burden; sometimes even pull the weight of the other ox. Younger and weaker animals had to be yoked with a stronger leader in order to learn and become stronger.

When we take off the yoke of men and bind ourselves under Christ's yoke, he leads the way. Our burden becomes lighter and his knowledge, strength, and guidance builds us up to be effective laborers with him.

Acts 15:10 KJV - "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"

Galatians 5:1 KJV - "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."