Lexical Summary maqhel or maqhelah: Assembly, company, congregation Original Word: מַקְהֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance congregation Or (feminine) maqhelah {mak-hay-law'}; from qahal; an assembly -- congregation. see HEBREW qahal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qahal Definition an assembly NASB Translation congregations (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַקְהֵל] noun [masculine] assembly, for worship, plural: possibly choirs, מַקְהֵלִים Psalm 26:12, מַקְהֵלוֺת Psalm 68:27. Topical Lexicon Concept Summary מַקְהֵל (Strong’s Hebrew 4721) designates the gathered worshiping people of God, especially in settings of formal praise. Unlike terms that stress civic or military gatherings, this word is confined to the religious sphere, highlighting the covenant community assembled to bless the LORD. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Psalm 26:12 – “My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.” Both psalms are Davidic, set against the backdrop of organized, celebratory worship surrounding the sanctuary. Portrait of the “Great Assembly” • Liturgical Context: The psalms envision pilgrims or Levites leading processions, instruments sounding, and voices united in doxology (Psalm 68:24–27). Historical Significance During David’s reign the Ark was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). These psalms capture the heightened sense of national unity and divine presence that characterized those gatherings. The term later shaped temple liturgy, influencing the Chronicler’s repeated phrase “all the assembly” in describing Solomon’s dedication (2 Chronicles 5:6, 2 Chronicles 6:3). Theological Themes • Public Witness: Private devotion finds completion in public praise; individual integrity (Psalm 26) culminates in congregational blessing. Ministry Implications 1. Value of Gathering: Hebrews 10:25 echoes the psalmic emphasis on assembled praise, urging New Covenant believers not to neglect meeting together. Christological and Eschatological Echoes Jesus, the greater David, sings in the midst of His brethren (Hebrews 2:12 quoting Psalm 22:22). The earthly מַקְהֵל anticipates the innumerable multitude in Revelation 7:9–12, where redeemed humanity from every nation assembles before the throne. Practical Application for Today • Encourage regular, wholehearted participation in congregational worship as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations בְּ֝מַקְהֵלִ֗ים בְּֽ֭מַקְהֵלוֹת במקהלות במקהלים bə·maq·hê·lîm bə·maq·hê·lō·wṯ bemakheLim Bemakhelot bəmaqhêlîm bəmaqhêlōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 26:12 HEB: עָֽמְדָ֣ה בְמִישׁ֑וֹר בְּ֝מַקְהֵלִ֗ים אֲבָרֵ֥ךְ יְהוָֽה׃ NAS: on a level place; In the congregations I shall bless KJV: in an even place: in the congregations will I bless INT: stands A level the congregations shall bless the LORD Psalm 68:26 2 Occurrences |