Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke - This is a figure taken from the use of oxen, and hence signifying to labor for one, or in the service of anyone. The “yoke” is used in the Bible as an emblem:(1)Of bondage or slavery, Leviticus 26:13; Deuteronomy 28:38.(2)Of afflictions or crosses, Lamentations 3:27.(3)Of the punishment of sin, Lamentations 1:14,(4)Of the commandments of God.(5)Of legal ceremonies, Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1.It refers here to the religion of the Redeemer; and the idea is, that they should embrace... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:28
All ye that labour and are heavy laden - The Saviour here, perhaps, refers primarily to the Jews, who groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws and the traditions of the elders, Acts 15:10. He tells them that by coming to him, and embracing the new system of religion, they would be freed from these burdensome rites and ceremonies. There can be no doubt, however, that he meant here chiefly to address the poor, lost, ruined sinner: the man “burdened” with a consciousness of his... read more