“His Burden Shall Be Taken Away from Off Thy Shoulder and His Yoke from Off Thy Neck”

Monte S. Nyman

These verses are a promise of eventual deliverance to the people who will dwell in Zion in the day that the remnant will return. Therefore it is directed to the members of the church, whether Lamanites or other descendants of Joseph, who have gathered. The “Assyrians” (v. 24) would thus symbolize the Gentiles who were inhabiting that land, and were ruling over the blood of Israel scattered among them or living under their rule. The plea is for the Israelites to rely upon the Lord. While they may have trials and tribulations, these will be short-lived, and the promised blessings of Israel will be restored (vv. 25–26).

“His Burden Shall Be Taken Away from Off Thy Shoulder and His Yoke from Off Thy Neck”

Identifying the antecedents of the pronouns in verse 27 will give us a clearer understanding of Isaiah’s intent. “His” burden (or yoke) has reference to the Gentile burden of oppression. “Thy” shoulder refers to the shoulder of Israel under that oppression. “Because of the anointing” seems to be a reference to the covenant of Abraham, a promise of blessings to the remnant. They are his descendants and thus chosen or anointed to receive the covenant blessings. Mormon said the covenant would be fulfilled in the last days.

19 And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they might have received in the land, for the Gentiles who shall possess the land.
20 But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall be driven and scattered by the Gentiles; and after they have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will the Lord remember the covenant which he made unto Abraham and unto all the house of Israel. (Mormon 5:19–20)

The time frame given by Mormon fits the interpretation of the verses given above

The places mentioned in verses 28–34 are cities of Judah remaining after the conquest of Assyria (see 2 Kings 18:10–13).

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Nephi Wrote This Record

References