burden

A heavy load, but also psychological and spiritual anxiety (Deut 1:12; Gal 6:2; Gal 6:5). Certain superscriptions in prophetic books use a term meaning “that which is lifted up” as a technical designation for a weighty proclamation of judgment (Nah 1:1; Hab 1:1; Mal 1:1; Zech 9:1; Isa 13:1; Ezek 12:10). A conscious reflection on this term occurs in (Jer 23:33-40), where Jeremiah accuses opposition prophets of becoming a burden to the deity, although they claimed to possess the burden of the Lord. Since God alone could break the yoke of oppression (Isa 9:4; Isa 10:27; Isa 14:25), hope arose that the burden would eventually diminish. Jesus thus described his burden as light (Matt 11:30).