assembly
qa.hal denotes a gathered public body, most often Israel assembled for address, worship, decision, or festival.
The term most often denotes Israel or a Judah-and-Israel public body gathered to hear leaders, worship, make decisions, or observe a feast. In a smaller group of passages it also identifies a large gathering or host brought against someone, including an assembly of peoples armed for judgment.
Senses in use
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Israel gathered as a public body · dominant
In 1 Kings 8:14 the construct form identifies all Israel standing while the king blesses them, and in 2 Chronicles 29:28 the absolute form names the whole body bowing while singers and trumpeters continue. The same gathered body can act together: in 1 Chronicles 29:20 it blesses the LORD and bows, while in 2 Chronicles 30:23 it agrees to continue the celebration.
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A large gathering or hostile host · occasional
In 1 Kings 8:65 the absolute form occurs in the description of all Israel present at a great feast gathering. In Ezekiel 16:40 the APB renders the clause "They will bring an assembly against you," and Ezekiel 23:24 places an assembly of peoples among armed attackers who will judge.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the term as "assembly," especially for Israel gathered before a king or in worship. It also uses "great assembly" and "assembly of peoples" in descriptions of large or hostile gatherings; these renderings reflect whole clauses.