a solemn assembly = a day of restraint. Hebrew. 'azarah. Occurs only here, in Joe_2:15; 2Ki_10:20; and Isa_1:13. Reference to Pentateuch (Lev_23:36. Num_29:35. Deu_16:8) where the feminine form 'azereth is used (App-92). It is found also in 2Ch_7:9, Neh_8:18.
gather the elders. There being no mention of a king in this book is held by some as pointing to the time of Athaliah's usurpation. But see notes on p. 1224, and App-77.