The term "Assembly of the People" in the Bible refers to gatherings of the Israelites for religious, civil, or military purposes. These assemblies were integral to the communal and spiritual life of the nation of Israel, serving as occasions for worship, decision-making, and the reaffirmation of the covenant between God and His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "assembly" is "qahal," which denotes a gathering or congregation. One of the earliest references to such an assembly is found in Exodus 12:6, where the Israelites are instructed to slaughter the Passover lamb "at twilight, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall slaughter it." This assembly was a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking their deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

The assembly also played a crucial role in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In Deuteronomy 9:10, Moses recounts how the LORD gave him the tablets of stone "written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words that the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly." This event underscores the assembly's function as a setting for divine revelation and covenantal instruction.

Throughout the wilderness journey and the conquest of Canaan, assemblies were called for various purposes, including the reaffirmation of the covenant (Joshua 8:34-35) and the resolution of disputes (Numbers 16:3). The assembly was a means by which the people collectively sought the will of God and committed themselves to His commands.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of assembly is carried forward in the Greek word "ekklesia," often translated as "church." While the term "assembly of the people" is not explicitly used, the early Christian communities can be seen as a continuation of the Old Testament assembly, now centered around the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church as a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This assembly of believers was marked by a shared life and mutual support, reflecting the communal aspects of the Old Testament assemblies.

The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers not to forsake assembling together, as seen in Hebrews 10:25: "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This highlights the continued importance of gathering for worship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

Theological Significance

The assembly of the people is a testament to the communal nature of God's covenant with His people. It emphasizes the importance of corporate worship, collective decision-making, and mutual accountability. In both the Old and New Testaments, assemblies serve as a means for God to communicate His will, for the people to express their devotion, and for the community to uphold the values and laws given by God.

The assembly is also a foretaste of the ultimate gathering of God's people in the eschatological future, as depicted in Revelation 7:9-10, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne and before the Lamb, worshiping God together. This vision underscores the universal and eternal nature of the assembly of God's people.