### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קָלַהּ (qâlahh), designated as `{{H7035}}`, carries the core meaning "to assemble" or "to gather together." Crucially, its definition explicitly states it is "for קָהַל (qâhal)," indicating a direct semantic and possibly etymological relationship with the more common and foundational root קָהַל (qâhal) `{{H6950}}`. This suggests קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` functions as a variant or closely related form that conveys the same fundamental concept of bringing disparate individuals or elements into a unified group or collection. The semantic range is therefore tightly constrained to actions involving convocation, collection, and the formation of a collective body.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` itself is exceedingly rare, or perhaps even a theoretical or variant form not directly attested as a distinct lemma in the Masoretic Text with this specific meaning, its significance is derived entirely from its relationship to קָהַל `{{H6950}}`. The root קָהַל `{{H6950}}` is robustly attested throughout the Hebrew Bible, depicting various forms of assembling.
The act of "gathering" or "assembling" (as represented by קָהַל `{{H6950}}`) can be:
* **Spontaneous and Collective:** Often seen when people gather in response to an event or leader, as when the Israelites *assembled* themselves to Aaron in the wilderness after Moses' delay [[Exodus 32:1]], or when Korah and his company *gathered* against Moses and Aaron [[Numbers 16:3]]. These gatherings can be for good or ill, demonstrating the collective power of a united populace.
* **Formal and Deliberate:** This includes the convocation of the entire community for significant religious or national purposes. For instance, the whole congregation of Israel *assembled* at Shiloh to set up the tabernacle [[Joshua 18:1]], or King Solomon *assembled* the elders of Israel for the dedication of the Temple [[1 Kings 8:1]]. Such assemblies often involved covenant renewal, worship, or judicial proceedings, underscoring the structured nature of Israelite community life.
* **Responsive to Divine or Human Call:** The people *gathered* to Ezra for confession and repentance [[Ezra 10:1]], illustrating a gathering in response to spiritual leadership and a call to holiness.
Thus, while קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` might not have independent textual occurrences, its semantic link to קָהַל `{{H6950}}` firmly places it within the rich biblical tapestry of communal gathering, whether for worship, rebellion, or national action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is קָהַל (qâhal) `{{H6950}}`, the verbal root from which קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` derives its meaning. From this root also comes the noun קָהָל (qâhâl) `{{H6951}}`, meaning "assembly" or "congregation." This noun is frequently used to refer to the "assembly of Israel" or the "assembly of the Lord," signifying the gathered people of God.
Other related Hebrew terms conveying the concept of gathering include:
* עֵדָה (ʿēdâ) `{{H5712}}`: Another prominent term for "congregation" or "assembly," often used interchangeably with קָהָל `{{H6951}}` to denote the collective body of Israel.
* כָּנַס (kânas) `{{H3664}}`: "to gather, collect," often implying a more general collection of people or things.
* אָסַף (ʾâsaph) `{{H622}}`: "to gather, collect, remove," a broader term that can refer to gathering crops, people, or even being "gathered to one's fathers" (dying).
These terms collectively highlight the importance of community and the act of bringing individuals together in various contexts within ancient Israelite society.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "assembling" or "gathering," as conveyed by קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` through its connection to קָהַל `{{H6950}}`, is profoundly significant in biblical theology.
1. **Divine Initiative in Community Formation:** God Himself is often depicted as the one who "gathers" His people. From the initial convocation at Mount Sinai to the prophetic visions of a future ingathering of scattered Israel, God's sovereign hand is at work in forming and sustaining His covenant community. This underscores that the existence of the "assembly of the Lord" is not merely human initiative but divine design.
2. **Covenantal Relationship:** Assemblies were crucial for renewing the covenant, hearing the Law, and worshipping God. The act of gathering physically symbolized the collective commitment of the people to their covenant Lord, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose.
3. **Unity and Solidarity:** The act of assembling emphasizes unity over fragmentation. It speaks to the solidarity of a people bound by common faith, shared history, and mutual obligations. In a fragmented world, the call to gather is a call to communal identity and shared witness.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** Prophetic literature frequently speaks of a future day when God will "gather" His dispersed people from all nations, bringing them back to their land and restoring them to a renewed covenant relationship. This "eschatological gathering" is a cornerstone of biblical hope, pointing to God's ultimate faithfulness and the restoration of His people.
### Summary
קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` is a rare Hebrew lemma whose meaning, "to assemble; gather together," is directly derived from the more common and foundational root קָהַל `{{H6950}}`. While קָלַהּ `{{H7035}}` itself may not have distinct occurrences in the Masoretic Text, its definition firmly links it to the pervasive biblical concept of gathering. This concept is central to understanding the formation and function of the Israelite community, whether in spontaneous congregations, formal convocations for worship and covenant renewal, or the prophetic vision of God's ultimate ingathering of His people. The act of assembling, therefore, carries deep theological weight, signifying divine initiative, covenantal relationship, communal unity, and eschatological hope within the biblical narrative.
TRV