2 Samuel 5:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} dwelt {H3427} in the fort {H4686}, and called {H7121} it the city {H5892} of David {H1732}. And David {H1732} built {H1129} round about {H5439} from Millo {H4407} and inward {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward.

Berean Standard Bible

So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:9 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel, detailing King David's strategic establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of his newly unified kingdom. Following its capture from the Jebusites, David personally took up residence in the formidable stronghold, renaming it "the city of David" to signify its new identity and his sovereign claim. This act was immediately followed by extensive building efforts, expanding and fortifying the city's infrastructure from a crucial architectural feature known as the Millo, thereby transforming a conquered fortress into the enduring political and spiritual heart of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of David's capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, a seemingly impregnable fortress (2 Samuel 5:6-8). Prior to this, David had been anointed king over all Israel in Hebron, consolidating his rule after seven and a half years as king solely over Judah (2 Samuel 5:1-5). Verse 9, therefore, is not merely a description of occupation but the foundational act of establishing a new national center. It sets the stage for the subsequent transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - The Ark Comes to Jerusalem") and the divine covenant made with David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promises an eternal dynasty and a "house" for God's name, cementing Jerusalem's future theological significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's choice of Jerusalem was highly strategic. Unlike other major cities, Jerusalem had remained a neutral Jebusite enclave, not belonging to any single Israelite tribe. This made it an ideal, unbiased capital for a united kingdom, bridging the traditional divide between Judah and the northern tribes. Its elevated position and natural defenses made the "stronghold of Zion" formidable, providing a secure base for the nascent empire. Culturally, the act of a king dwelling in and renaming a city asserted absolute sovereignty and infused the location with the king's identity and vision. The immediate commencement of building projects, particularly involving the "Millo," reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of kings fortifying and beautifying their capitals as a demonstration of power, stability, and long-term vision for their reign.
* **Key Themes:** The establishment of Jerusalem as the "city of David" introduces several profound themes. Firstly, it signifies the **centralization of power and governance** under David, providing a physical and symbolic focal point for the unified nation. Secondly, it highlights **David's visionary leadership**, moving beyond military conquest to actively build and secure the future of his kingdom. His immediate investment in infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to stability and prosperity. Thirdly, this act lays the groundwork for Jerusalem's future role as the **spiritual center** of Israel, the eventual dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the site of Solomon's Temple. This foreshadows Jerusalem's divine election as the city where God would "put his name" (as seen in [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place")), a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic literature and Psalms, establishing it as a place of pilgrimage and divine presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fort (Hebrew, מְצֻדָה, _metsudah'_):** This term denotes a stronghold, fortress, or citadel. Its use here emphasizes the formidable nature of the Jebusite stronghold of Zion (later called the City of David). David's dwelling "in the fort" signifies not just occupation, but the strategic appropriation of a highly defensible and militarily significant position as his new royal residence and the administrative center of his kingdom.
* **Millo (Hebrew, מִלּוֹא, _millō'_):** The precise nature of the Millo has been a subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally understood as an architectural feature involving a terraced fill or retaining wall structure. It was likely a massive earthwork or stone construction, possibly a rampart or a support for a palace or defensive wall, built to expand or reinforce the city's fortifications on the steep slopes of ancient Jerusalem. David's building "from Millo and inward" indicates that this was a significant, perhaps outer, structural element from which he initiated the expansion and fortification of the city towards its core.
* **Inward (Hebrew, בָּיְתָה, _baytah'_):** This adverb means "homeward," "inward," or "towards the house/city." In the context of building, it suggests that David's construction efforts extended from the outer perimeter or a major external feature like the Millo, progressively securing and developing the city towards its interior or central areas. This indicates a comprehensive and systematic approach to urban development and fortification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David dwelt in the fort":** This clause signifies David's personal and official occupation of the captured Jebusite stronghold. It marks his immediate establishment of residence within the most secure part of the newly conquered city, symbolically and practically making it his royal seat and the administrative heart of the united kingdom. His presence legitimized the conquest and signaled a new era for Israel.
* **"and called it the city of David":** This act of renaming is profoundly significant. It asserts Israelite sovereignty over the former Jebusite stronghold and permanently associates the city with David's person and dynasty. "The city of David" became a title that underscored its identity as the capital of the Davidic monarchy, a place tied to God's covenant with David, and later, the ancestral home of the Messiah.
* **"And David built round about from Millo and inward":** This describes David's active and extensive building program. "Built round about" implies comprehensive construction, likely involving defensive walls, terraces, and other infrastructure. The phrase "from Millo and inward" specifies the direction and scope of this building, indicating that David initiated major construction from a key external or foundational structure (the Millo) and extended these efforts towards the inner parts of the city, solidifying its defenses and expanding its habitable or fortified areas.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs several literary devices to convey David's decisive actions and the significance of Jerusalem's establishment. **Naming** is a prominent device, as David's renaming of the captured fort to "the city of David" signifies a change in ownership, identity, and destiny. This act transforms a foreign stronghold into the central hub of God's covenant people, imbuing it with new meaning tied to the Davidic dynasty. **Symbolism** is also at play, as Jerusalem becomes a potent symbol of David's reign, the united kingdom, and eventually, God's chosen dwelling place on earth. The act of building itself carries **symbolic weight**, representing stability, permanence, and the laying of foundations for a lasting kingdom. Furthermore, the active verbs "dwelt," "called," and "built" emphasize David's **decisive and proactive leadership**, portraying him not merely as a conqueror but as a visionary king who immediately sets about establishing the infrastructure for his reign. Finally, the narrative subtly employs **foreshadowing**, as David's foundational work in Jerusalem anticipates its future glory as the site of the Temple and the spiritual heart of Israel, a theme that will be developed in subsequent chapters and books.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The establishment of Jerusalem as the "city of David" is deeply intertwined with God's overarching plan for Israel and the Davidic covenant. It represents the divine orchestration of a central, secure capital for the unified kingdom, a place where God's presence could eventually dwell through the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple. This act is not merely political but theological, as Jerusalem becomes the chosen city where God would "put his name" and from which His law would go forth. It solidifies the earthly manifestation of God's covenant promises to David, providing a tangible center for the spiritual and national life of Israel, a place of pilgrimage and worship, and a beacon for the nations.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David") - God promises David an enduring dynasty and that his son will build a "house" for His name, directly connecting the Davidic line to the future Temple in Jerusalem.
* [Psalm 78:68-69](/psalms/78-68 "Psalm 78:68-69 - God Chose Zion") - This psalm explicitly states God's choice of Zion (Jerusalem) and the Temple built there, affirming its divine election as His dwelling place.
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Jerusalem as a Center for Nations") - Prophesies that in the last days, the mountain of the Lord's house (in Jerusalem) will be established as the highest, and all nations will stream to it for instruction from Zion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's immediate and intentional actions in 2 Samuel 5:9 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as David secured and built up Jerusalem as the heart of his kingdom, we are called to establish strong foundations in our own lives—spiritually, personally, and communally. This involves actively taking possession of the "strongholds" in our lives that may not yet be fully yielded to God's dominion, transforming them into places where His presence can dwell. David's vision extended beyond conquest to construction, reminding us that true leadership and spiritual maturity involve not just overcoming obstacles but diligently building up what is good, true, and eternal. We are to be intentional builders of character, faith, and community, ensuring that our foundations are laid on Christ, the ultimate cornerstone. This passage encourages us to embrace a long-term vision for our spiritual growth and the flourishing of God's kingdom around us, recognizing that God often uses our diligent efforts to transform seemingly unyielding situations into glorious expressions of His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strongholds" or areas in my life, like the Jebusite fort, need to be fully surrendered to God's reign and transformed into a "city of God's presence"?**
* **In what practical ways am I actively "building round about from Millo and inward" in my spiritual life, strengthening my foundations and expanding my capacity for God's work?**
* **How can I contribute to making my local church or community a more tangible reflection of God's chosen dwelling place, a "city of God" where His presence is evident and His purposes are pursued?**

