We are in Exodus chapter two with our word for today. סְבָלוֹת burden bearing, compulsory labor, forced labor, work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay. It is used 6 times in the Old Testament each time in the book of Exodus. Pharaoh shamelessly uses this word to describe what he himself has put on God’s people. Exodus 5:4-5 But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their לְסִבְלֹתֵיכֶֽם burdens? Get back to your work!” Then Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you are making them rest from their מִסִּבְלֹתָֽם burdens.” The good news is that even though Pharaoh is heartless in his oppression over God’s people. God himself will take away this burden. Exodus 6:6-7 Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the סִבְלֹ֣ת burdens of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the סִבְל֥וֹת yoke of the Egyptians. Our word is at the beginning of Exodus describing the condition of the work Pharaoh put on God’s people. Exodus 1:11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑ם forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. The ESV has instead of forced labor heavy burdens which is another meaning of the word. Either way it was oppressive and harsh. This is the sense of how our word is used today in our chapter. Exodus 2:11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑ם burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.
Another form of our word is used in a messianic prophecy that predicts Christ first and second comings. God will eventually establish Jesus as our true ruler and king. When this happens we will truly be free from all oppression and harsh leadership so typical of governments in this life. Isaiah 9:4, 6-7 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that סֻבֳּל֗וֹ burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. I’ll close with Jesus words that contrast the work he and God the father has for us that is completely the opposite of the kind Pharaoh and many like him try to oppress us with. Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
