### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maqhêl**, represented by `{{H4721}}`, refers to **an assembly; congregation**. It is a specific term that appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently denoting a gathering of people for the purpose of worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4721}}` exclusively appears in the Psalms as the setting for blessing God. In [[Psalms 26:12]], the psalmist declares that with his foot standing in an even place, he will bless the LORD in the **congregations**. Similarly, [[Psalms 68:26]] issues a command to "Bless ye God in the **congregations**," identifying this assembly as coming from the "fountain of Israel." In both instances, the term defines the corporate context for praise and adoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of worship within these assemblies:
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak**: This root word means **to bless God (as an act of adoration)**. It is the central action performed within the **congregations** in both of its occurrences, highlighting the primary purpose of the gathering [[Psalms 26:12]].
* `{{H5975}}` **ʻâmad**: This term means **to stand**. Its use in [[Psalms 26:12]], "My foot standeth," connects the physical posture of stability and presence with the act of worship within the assembly.
* `{{H3478}}` **Yisrâʼêl**: Meaning **he will rule as God**, this name identifies the people forming the assembly. The call to worship in the congregations is directed to those from the fountain of **Israel** [[Psalms 68:26]].
* `{{H4726}}` **mâqôwr**: This word for **fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring)** is used figuratively to describe the origin of the people gathered. The congregation is identified as being from the **fountain** of Israel, pointing to a shared source and heritage [[Psalms 68:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4721}}` is centered on the nature of corporate worship.
* **A Setting for Blessing:** The primary function of the **congregation** is to be a place where God is blessed. This is the explicit purpose stated in both [[Psalms 26:12]] and [[Psalms 68:26]], making corporate praise a key theme.
* **The Assembly of the Righteous:** The word is connected to a posture of stability and integrity. The declaration to worship in the congregations comes from one whose "foot standeth in an even place" `{{H4334}}`, suggesting that communal worship is grounded in righteousness [[Psalms 26:12]].
* **The People of God:** The term is explicitly linked to the identity of Israel. The call to bless God in the congregations is addressed to those "from the fountain of Israel" `{{H3478}}`, framing corporate worship as an activity of God's covenant people [[Psalms 68:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4721}}` provides a specific and focused term for an assembly gathered for worship. Though it appears only twice, its use in the Psalms establishes the **congregation** as the proper and designated place for blessing the LORD. It connects the act of communal praise with the stability of the righteous and the collective identity of the people of Israel.
TRV