### FAQ
**What was the "Millo" and why was it important?**

Answer: The "Millo" (מִלּוֹא, _millō'_) was a significant architectural feature in ancient Jerusalem, likely a terraced fill or retaining wall structure. Its exact nature is debated by scholars, but it was essentially a massive construction, possibly an earthen rampart or a series of supporting walls, built to reinforce and expand the city's fortifications or to support royal structures on the steep slopes of the City of David. It was crucial because it allowed for the expansion of the city's habitable and defensible areas beyond its original, limited footprint. David's act of building "from Millo and inward" signifies that he began his extensive urban development and fortification efforts from this key, perhaps outermost, structural element, working inwards to secure and develop the city. Its importance is further highlighted by the fact that King Solomon also undertook significant work on the Millo, as noted in [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon's Building Projects"), indicating its enduring strategic and structural value.

**Why was Jerusalem chosen as the capital over other cities?**

Answer: David's choice of Jerusalem as his capital was highly strategic and providentially guided. Firstly, its **neutrality** was key; as a Jebusite stronghold, it did not belong to any of the Israelite tribes, making it an ideal, unbiased capital that could foster unity between Judah and the northern tribes. Had David chosen a city like Hebron (his previous capital) or Shechem, it might have favored one tribal group over others, fueling division. Secondly, Jerusalem's **strategic defensibility** was paramount. It was a naturally fortified city, built on a ridge with steep valleys on three sides, making it a formidable stronghold that had resisted Israelite conquest for centuries. This provided a secure base for the king and the nation. Thirdly, its **central location** between the northern and southern parts of the kingdom made it geographically suitable for administering a united Israel. Ultimately, while strategic reasons were compelling, the underlying reason for Jerusalem's elevation was **divine providence**. God had a plan for Jerusalem to become the spiritual heart of Israel, the place where His name would dwell, as later revealed through the establishment of the Temple (see [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Name in the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's establishment of Jerusalem as "the city of David" in 2 Samuel 5:9 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as David, the anointed king, conquered a stronghold and transformed it into his royal city, so too does Jesus Christ, the Son of David and the King of Kings, conquer the stronghold of sin and death, establishing His eternal kingdom. The earthly Jerusalem, built by David, served as a tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people and the center of His covenant. This earthly reality foreshadows the spiritual reality of the Church, which is the true "city of God" (as referenced in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")), built not with hands but by Christ Himself, with believers as living stones (see [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")).

Furthermore, the "city of David" points directly to the person of Jesus. He is born in Bethlehem, also known as the "city of David" ([Luke 2:11](/luke/2-11 "Luke 2:11 - Birth of Jesus in the City of David")), fulfilling ancient prophecy. More significantly, Jesus is the ultimate "builder" and "foundation" upon whom God's spiritual house is constructed (as described in [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation") and [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). His reign is not confined to an earthly city but extends over all creation, establishing a spiritual kingdom that is eternal and universal. The prophetic vision of a new Jerusalem descending from heaven (revealed in [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")) ultimately fulfills the longing for a perfect dwelling place where God fully dwells with His people, a reality far surpassing the earthly city built by David, and secured by the eternal kingship of Christ.

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

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 9:24

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.

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.

2 Samuel 5:7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.

Judges 9:20

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.

1 Chronicles 11:8

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