or מִלֹּא; (2 Kings 12:20), from מָלֵא; a rampart (as filled in), i.e. the citadel; Millo. See also בֵּית מִלּוֹא.
Transliteration:millôwʼ
Pronunciation:mil-lo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4407}}` (מִלּוֹא, *millôʼ*) derives from the root `{{H4390}}` (מָלֵא, *mālēʼ*), meaning "to be full" or "to fill." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its core meaning. `{{H4407}}` refers to a "filling" or "that which is filled in," specifically in the context of construction. It denotes a rampart, an embankment, or a fortified terrace, often created by filling in a depression or strengthening a weak point in a city's defenses. In its most common biblical usage, it refers to a specific architectural feature or complex within the city of Jerusalem, functioning as a citadel or a key defensive structure. Its semantic range thus encompasses both the physical act of filling and the resulting fortified structure, emphasizing its robust and defensive nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Millo is primarily associated with the city of Jerusalem and plays a significant role in its development and fortification during the monarchic period.
1. **David's Construction:** The earliest mention occurs after David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites. [[2 Samuel 5:9]] states, "And David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. And David built around from the Millo inward." A parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 11:8]] similarly notes, "And he built the city all around, from the Millo all the way around." These passages indicate that the Millo was an existing feature or a crucial point that David fortified, incorporating it into the newly established "City of David." It likely refers to a massive retaining wall or a series of terraces on the eastern slope of the Ophel ridge, designed to support and expand the city's footprint and strengthen its defenses.
2. **Solomon's Building Projects:** Solomon extensively utilized the Millo in his ambitious building programs. [[1 Kings 9:15]] lists the Millo among the structures built by Solomon, alongside the Temple, his palace, and the wall of Jerusalem. [[1 Kings 9:24]] explicitly states, "But Pharaoh's daughter went up from the City of David to her own house that Solomon had built for her, because he said, 'My wife shall not live in the house of David king of Israel, for the places to which the ark of the Lord has come are holy.' Solomon built the Millo." This suggests the Millo was a significant part of the royal complex or a major infrastructure project that facilitated the expansion of the city northward, connecting the City of David with the Temple Mount. [[1 Kings 11:27]] mentions that Jeroboam rebelled against Solomon, and the cause was Solomon's building of the Millo and the closing of "the breach of the city of David his father." This implies that Solomon's work on the Millo involved significant earthworks or construction that altered the landscape and perhaps even created some social or economic tension.
3. **Later Fortifications and Events:** The Millo continued to be a vital part of Jerusalem's defenses. [[2 Chronicles 32:5]] records that King Hezekiah "strengthened himself and built up all the wall that was broken and raised towers upon it, and outside he built another wall, and he fortified the Millo of the City of David." This demonstrates its ongoing strategic importance, requiring reinforcement in times of threat, specifically against the Assyrian invasion. The variant spelling מִלֹּא appears in [[2 Kings 12:20]] (or [[2 Kings 12:21]] in some translations), where King Joash was assassinated "at the House of Millo" (בֵּית מִלּוֹא, `{{H1037}}`), indicating it was a well-known location, possibly a specific building or area within the larger Millo complex, perhaps even a royal residence or a gatehouse.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H4390}}` (מָלֵא, *mālēʼ*), from which `{{H4407}}` is derived. This root signifies "to be full," "to fill," or "to be complete," directly informing the understanding of the Millo as a "filled-in" structure.
Another important related term is `{{H1037}}` (בֵּית מִלּוֹא, *Bêṯ Millôʼ*), "House of Millo," which appears in [[2 Kings 12:20]]. This suggests a specific building or section within the broader Millo complex, perhaps a fortified palace, a gatehouse, or a significant administrative structure.
Conceptually, the Millo is related to other terms for fortifications and defensive structures, such as walls (חוֹמָה, *ḥômāh*, `{{H2346}}`), towers (מִגְדָּל, *migdāl*, `{{H4013}}`), and strongholds (מְצֻדָה, *məṣudāh*, `{{H4686}}`). It represents a crucial element in the overall defensive strategy of ancient cities, particularly Jerusalem, by shoring up weak points or expanding the city's secure perimeter. Its connection to the "City of David" is also fundamental, as it was an integral part of the original Jebusite stronghold that David captured and subsequently fortified and expanded.
### Theological Significance
While the Millo is a physical architectural feature, its repeated mention in the biblical narrative carries theological weight, particularly in relation to God's covenant with David and the security of Jerusalem, the chosen city.
1. **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility:** The construction and fortification of the Millo by kings like David, Solomon, and Hezekiah reflect human effort and responsibility in securing God's people and the holy city. Yet, these efforts are implicitly understood within the framework of God's overarching providence. The strength of Jerusalem, including its fortifications like the Millo, was ultimately seen as dependent on God's protection and the faithfulness of its leaders.
2. **Symbol of Kingship and Stability:** The kings' involvement in building and maintaining the Millo underscores their role as protectors and providers for the kingdom. Solomon's extensive work on the Millo, alongside the Temple and his palace, symbolizes the establishment of a secure and prosperous kingdom under the Davidic dynasty. Its strategic importance meant its integrity was tied to the stability and security of the throne.
3. **The Sacred Space and Its Protection:** The Millo's role in fortifying Jerusalem, especially its connection to the City of David and the eventual proximity to the Temple, highlights the human endeavor to protect the sacred space where God's presence dwelt. The security of Jerusalem, facilitated by structures like the Millo, was vital for the worship and life of the covenant community.
4. **Vulnerability and Impermanence:** Despite its strength, the Millo also serves as a subtle reminder of human vulnerability. Its need for constant repair (Hezekiah) and its association with the assassination of King Joash at the "House of Millo" ([[2 Kings 12:20]]) demonstrate that even the most robust human constructions cannot guarantee ultimate security or prevent the consequences of human sin and conflict. True security ultimately rests in God alone.
### Summary
The `{{H4407}}` (מִלּוֹא, *millôʼ*) is a significant Hebrew term referring to a "filled-in" rampart, embankment, or citadel, most famously associated with the fortifications of ancient Jerusalem. Derived from the root `{{H4390}}` ("to be full"), it denotes a robust defensive structure. Its biblical occurrences prominently feature David, who incorporated it into the "City of David" ([[2 Samuel 5:9]]), and Solomon, who extensively built upon it as part of his grand architectural projects ([[1 Kings 9:15]]). Later, Hezekiah fortified it ([[2 Chronicles 32:5]]), underscoring its enduring strategic importance. The "House of Millo" (`{{H1037}}`) is noted as the site of King Joash's assassination ([[2 Kings 12:20]]). Theologically, the Millo symbolizes both human effort in seeking security and divine providence in protecting the holy city, reflecting the stability of the Davidic monarchy and the physical safeguarding of the sacred space, while also subtly hinting at the ultimate limitations of human fortifications.
TRV