2 Kings 10:20 - Exposition

And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. The word translated "solemn assembly" is the same which is applied to the great feasts of Jehovah among the Israelites in Le 2 Kings 23:36 ; Numbers 29:35 ; Deuteronomy 16:8 ; 2 Chronicles 7:9 ; Nehemiah 8:18 ; Isaiah 1:13 ; Joel 1:14 ; Joel 2:15 ; and Amos 5:21 . Originally, it signified a time of repression, or abstention from worldly business; but it had probably grown to mean a day when worldly business was suspended for the sake of a religious gathering. Such gatherings had no doubt been held from time to time in honor of Baal; and Jehu's proclamation consequently excited no distrust. And they proclaimed it. No opposition was made to the king's wish. No Jehovist party showed itself. The "solemn assembly" was proclaimed for some day in the near future, when all the people had been apprised of it.