The term "Assembly in Jerusalem" refers to several significant gatherings recorded in the Bible, where the people of Israel, their leaders, and sometimes representatives from other nations convened in the city of Jerusalem for religious, political, or social purposes. These assemblies were pivotal in shaping the religious and national identity of Israel.

1. Dedication of Solomon's Temple

One of the most notable assemblies in Jerusalem occurred during the dedication of Solomon's Temple. King Solomon summoned the elders of Israel, the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the ancestral families to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Zion, the City of David, to the newly constructed temple (1 Kings 8:1-2). This grand assembly was marked by sacrifices, prayers, and the glory of the LORD filling the temple. Solomon's prayer of dedication emphasized the temple as a place of prayer and divine presence (1 Kings 8:22-53).

2. Hezekiah's Passover

Another significant assembly took place during the reign of King Hezekiah, who sought to restore proper worship in Judah. Hezekiah sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, which had not been observed as prescribed for many years (2 Chronicles 30:1-5). This assembly was characterized by a spirit of repentance and renewal, as many from the northern tribes also participated, despite initial resistance and mockery from some (2 Chronicles 30:10-11).

3. Josiah's Covenant Renewal

King Josiah's reign saw another crucial assembly in Jerusalem. After the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, Josiah gathered all the people, from the least to the greatest, to the house of the LORD. There, he read the words of the covenant and led the people in renewing their commitment to follow the LORD and His commandments (2 Kings 23:1-3). This assembly was a turning point in Judah's history, as it sparked a nationwide reform and a return to the worship of Yahweh.

4. The Return from Exile

Following the Babylonian exile, the assembly in Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah was crucial for the restoration of the Jewish community. Ezra, a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, gathered the people in Jerusalem to read the Law aloud, leading to a collective confession of sins and a renewed commitment to the covenant (Nehemiah 8:1-8). This assembly was instrumental in re-establishing the religious and social order of the post-exilic community.

5. The Council of Jerusalem

In the New Testament, the Assembly in Jerusalem is prominently featured in the account of the Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15. This assembly addressed the critical issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. The apostles and elders, including Peter and James, gathered to deliberate on this matter. The council concluded that Gentile believers should not be burdened with the full yoke of the Law, but should abstain from certain practices (Acts 15:28-29). This decision was pivotal in shaping the early Christian Church and its mission to the Gentiles.

These assemblies in Jerusalem highlight the city's central role as a spiritual and political hub for the people of Israel and the early Christian community. They underscore the importance of communal worship, covenant renewal, and the resolution of theological and social issues in the life of God's people.