According to Isaiah 9:4, what has been broken for the oppressed?

The correct answer is that the yoke of his burden has been broken for the oppressed. In Isaiah 9:4, the reference to the "yoke of his burden" symbolizes the heavy oppression and struggles faced by the people. The imagery of a yoke, which is commonly used in agricultural settings to describe a device used to harness animals for labor, signifies the constraints and harsh conditions that the oppressed endure. This verse expresses a message of liberation and hope, indicating that God will remove the burdens that weigh heavily on His people and provide them with freedom.

The other options, while they may resonate with themes of bondage or authority, do not specifically align with the context of the verse. The chains of captivity suggest a more direct state of imprisonment or enslavement. The seal of the covenant is an important concept pertaining to God's promises but does not relate to the specific theme in Isaiah 9:4. The rod of authority implies leadership and governance, which, though significant, does not capture the essence of liberation from oppression as effectively as the yoke does. Therefore, the breaking of the yoke is key to understanding the relief and deliverance that Isaiah conveys for the oppressed.