1 Kings 9:24

KJV

But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Pharaoh's {H6547} daughter {H1323} came up {H5927} out of the city {H5892} of David {H1732} unto her house {H1004} which Solomon had built {H1129} for her: then did he build {H1129} Millo {H4407}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh's daughter came up from the City of David to her house, which Shlomo had built for her. After that he built the Millo.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as Pharaoh’s daughter had come up from the City of David to the palace that Solomon had built for her, he built the supporting terraces.

American Standard Version

But Pharaoh’s daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a significant transition in King Solomon's reign, detailing the relocation of Pharaoh's daughter from the sacred "City of David" to her newly constructed royal residence and the subsequent building of Millo. It highlights the completion of Solomon's extensive building projects, moving from the sacred Temple and his own palace to the specific accommodations for his foreign queen, while simultaneously underscoring his ongoing efforts to fortify and expand Jerusalem, reflecting his immense wealth, architectural ambition, and the complex interplay of political alliances and spiritual considerations during his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after the comprehensive account of Solomon's twenty-year building program, which included the magnificent Temple of the Lord, completed in seven years (as detailed in [1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Completion of the Temple")), and his own opulent royal palace, which took thirteen years (as noted in [1 Kings 7:1](/1_kings/7-1 "1 Kings 7:1 - Completion of Solomon's Palace")). Following these monumental achievements, the narrative recounts the Lord's second appearance to Solomon, reiterating the enduring Davidic covenant and issuing a solemn warning against idolatry and disobedience, themes powerfully articulated in [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God's Second Appearance to Solomon"). Verse 24 then shifts focus to a more administrative and logistical detail, signaling the completion of the primary royal residences and the specific arrangements for Solomon's prominent foreign wife, Pharaoh's daughter, before detailing the organization of his forced labor and further building activities in the subsequent verses (such as [1 Kings 9:20-23](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-23 - Solomon's Labor Force")). The verse thus serves as a crucial narrative bridge, concluding the major building phase of Solomon's reign and subtly introducing the complexities of his foreign alliances that would later contribute to his spiritual decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, first mentioned in [1 Kings 3:1](/1_kings/3-1 "1 Kings 3:1 - Solomon's Marriage to Pharaoh's Daughter"), was a profoundly significant political alliance, solidifying ties with Egypt, the preeminent regional power of the day. In the ancient Near East, such royal marriages were conventional diplomatic tools, signifying prestige, securing peace treaties, and fostering trade relationships. For a king of Israel to marry an Egyptian princess, particularly Pharaoh's daughter, was an unprecedented event and a powerful testament to Solomon's burgeoning power and international influence. The "City of David" refers to the original Jebusite stronghold in Jerusalem, which King David had conquered and subsequently established as the spiritual and political heart of his kingdom, notably housing the Ark of the Covenant. It was culturally and religiously significant that a foreign queen, especially one from a polytheistic nation like Egypt, would not reside in the immediate vicinity of the Ark or the newly consecrated Temple. The construction of a dedicated house for her outside this sacred core reflects both the completion of a suitable royal complex and a subtle, initial acknowledgment of the need for separation between Israel's distinct faith and foreign religious practices, even if this principle was later tragically compromised by Solomon's other foreign wives and their accompanying deities (as vividly described in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Wives and Idolatry")). The ongoing building of "Millo" indicates continuous urban development and fortification efforts, which were crucial for the security and expansion of a burgeoning capital city in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of 1 Kings. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Solomon's immense wealth and unparalleled architectural prowess**, showcasing his remarkable ability to construct lavish residences and fortify his capital, which became a defining hallmark of his reign's prosperity and grandeur. Secondly, it subtly highlights the pervasive theme of **political alliances and their inherent spiritual dangers**. While the marriage to Pharaoh's daughter initially brought stability and prestige, it also represented a significant step towards compromise with foreign cultures and their idolatrous deities, tragically foreshadowing the spiritual decline detailed later in the book. Thirdly, the relocation of Pharaoh's daughter from the "City of David" touches upon the critical theme of **purity and the necessary separation between the sacred and the profane**. Although Solomon's later actions would starkly contradict this principle, the initial separation suggests an underlying awareness of the distinctiveness required for Israel's unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh. Finally, the explicit mention of "Millo" reinforces the continuous theme of **urban development and the fortification of Jerusalem**, portraying it as an ongoing effort to secure and expand the capital as the central locus of power and worship for the united kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** This word (H1323) specifically refers to a female offspring. In this context, it denotes a princess, the daughter of Pharaoh (H6547, Parʻôh), signifying her high royal status and the immense political prestige associated with her marriage to Solomon. Her identity as "Pharaoh's daughter" immediately flags her as a foreign entity within the Israelite narrative, setting the stage for themes of alliance, integration, and potential spiritual compromise.
* **Built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** The verb "bânâh" (H1129) signifies the act of construction, both literally and, at times, figuratively (as in "building a family"). Here, it is used twice, emphasizing Solomon's extensive architectural endeavors: first, the completion of the queen's personal residence, and second, the further development of Jerusalem's infrastructure with Millo. This highlights Solomon's role as a prodigious builder, a hallmark of his reign's prosperity and power, but also implicitly points to the vast resources and labor commanded for these projects.
* **Millo (Hebrew, _millôʼ'_):** This term (H4407) refers to a specific architectural feature in Jerusalem, often understood as a "filling" or "mound," likely a terraced structure or retaining wall designed to fortify the city or expand its usable area. Its construction by Solomon, following David's initial work, underscores the continuous effort to strengthen Jerusalem's defenses and infrastructure, marking it as a secure and expanding capital. The building of Millo is a testament to Solomon's strategic vision for urban development and national security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David":** This clause highlights the physical relocation of Solomon's prominent Egyptian wife. Her previous residence in the "City of David" placed her in close proximity to the Ark of the Covenant and the sacred heart of Israelite worship. Her departure signifies a deliberate separation, perhaps acknowledging the potential spiritual tension arising from a foreign queen residing in such a hallowed space, even if the overall principle of separation was not consistently applied by Solomon throughout his reign.
* **"unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her":** This phrase emphasizes the completion of a dedicated, presumably lavish, residence for Pharaoh's daughter. It underscores Solomon's immense resources, architectural ambition, and his commitment to fulfilling his obligations to this important political ally. The construction of this house was a significant part of his broader building program, showcasing his wealth and power and symbolizing the extent of his international connections.
* **"then did he build Millo":** This final clause indicates Solomon's continued efforts in urban development and fortification beyond the primary royal and sacred structures. The building of Millo, a critical defensive and infrastructural component of Jerusalem, demonstrates his strategic foresight in securing and expanding the capital. It also connects Solomon's reign to David's, as David had also worked on Millo, signifying continuity in strengthening Jerusalem as the center of the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing the construction of a residence for a foreign queen alongside the ongoing fortification of Jerusalem. This highlights the dual nature of Solomon's reign: one of immense prosperity and strategic alliances, but also one subtly influenced by foreign elements. The mention of Pharaoh's daughter, a symbol of foreign influence and potential spiritual compromise, immediately after the twenty-year building of the Temple and palace, creates a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the challenges to Solomon's faithfulness that would arise from his many foreign wives. The "City of David" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the sacred core of Israelite identity and worship, from which the foreign queen is moved, suggesting a symbolic attempt at maintaining purity and distinction, even if ultimately unsuccessful in the broader narrative of Solomon's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative detail in [1 Kings 9:24](/1_kings/9-24 "1 Kings 9:24 - Solomon's Building Projects and Pharaoh's Daughter") carries profound theological weight, touching on themes of spiritual purity, the dangers of compromise, and the stewardship of power. The relocation of Pharaoh's daughter from the City of David, the sacred heart of Israel, to her own house, implicitly acknowledges the need for distinction between the holy and the common, especially concerning foreign influences that could lead to idolatry. While Solomon's initial act here might suggest an awareness of this principle, his later actions, particularly his proliferation of foreign wives and their gods, demonstrate a tragic failure to uphold it consistently, leading to the division of the kingdom. The building of Millo, while a testament to Solomon's administrative skill and commitment to national security, also highlights the immense resources and labor channeled into secular projects, inviting reflection on the balance between material prosperity and spiritual devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage")
* [Nehemiah 3:15](/nehemiah/3-15 "Nehemiah 3:15 - The Gate of the Fountain and the Wall of the Pool of Siloam")
* [2 Chronicles 32:5](/2_chronicles/32-5 "2 Chronicles 32:5 - Hezekiah's Fortifications")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Kings 9:24](/1_kings/9-24 "1 Kings 9:24 - Solomon's Building Projects and Pharaoh's Daughter"), though brief, offers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of power, faith, and compromise. Solomon, at the zenith of his reign, demonstrates unparalleled capacity for grand architectural projects and strategic alliances. Yet, even in this detail, we see the subtle seeds of future spiritual decline. His commitment to building a lavish residence for a foreign queen, while politically astute, stands in contrast to the singular devotion required by God. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our priorities reveal our true allegiances. Are we investing our greatest resources—time, energy, finances—into what truly matters to God, or are we primarily focused on building our own "palaces" and securing worldly alliances? The subtle compromises, seemingly pragmatic or beneficial, can, over time, lead us far from the Lord. We are called to discern what is truly sacred in our lives and to guard against influences that would dilute our devotion or compromise our spiritual integrity, ensuring that our "building projects" align with God's purposes rather than worldly ambitions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "building projects" (personal goals, career aspirations, relationships) are consuming most of your time and resources? How do they align with your spiritual priorities?**
* **In what subtle ways might worldly alliances or pursuits be drawing your heart away from singular devotion to God?**
* **How can you intentionally create "separation" in your life to protect your spiritual purity from compromising influences?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the stewardship of power and resources in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh's daughter move out of the City of David?**

