Charles Ellicott Commentary Joel 1:14

"Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the old men [and] all the inhabitants of the land unto the house of Jehovah your God, and cry unto Jehovah." — Joel 1:14 (ASV)

A solemn assembly. —The Hebrew word strictly means a festival day, on which the people gathered together, being relieved from work. Here they are summoned for a fast. The word may also be translated, as in the margin, “a day of restraint,” its root signifying to shut, to hold back.