### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻătsârâh**, represented by `{{H6116}}`, refers to an **assembly**, especially a solemn one convened for a festival or holiday. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying a special, often concluding, gathering. The term carries the weight of a formal assembly, whether for sacred worship or for profane purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and narrative, `{{H6116}}` is used to designate specific, appointed holy days. It is frequently the final day of a major feast, such as the **solemn assembly** on the seventh day of eating unleavened bread [[Deuteronomy 16:8]] or the eighth day of a festival ([[Leviticus 23:36]], [[Numbers 29:35]]). The prophets also use this term when calling the people to national repentance through a **solemn assembly** with fasting ([[Joel 1:14]], [[Joel 2:15]]). However, the word can also describe gatherings abhorrent to God, such as an insincere **solemn meeting** which He considers iniquity [[Isaiah 1:13]], a profane **solemn assembly** for Baal [[2 Kings 10:20]], or even an **assembly** of treacherous men [[Jeremiah 9:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and nature of these assemblies:
* `{{H2282}}` **chag** (feast): This word for a festival often precedes an `ʻătsârâh`, which can serve as the feast's conclusion. God's displeasure is shown when he despises both the **feast days** and the solemn assemblies [[Amos 5:21]].
* `{{H6942}}` **qâdash** (sanctify, proclaim): This verb is used to command the setting apart of a time for a holy purpose, including the calling of a solemn assembly. It is used to **proclaim** an assembly for the LORD, but also used ironically to proclaim one for Baal [[2 Kings 10:20]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (call, proclaim): The act of summoning people together is central to an assembly. This word is used for the **calling** of assemblies which, due to the people's sin, had become an abomination to God [[Isaiah 1:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6116}}` centers on the nature and purpose of communal gathering.
* **Culmination of Holy Observance:** The `ʻătsârâh` often represents the pinnacle of a divinely appointed feast, a final day of rest and holy convocation dedicated to the LORD ([[Leviticus 23:36]], [[Nehemiah 8:18]]). It was a day where no servile **work** was to be performed [[Numbers 29:35]].
* **A Means of Corporate Repentance:** The prophets invoked the call for a **solemn assembly** as a national emergency measure. It was a summons for the **elders** and all inhabitants to **gather** in the house of the LORD and **cry** out to Him in times of distress [[Joel 1:14]].
* **The Rejection of Empty Ritual:** The use of `ʻătsârâh` in the prophetic writings underscores a critical theme: God's rejection of religious ceremony devoid of sincere faith. He hates and despises assemblies that are accompanied by **iniquity** [[Isaiah 1:13]] and will not **smell** the offerings from them [[Amos 5:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6116}}` is not merely a term for any gathering but specifies a **solemn assembly** with a defined purpose. Its meaning is determined by its context, whether it is the joyful conclusion of a holy festival, a desperate call for repentance, or a profane gathering for idolatry. Ultimately, the word illustrates the vital biblical principle that the sincerity and righteousness of the participants, not the assembly itself, is what matters to God.
TRV