In the context of the Bible, "convocations" refer to sacred assemblies or gatherings of the people of Israel for religious purposes. These convocations were integral to the worship and communal life of the Israelites, as they were times set apart for worship, instruction, and celebration in accordance with God's commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of convocations is primarily rooted in the Mosaic Law, where God commanded the Israelites to observe specific holy days and festivals. These convocations were times when the people were to cease from their regular work and gather together for worship and sacrifice. The term "convocation" is often associated with the Hebrew word "miqra," which means a public meeting or assembly.

Levitical Feasts and Convocations

The Book of Leviticus outlines several feasts that required holy convocations. Leviticus 23 provides a detailed account of these appointed times:

1. Sabbath: Every seventh day was a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:3). It was a day dedicated to the Lord, marked by rest and worship.

2. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread: The Passover was followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, during which the first and seventh days were to be holy convocations (Leviticus 23:7-8).

3. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): Fifty days after the Passover, the Feast of Weeks was celebrated with a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:21).

4. Feast of Trumpets: The first day of the seventh month was a day of rest and a holy convocation, marked by the blowing of trumpets (Leviticus 23:24).

5. Day of Atonement: On the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement was observed as a holy convocation, a day of fasting and repentance (Leviticus 23:27).

6. Feast of Tabernacles: This feast began on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and lasted for seven days, with the first and eighth days being holy convocations (Leviticus 23:35-36).

Purpose and Significance

The convocations served multiple purposes in the life of Israel:

· Worship and Sacrifice: These gatherings were times for offering sacrifices and worshiping God collectively, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

· Instruction and Remembrance: Convocations provided opportunities for the Israelites to hear the Law and remember God's acts of deliverance and provision, such as the Exodus from Egypt.

· Community and Unity: By assembling together, the Israelites fostered a sense of community and unity, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen people.

· Rest and Reflection: The cessation of work during these convocations allowed the people to rest and reflect on their spiritual lives and their relationship with God.

New Testament Context

While the specific convocations of the Old Testament are not directly carried over into the New Testament, the principle of gathering for worship and instruction continues. The early church met regularly for teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), highlighting the ongoing importance of communal worship.

Conclusion

Convocations in the Bible were divinely appointed times for the Israelites to gather in worship, reflection, and community. These sacred assemblies played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual vitality and covenantal identity of God's people.4744. miqra -- a convocation, convoking, reading
... Word Origin from qara Definition a convocation, convoking, reading NASB Word Usage
assemblies (2), assembly (2), convocation (14), convocations (3), reading (1 ...
/hebrew/4744.htm - 6k

The Consecration of Joy
... These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations,
to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the consecration of joy.htm

Synods --Their History and Constitution.
... in vindication of his own principles published a tract "Concerning Fasts," in which
there is a passing reference to the subject of ecclesiastical convocations. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter xi synodstheir history and.htm

Of the Hindrances which an Unbelieving Husband Puts in his Wife's ...
... the poorer, cottages? Who will willingly bear her being taken from his side
by nocturnal convocations, if need so be? Who, finally ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter iv of the hindrances which.htm

Jehovah-Shammah: a Glorious Name for the New Year
... unveilings. The memory of holy convocations is sweet, because the Lord was
among them. They would not care to go where God is not. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jehovah-shammah a glorious name for.htm

Spiritual Diagnosis
... spoilt ourselves by thinking to draw thousands by public work"by what people call
"pulpit eloquence," by platform speeches, and by convocations and councils ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/spiritual diagnosis.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... to a common, a dangerous, and a fatal heresy, more frequently preached to crowned
heads, mitred prelates, members of parliament, and convocations, than it is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... Jesus looked upon the innocent victims of sacrifice, and saw how the Jews had
made these great convocations scenes of bloodshed and cruelty. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

The Elizabethan Articles. AD 1563 and 1571.
... At the first meeting of the two Convocations, which were summoned by Elizabeth in
January, 1563, Parker submitted a revision of the Latin Articles of 1553 ...
/.../ 80 the elizabethan articles.htm

O Day of Rest and Gladness
... Today on weary nations. The heavenly manna falls; To holy convocations. The silver
trumpet calls,. Where Gospel-light is glowing. With pure and radiant beams,. ...
/.../daily prayer the lords day.htm

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
... The comparative claims of Church and Dissent, the strife of parties within our pale,
the debates of Convocations, Congresses, and Diocesan Conferences, are all ...
/.../chapter x acts 26 24-29 portraits.htm

Convocations (5 Occurrences)
...Convocations (5 Occurrences). ... Leviticus 23:4 "'These are the set feasts of Yahweh,
even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their appointed season. ...
/c/convocations.htm - 8k

Convocation (19 Occurrences)
... Hence it is called an "holy convocation." Such convocations were the Sabbaths
(Leviticus 23:2, 3), the Passover (Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:7, 8; Numbers 28:25 ...
/c/convocation.htm - 14k

Assemblies (48 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them,'The set feasts of
Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my ...
/a/assemblies.htm - 22k

Feasts (45 Occurrences)
... New Moon. 1. Observances Common to All: The preexilic festivals were "holy
convocations" (Leviticus 23 Numbers 28). Special sacrifices ...
/f/feasts.htm - 36k

Seasons (43 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, The set feasts
of Jehovah, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are ...
/s/seasons.htm - 22k

Sacred (140 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them,'The set feasts of
Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my ...
/s/sacred.htm - 36k

Proclaim (172 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them,'The set feasts of
Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my ...
/p/proclaim.htm - 36k

Convulsed (7 Occurrences)

/c/convulsed.htm - 8k

Libations (29 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 23:37 These 'are' appointed seasons of Jehovah, which ye proclaim holy
convocations, to bring near a fire-offering to Jehovah, a burnt-offering, and ...
/l/libations.htm - 16k

Fasts (3 Occurrences)
... New Moon. 1. Observances Common to All: The preexilic festivals were "holy
convocations" (Leviticus 23 Numbers 28). Special sacrifices ...
/f/fasts.htm - 21k

What is a holy convocation? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus