1 Kings 9:24

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse, 1 Kings 9:24, marks a significant moment in King Solomon's reign, occurring after the completion of his monumental building projects: the magnificent Temple of the Lord (1 Kings 6:38), which took seven years, and his own elaborate royal palace (1 Kings 7:1), which took thirteen years. The verse highlights two key aspects: the relocation of Pharaoh's daughter and the ongoing development of Jerusalem's infrastructure. Pharaoh's daughter, a prominent foreign wife, had been living in the original "City of David," the older, more sacred part of Jerusalem. Her move to a new, dedicated house signifies the completion of a suitable royal residence for her, distinct from the areas associated with the Ark of the Covenant and Israelite worship. The mention of Solomon then building "Millo" indicates his continued efforts to fortify and expand the capital city, Jerusalem, beyond its initial boundaries.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Solomon's Grandeur and Wealth: The ability to construct a separate, lavish residence for one of his many wives underscores Solomon's immense wealth, architectural ambition, and extensive resources. His reign was characterized by unparalleled prosperity and building initiatives.
  • Political Alliances and Compromise: Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1) was a strategic political alliance with Egypt, a dominant regional power. While initially seen as a mark of prestige, such foreign marriages ultimately led to spiritual compromise and the introduction of idolatry into Israel, as detailed later in 1 Kings 11:1-8.
  • Urban Development and Fortification of Jerusalem: The construction of a new house for Pharaoh's daughter outside the "City of David" and the building of "Millo" reveal Solomon's extensive urban planning. Millo (Hebrew: Millo, meaning "fill" or "rampart") was likely a terraced structure, possibly a retaining wall or a filled-in area, designed to strengthen the defenses and expand the usable land within Jerusalem. This effort continued the work begun by his father, David (2 Samuel 5:9).
  • Separation of Sacred and Profane: The relocation of Pharaoh's daughter from the "City of David," where the Ark of the Covenant was housed, can be seen as an implicit acknowledgment of the need to keep areas associated with foreign worship separate from the sacred heart of Israelite faith. This principle, though sometimes overlooked by Solomon, reflects a deeper biblical emphasis on purity and distinctiveness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Millo" (Hebrew: מִלּוֹא, Millo) literally means "filling" or "mound." It refers to a specific architectural feature in Jerusalem, likely a fortified embankment or a filled-in terrace structure on the eastern slope of the City of David, designed to support buildings or strengthen defenses. It appears in other contexts as well, such as in 2 Kings 12:20.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly a detail about royal logistics, offers insights into the complexities of power and faith. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that:

  • Priorities Matter: Solomon invested vast resources in building his own palace and residences for his wives, which took longer than building the Temple. This can prompt reflection on where we invest our greatest time, energy, and resources.
  • The Dangers of Compromise: While political alliances might seem pragmatic, Solomon's foreign marriages, especially those that brought foreign gods, ultimately led him astray from the Lord (1 Kings 11:4). This serves as a cautionary tale about the subtle ways worldly pursuits can draw one away from spiritual devotion.
  • Stewardship of Resources: Solomon's extensive building projects demonstrate significant organizational skill and resource management. We are called to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities God gives us, ensuring our efforts align with His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 (5 votes)

    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 (5 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.

  • 1 Kings 7:8 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    [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.