(1.) A load of any kind (Ex. 23:5). (2.) A severe task (Ex. 2:11). (3.) A difficult duty, requiring effort (Ex. 18:22). (4.) A prophecy of a calamitous or disastrous nature (Isa. 13:1; 17:1; Hab. 1:1, etc.).
Burden
The word “burden” points two ways in these seven verses. Jesus says teachers “bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne” and lay them on other people’s shoulders, and Isaiah 58:6 names the fast God chooses: to “undo the heavy burdens” and let the oppressed go free. Yet Isaiah also opens whole messages with the same word, “The burden of Babylon”, then Moab, Damascus and Egypt, as if a spoken warning could weigh as much as a load. Isaiah 58 shows what lifting weight looks like, and Isaiah 13 and 15 show the heavier kind.
7 verses
Isaiah
Isaiah 13:1
The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.
Isaiah 15:1
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
Isaiah 17:1
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
Isaiah 19:1
The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Matthew
Matthew 23:4
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Luke
Luke 11:46
And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
From Easton's Bible Dictionary
Matthew George Easton, 1897