1 Chronicles 11:8

And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

And he built {H1129} the city {H5892} round about {H5439}, even from Millo {H4407} round about {H5439}: and Joab {H3097} repaired {H2421} the rest {H7605} of the city {H5892}.

David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and going on around; while Yo'av repaired the rest of the city.

He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.

And he built the city round about, from Millo even round about; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:8 provides a glimpse into the significant building and fortification efforts undertaken by King David in Jerusalem, his newly established capital, with the crucial assistance of his chief commander, Joab.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse follows David's strategic capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, a pivotal moment that transformed the city into the political and religious heart of ancient Israel. Having conquered the stronghold, David moved into it and made it his permanent dwelling, famously naming it the City of David. The immediate priority was to fortify and expand it to serve as a secure and fitting capital for his united kingdom. The "Millo" (Hebrew: ΧžΦ΄ΧœΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧ, millô’), mentioned here and in other biblical texts, was likely a crucial defensive structure, possibly a large retaining wall or a filled-in rampart on the Ophel ridge, designed to strengthen the city's defenses and expand its usable area. Its mention signifies a major architectural undertaking essential for the city's security and growth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consolidation of Power: David's extensive building projects underscore his determination to establish a strong, secure capital for his reign, solidifying his authority over all Israel and creating a unified center.
  • Strategic Importance of Jerusalem: The diligent work of fortification highlights Jerusalem's transformation from a foreign stronghold into the central city of God's people, destined to become the place of the Temple and a symbol of God's presence.
  • Effective Leadership and Collaboration: This verse beautifully illustrates the synergy between David, the visionary king who initiated the projects, and Joab, his loyal and capable army commander, who executed the practical, hands-on work. It emphasizes the importance of effective delegation and teamwork in achieving monumental goals.
  • Laying Foundations: The building and repairing described here represent the laying of essential infrastructure for David's kingdom, both physically and symbolically, preparing the way for future growth and the establishment of the Temple.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Millo" is a subject of archaeological and scholarly discussion, generally understood to mean "filling" or "rampart." It refers to a substantial defensive structure or platform within the City of David, crucial for its early development and defense. Its prominent mention here, and later in connection with King Solomon's building activities, underscores its strategic importance to Jerusalem's fortifications.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable insights into leadership, diligent work, and the importance of establishing strong foundations. Just as David and Joab diligently built and repaired Jerusalem, we are called to build strong foundations in our own lives, families, and communities. It emphasizes the value of both visionary planning (David) and diligent execution (Joab). For believers, it's a reminder that significant spiritual and practical achievements often require collaborative effort, attention to detail, and persistent work to ensure stability and purpose. Whether in personal growth or collective endeavors, establishing and maintaining a secure "city" (our lives, our ministries, our homes) is essential for enduring strength and fulfilling God's purpose.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 9:6 (2 votes)

    And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that [was] in Shechem.

  • 2 Kings 12:20 (2 votes)

    And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

  • 1 Kings 9:15 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ And this [is] the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

  • 1 Kings 11:27 (2 votes)

    And this [was] the cause that he lifted up [his] hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, [and] repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.

  • Judges 9:20 (2 votes)

    But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

  • Nehemiah 4:2 (2 votes)

    And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?