Joel 1:14 -
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,
Sanctify
Joel 2:15,16; 2 Chr 20:3,4
solemn assembly - or, day of restraint
Lev 23:36; Neh 8:18
the elders
Deut 29:10,11; 2Chron 20:13; Neh 9:2,3
cry
Jonah 3:8
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Joel 2 (NASB)
–
http://www.churchofgod.org/pdf/SR_section1.pdf (69 pp)
“… What is the Solemn Assembly? It is a corporate time given to soul-searching and self-examination. Though all services should involve those components, the Solemn Assembly is expressly for that purpose. It is a time of repentance and confession, not simply for individual sin, but for corporate sin. Corporate sin can only be confessed and repented of when the corporate body comes together to ask God for forgiveness. Fasting is required. Contrition of heart is expected. Genuine humility before God is essential.
The Solemn Assembly is also a time for the church to act in its priestly role toward the world in which it confesses for the cities and the nations, sins against God which could invite his wrath and judgment. As the church stands in the gap for its cities, God sends revival and visits the unrighteous on behalf of the righteous. …”
http://www.intotruth.org/dev/reproach.htm - D Wilkerson
“… In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were called to their festivals for seven days. On the eighth day – it was called an Solemn Assembly. That was when they met especially together – putting everything aside in focused worship and praise to the Heavenly Father. The scripture says, “On the eighth day you shall have a Solemn Assembly”. This Solemn Assembly is all through the Old Testament representing the congregation that is separated unto God needing to meet the Lord. …”
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic_pdf.php?topic_id=14235&forum=40 - RO Roberts
http://www.simpleprayer.org/online_discussion/news_articles/40_day_cleansing_guide.html
http://www.firstaog.com/media.php?sermonID=121 - video, mp3
http://www.praycal.org/40day_preparation.php - from Hollywood 2008
