page_title: Solemn assembly
section_title: In ancient Israel
hierarchical_section_title: Solemn assembly / In ancient Israel
caption_attribution_description: English: Solomon_dedicates_the_temple
context_page_description: A solemn assembly is a formal and sacred procedure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducted to give added emphasis to the purpose of the occasion. Solemn assemblies are held at the dedications of temples and for specially-called meetings to provide instruction to church leaders. Solemn assemblies are also held for the purpose of sustaining a new church president, who church members consider to be a prophet, seer, and revelator. Such assemblies are held, in particular, to follow the law of common consent. In 1831, a year after Joseph Smith established the Church of Christ, church members believe he was instructed by revelation to "call your solemn assembly, that your fastings and your mourning might come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth." Historically, solemn assemblies were held on special occasions of major religious importance in ancient Israel.
context_section_description: The Old Testament records that the people of Israel met in solemn assemblies on several occasions and for various purposes. A solemn assembly was most often held on the feast day at the end of Passover and the feast day at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Solemn assemblies in ancient Israel were also held for other special occasions, including at the dedication of Solomon's Temple. Joel wrote that solemn assemblies would be held in future times of great crisis. Joel's writings have been interpreted by some Christians, including the LDS Church, to be prophecies about events that will occur in the time just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Solemn assemblies held in the LDS Church today are viewed as a part of the “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by thy mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” in the context of practices of ancient Israel (especially temple dedications), and as part of the fulfillment of Joel's prophecies.
caption: Solomon dedicates the temple
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