Answer: Pharaoh's daughter moved because her dedicated royal residence, which Solomon had been building for her, was finally completed. Her previous residence was likely in the "City of David," the older, more sacred part of Jerusalem, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. Her relocation to a separate, specially constructed house outside this sacred core served several purposes: it provided her with a residence befitting her status as a royal princess, completed Solomon's extensive building program, and subtly acknowledged the distinction between the sacred areas of Israelite worship and the living quarters of a foreign queen, whose background and potential religious practices were different from Israel's.

**What was "Millo" and why was Solomon building it?**

Answer: "Millo" (Hebrew: מִלּוֹא, _millō'_) literally means "filling" or "mound." It was a significant architectural and defensive structure in Jerusalem, likely a terraced embankment or a filled-in area on the eastern slope of the City of David. Its purpose was to strengthen the city's fortifications, expand usable land for building, and provide structural support. Solomon was building Millo as part of his ongoing efforts to fortify and develop Jerusalem, continuing the work that his father, David, had begun (as seen in [2 Samuel 5:9](/2_samuel/5-9 "2 Samuel 5:9 - David Builds Millo")). This construction was crucial for the security and expansion of Jerusalem as the capital of his flourishing kingdom.

**What is the significance of this seemingly minor detail in Solomon's reign?**

Answer: While seemingly a minor detail, [1 Kings 9:24](/1_kings/9-24 "1 Kings 9:24 - Solomon's Building Projects and Pharaoh's Daughter") is significant for several reasons. It marks the completion of Solomon's major building projects, transitioning from the Temple and his palace to other royal infrastructure. It highlights Solomon's immense wealth, architectural ambition, and the strategic importance of his alliance with Egypt. The relocation of Pharaoh's daughter from the City of David also subtly introduces the theme of separation between the sacred and the profane, a principle Solomon would later struggle to uphold. Furthermore, the verse, by mentioning the foreign queen and the extensive building, foreshadows the spiritual compromises and the eventual decline that would characterize the latter part of Solomon's reign, as his many foreign wives led him to idolatry (as tragically recounted in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Wives Lead Him Astray")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 9:24](/1_kings/9-24 "1 Kings 9:24 - Solomon's Building Projects and Pharaoh's Daughter"), with its depiction of Solomon's grand building projects and his strategic, yet compromising, alliances, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, the wise king, builds a magnificent Temple and a secure city, yet his reign is marred by the subtle introduction of foreign influences through his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, ultimately leading to spiritual compromise and the division of his kingdom (as prophesied and enacted in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). In stark contrast, Jesus is the true and greater Solomon, the ultimate builder who constructs a spiritual temple not made with hands, but composed of living stones—His Church (as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). He does not enter into compromising alliances with the world but maintains perfect purity and singular devotion to God the Father. Where Solomon's building of Millo provided physical security that would eventually fail, Christ builds an unshakeable kingdom, offering true and eternal security to all who believe in Him (a truth proclaimed in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")). He is the one who perfectly separates the sacred from the profane, not by moving a queen, but by cleansing His temple and offering Himself as the pure, unblemished sacrifice for sin (as seen in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection") and [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). In Christ, we find the perfect King, the uncompromised builder, and the ultimate source of spiritual security and purity, far surpassing the earthly achievements and eventual failures of Solomon.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 32:5

Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised [it] up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo [in] the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.

1 Kings 11:27

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.

1 Kings 7:8

And his house where he dwelt [had] another court within the porch, [which] was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken [to wife], like unto this porch.

2 Samuel 5:9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

1 Kings 3:1

¶ And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.

1 Kings 9:15

¶ 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 9:16

[For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.